Introduced By: Senators Damiani, Coderre T. and Felag
Date Introduced : June 30, 1999
RESOLVED, That a special senate commission be and the same is hereby created consisting of seven (7) members; four (4) of whom shall be from the senate, not more than three (3) from the same political party, to be appointed by the majority leader; two (2) of whom shall be members of the R.I. Harbormasters Association to be appointed by the governor; and one (1) of whom shall be a city or town official to be appointed by the president of the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns.
In lieu of any appointment of a member of the legislature to a permanent advisory commission, a legislative study commission, or any commission created by a general assembly resolution, the appointing authority may appoint a member of the general public to serve in lieu of a legislator, provided that the majority leader or the minority leader of the political party which is entitled to the appointment consents to the appointment of the member of the general public.
The purpose of said commission shall be to study (a) the power and authority of the various harbormasters to enforce any rules and regulations established either by municipal ordinance or state statutes governing the speed, management, and control of all vessels on public waters within the various towns and cities; and (b) the training and education of the various harbormasters which may be necessary to effectively carry out their official responsibilities.
Forthwith upon passage of this resolution, the members of the commission shall meet at the call of the senate majority leader and organize and shall select from among the legislators a chairperson. Vacancies in said commission shall be filled in like manner as the original appointment.
The membership of said commission shall receive no compensation for their services.
All departments and agencies of the state shall furnish such advice and information, documentary and otherwise, to said commission and its agents as is deemed necessary or desirable by the commission to facilitate the purposes of this resolution.
The joint committee on legislative services is hereby authorized and directed to provide suitable quarters for said commission: and be it further
RESOLVED, That the commission shall report its findings and recommendations to the senate on or before January 20, 2000 and said commission shall expire on March 20, 2000.
