law16142-04

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art.004/6/004/5/004/4/004/3/004/2/004/1

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ARTICLE 4 AS AMENDED

RELATING TO GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION

SECTION 1. Sections 28-5.1-2, 28-5.1-3.1 and 28-5.1-5 of the General Laws in Chapter

28-5.1 entitled "Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action" are hereby amended to read as

follows:

28-5.1-2. State equal opportunity office. -- (a) There shall be a state equal opportunity

office. This office, under the direct administrative supervision of the director of

administration/human resources, office of diversity, equity and opportunity, shall report to the

governor and to the general assembly on state equal opportunity programs. The state equal

opportunity office shall be responsible for assuring ensuring compliance with the requirements

of all federal agencies for equal opportunity and shall provide training and technical assistance as

may be requested by any company doing business in Rhode Island and all state departments as is

necessary to comply with the intent of this chapter.

(b) The state equal opportunity office shall issue any guidelines, directives, or

instructions that are necessary to effectuate its responsibilities under this chapter, and is

authorized to investigate possible discrimination, hold hearings, and direct corrective action to the

discrimination.

28-5.1-3.1. Appointments to state boards, commissions, public authorities, and

quasi-public corporations. -- (a) The general assembly finds that, as a matter of public policy,

the effectiveness of each appointed state board, commission, and the governing body of each

public authority and quasi-public corporation is enhanced when it reflects the diversity, including

the racial and gender composition, of Rhode Island's population. Consequently, each person

responsible for appointing one or more individuals to serve on any board or commission or to the

governing body of any public authority or board shall endeavor to assure ensure that, to the

fullest extent possible, the composition of the board, commission, or governing body reflects the

diversity of Rhode Island's population.

(b) During the month of January in each year the boards, agencies, commissions, or

authorities are requested to file with the state equal opportunity office a list of its members,

designating their race, gender, and date of appointment.

assembly, the governor and the general assembly shall give due consideration to

recommendations made by representatives of Rhode Island's minority community-based

organizations. through the Rhode Island Affirmative Action Professionals (RIAAP). The human

resources outreach and diversity office shall act as the RIAAP's liaison with state government and

shall forward the recommendations to appointing authorities.

(d) The appointing authority, in consultation with the equal employment opportunity

administrator and the human resources outreach and diversity administrator within the department

of administration, shall annually conduct a utilization analysis of appointments to state boards,

commissions, public authorities and quasi-public corporations based upon the annual review

conducted pursuant to § 28-5.1-3.

(e) The equal employment opportunity administrator shall report the results of the

analysis to the Rhode Island commission for human rights and to the general assembly by or on

January 31 and July 31 of each year, consistent with § 28-5.1-17. The report shall be a public

record and shall be made available electronically on the secretary of state's website.

28-5.1-5. Personnel administration. -- (a)(1) The office of personnel administration of

the department of administration, in consultation with the office of diversity, equity and

opportunity, shall prepare a comprehensive plan indicating the appropriate steps necessary to

maintain and secure the equal-opportunity responsibility and commitment of that division. The

plan shall set forth attainable goals and target dates based upon a utilization study for

achievement of the goals, together with operational assignment for each element of the plan to

assure measurable progress.

(2) The office of personnel administration shall:

(i) Take positive steps to insure ensure that the entire examination and testing process,

including the development of job specifications and employment qualifications, is free from

either conscious or inadvertent bias, and

(ii) Review all recruitment procedures for all state agencies covered by this chapter for

compliance with federal and state law, and bring to the attention of the equal opportunity

administrator matters of concern to its jurisdiction.

(3) The division of budget shall indicate in the annual personnel supplement progress

made toward the achievement of equal-employment goals.

(4) The division of purchases shall cooperate in administering the state contract-

compliance programs.

(5) The division of statewide planning shall cooperate in assuring ensuring compliance

from all recipients of federal grants.

(b) The office of labor relations shall propose in negotiations the inclusion of affirmative-

action language suitable to the need for attaining and maintaining a diverse workforce.

negotiations with all collective bargaining units within state government specifically for equal-

opportunity and affirmative-action interests. The members of that committee shall include the

director of the Rhode Island commission for human rights, the associate director of the office of

diversity, equity and opportunity, the equal opportunity administrator, the personnel

administrator, one member of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker, and one

member of the senate appointed by the president of the senate.

SECTION 2. Chapter 42-11 of the General Laws entitled "Department of

Administration" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

42-11-2.7. Office of diversity, equity and opportunity established. -- (a) The office of

diversity, equity and opportunity (ODEO) shall be established as a division within the department

of administration. The purpose of the office shall be to ensure non-discrimination, diversity,

equity, and equal opportunity in all aspects of state government, including, but not limited to,

employment, procurement, policy and practices relative to state programs, services, and activities.

(b) The head of this division shall be known as the associate director of ODEO, who shall

be appointed by the director of administration, in the classified service of the state, and shall be

responsible to, and report to, the director. The associate director of ODEO shall oversee the

ODEO in all aspects, including, but not limited to, coordination of the provisions of chapter 37-

14.1 (minority business enterprise) and chapter 28-5.1 (equal opportunity and affirmative action)

wherein the ODEO shall have direct administrative supervision of the state's equal opportunity

office.

(1) Develop, administer, implement, and maintain a statewide diversity plan and

program, including an equity, equal-opportunity, minority business enterprise, and supplier-

diversity program, as well as other related plans and programs within the office;

(2) Provide leadership in the development and coordination of recruitment and retention

activities in order to promote diversity and encourage the use of bias-free methods and practices

in the hiring process, performance reviews, and promotions, and to ensure compliance with

applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and policies;

(3) Support the growth and development of the state's minority business enterprise

program by engaging in concerted outreach programs to build relationships, maintaining effective

programs to promote minority business enterprise utilization, and facilitating minority business

enterprise in State procurement activities;

(4) Develop, coordinate, and oversee the recruitment, selection, and retention efforts and

initiatives to promote and achieve the state's diversity goals and objectives, developing and

recommending recruitment strategies, and assisting with special recruitment efforts directed

toward ethnic minorities, women, and other underrepresented groups; and

(5) Provide leadership in advancing management's understanding, capacity, and

accountability for embedding diversity and equity in employment and human resource

management practices as an integral part of the state's employment opportunities.

(d) The director of administration may promulgate rules and regulations recommended

by the associate director in order to effectuate the purposes and requirements of this act.

SECTION 3. Sections 29-3.1-1 and 29-3.1-7 of the General Laws in Chapter 29-3.1

entitled "Office of Library and Information Services" are hereby amended to read as follows:

29-3.1-1. Office of library and information services. -- Within the department of

administration, division of enterprise technology strategy and services, there shall be an office of

library and information services under the direction of a chief of library services who shall be

appointed by the director of administration and supervised by the chief digital information officer.

The office is hereby empowered to cooperate with the iInstitute of mMuseum and lLibrary

sServices of the United States of America in the carrying out of the purposes of any and all acts

of cCongress for the benefit of library and information services within this state. The office is

hereby designated as the agency for the administration of any plan, or plans, heretofore or

hereafter formulated, in conformity with any act, or acts, of congress and is authorized to

administer any such plan, or plans, and to enter into such agreements with the iInstitute of

mMuseum and lLibrary sServices of the United States of America as may be, from time to time,

required under this chapter or any acts, or act, of Congress, and, from time to time, amend any

plan or plans, except any plan, or plans, or agreements, formulated or entered into or to be

administered by the board of regents, board of governors, or the secretary of state.

29-3.1-7. Duties of chief of library services. -- The chief of library services officer shall

be the executive and administrative officer in charge of the office of library and information

services. The chief of library services shall be in a classified position of service, shall be

appointed by the director of administration and shall report to the chief digital officer. The

position of chief information officer shall be in the unclassified service of the state. The chief of

library services shall serve as the chief executive officer of the library board. The chief of library

services shall also carry out the duties required by this chapter and by chapters 5 and 6 of this

title. In addition to the general supervision of the office of library and information services and

the appointment of the several officers and employees of the office, it shall be the duty of the

chief of library services:

(1) To develop a systematic program of information gathering, processing, and analysis

addressed to every aspect of public library development and interlibrary cooperation and resource

sharing in this state, especially as that information relates to current and future library and

information service needs, so that current needs may be met with reasonable promptness and

plans formulated to meet future needs as they arise in the most efficient and economical manner

possible;

(2) To develop a master plan defining board goals and objectives for public library

development and interlibrary cooperation and resource sharing in the state. These goals and

objectives shall be expressed in terms of the library and information services to which individuals

will have access;

(3) To communicate with, and seek the advice of, those concerned with, and affected by,

the library board's determinations;

(4) To develop and implement board policy as it pertains to the goals and objectives

approved by the library board from time to time;

(5) To enforce standards and to exercise general supervision over interlibrary cooperation

and resource sharing in the state;

(6) To develop, annually, the program for the use of federal funds that is submitted to the

United States iInstitute of mMuseum and lLibrary sServices;

(7) To supervise the operation of the office of library and information services, as defined

elsewhere in this title, and such other additional duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by

the library board from time to time; and

(8) To supervise the following functions:

(i) To distribute state funds for public library development and interlibrary cooperation

and resource sharing in accordance with law and regulations of the library board;

(ii) To develop standards and regulations for public library development and interlibrary

cooperation and resource sharing;

(iii) To certify that public library standards and services are in accordance with law and

regulations of the library board;

(iv) To require the observance of all laws relating to public library services and

interlibrary cooperation and resource sharing;

(v) To interpret library law;

(vi) To give assistance, advice, and counsel to public libraries and to participants in

interlibrary cooperation and resource-sharing activities;

(vii) To require that information and statistics necessary to do the work of the office of

library and information services be collected, to publish findings and reports thereon;

(viii) To provide eligible persons who are impaired, blind, reading impaired and/or

physically impaired with library services through the tTalking bBooks pPlus, in cooperation with

the lLibrary of cCongress nNational lLibrary sService for the bBlind and pPhysically

hHandicapped;

(ix) To cooperate with the commissioner of elementary and secondary education in

supporting and encouraging effective school library media services and their integration into

statewide library networking activities;

(x) To cooperate with the state librarian and the state law librarian in strengthening

services to library users;

(xi) To cooperate with the commissioner of higher education in supporting and

encouraging effective library services through the state system of higher education; and

(xii) To coordinate with all other state departments and agencies in the provision of

library services to state government and to the public.

SECTION 4. Section 42-11-2.6 of the General Laws in Chapter 42-11 entitled

"Department of Administration" is hereby amended to read as follows:

42-11-2.6. Office of Digital Excellence established. -- (a) Within the department,

division of enterprise technology strategy and services, there shall be established the Office of

Digital Excellence. The purposes of the office shall be to move RI Rhode Island state government

into the 21st century through the incorporation of innovation and modern digital capabilities

throughout state government and to leverage technology to expand and improve the quality of

services provided to RI Rhode Island citizens,; to promote greater access to government and the

internet throughout cities and towns,; and to position Rhode Island as a national leader in e-

government.

(b) Within the office, there shall be a chief digital officer who shall be appointed by the

director of administration with the approval of the governor and who shall be in the unclassified

service. The chief digital officer shall report to the director of administration and be required to:

(1) Manage the implementation of all new and mission-critical technology infrastructure

projects and upgrades for state agencies. The division of information technology enterprise

technology strategy and services, established pursuant to executive order 04-06 § 42-11-2.8, shall

continue to manage and support all day-to-day operations of the state's technology infrastructure,

telecommunications, and associated applications;

(2) Increase the number of government services that can be provided online in order to

allow residents and businesses to complete transactions in a more efficient and transparent

manner;

(3) Improve the state's websites to provide timely information to online users and as

many government services as possible online; and

(4) Establish, improve, and enhance the state's use of social media and mobile

technological applications.

enterprise technology strategy and services in order to plan, allocate, and implement projects

supported by the information technology investment fund established pursuant to § 42-11-2.5.

(d) All intellectual property created as a result of work undertaken by employees of the

office shall remain the property of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. Any

patents applied for shall be in the name of the state.

(e) The director of administration may promulgate rules and regulations recommended by

the chief digital officer in order to effectuate the purposes and requirements of this act.

(f) The chief digital officer shall report no later than January 31, 2013, and every January

31 thereafter, to the governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the senate president

regarding the implementation status of all technology infrastructure projects, website

improvements,; number of e-government transactions and revenues generated,; projects

supported by the information technology investment fund; and all other activities undertaken by

the office. The annual report shall be posted on the office's website.

SECTION 5. Chapter 42-11 of the General Laws entitled "Department of

Administration" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

42-11-2.8. Division of enterprise technology strategy and services established. -- (a)

Established. Within the department there shall be established the division of enterprise

technology strategy and service (ETSS), which shall include the office of information technology,

the office of digital excellence (ODE), and the office of library and information services (OLIS).

Within ETSS, there shall be a chief digital officer in the unclassified service who shall oversee

and manage the division and shall be appointed by the director of administration. Any prior

reference in statute to the division of information technology shall now mean ETSS. The chief

digital officer shall supervise the state's chief information officer, chief technology officer, chief

information security officer, the directors of information technology, and all associated

employees. The chief digital officer may promulgate rules and regulations in order to effectuate

the purposes and requirements of this act.

(b) Purposes; duties. The purposes of ETSS shall be to align existing and future

technology platforms, along with technical expertise, across the agencies of the executive branch.

ETSS shall be responsible for managing and consolidating the strategy and budgets of the

division, including the office of information technology, the office of library and information

services and the office of digital excellence, and the information technology investment fund. The

focus of ETSS will be to lead the strategic technology decisions and efforts across all of the

executive branch state agencies; identify opportunities to implement technology solutions across

state agencies to prevent duplication of systems and effort; as well as effectively support these

solutions in an efficient manner. ETSS shall have the following duties:

(1) Manage the implementation of all new and mission-critical technology infrastructure

projects and upgrades for state agencies. The office of information technology, under ETSS, shall

manage and support all day-to-day operations of the state's technology infrastructure,

telecommunications, and associated applications;

(2) Manage the office of digital excellence in order to ensure that large-scale technology

projects are delivered in a timely manner in accordance with accepted best-industry practices;

(3) To oversee the chief of library services and the office of library and information

services to ensure that this office fulfills its statutory duties in an effective manner;

(4) Coordinate efforts with the director of administration in order to plan, allocate, and

implement projects supported by the information technology investment fund established

pursuant to §42-11-2.5;

(5) Supervise all intellectual property created as a result of work undertaken by

employees of ETSS to ensure that ownership of this intellectual property remains with the state.

Any patents applied for shall be in the name of the state.

the governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the senate president regarding the

implementation status of all technology infrastructure projects; website improvements; number of

e-government transactions and revenues generated; projects supported by the information

technology investment fund; and all other activities undertaken by the division. The annual report

shall be posted on the ETSS website.

SECTION 6. Chapter 42-11 of the General Laws entitled "Department of

Administration" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

42-11-2.9. Division of capital asset management and maintenance established. -- (a)

Establishment. Within the department of administration there shall be established the division of

capital asset management and maintenance ("DCAMM"). Any prior references to the division of

facilities management and/or capital projects, if any, shall now mean DCAMM. Within the

DCAMM there shall be a director of DCAMM who shall be in the classified service and shall be

appointed by the director of administration. The director of DCAMM shall have the following

responsibilities:

(1) Oversee, coordinate, and manage the operating budget, personnel, and functions of

DCAMM in carrying out the duties described below;

(2) Review agency capital-budget requests to ensure that the request is consistent with

strategic and master facility plans for the state of Rhode Island;

(3) Promulgate and adopt regulations necessary to carry out the purposes of this section.

(b) Purpose. The purpose of the DCAMM shall be to manage and maintain state property

and state-owned facilities in a manner that meets the highest standards of health, safety, security,

accessibility, energy efficiency, and comfort for citizens and state employees and ensures

appropriate and timely investments are made for state property and facility maintenance.

and responsibilities:

(1) To oversee all new construction and rehabilitation projects on state property, not

including property otherwise assigned outside of the executive department by Rhode Island

general laws or under the control and supervision of the judicial branch;

(2) To assist the department of administration in fulfilling any and all capital-asset and

maintenance-related statutory duties assigned to the department under title 37 of chapter 8

(public buildings) or any other provision of law, including, but not limited to, the following

statutory duties provided in §42-11-2:

(i) To maintain, equip, and keep in repair the state house, state office buildings, and other

premises, owned or rented by the state, for the use of any department or agency, excepting those

buildings, the control of which is vested by law in some other agency;

(ii) To provide for the periodic inspection, appraisal, or inventory of all state buildings

and property, real and personal;

(iii) To require reports from state agencies on the buildings and property in their custody;

(iv) To issue regulations to govern the protection and custody of the property of the state;

(v) To assign office and storage space, and to rent and lease land and buildings, for the

use of the several state departments and agencies in the manner provided by law;

(vi) To control and supervise the acquisition, operation, maintenance, repair, and

replacement of state-owned motor vehicles by state agencies;

(3) To generally manage, oversee, protect, and care for the state's properties and facilities,

not otherwise assigned by Rhode Island general laws, including, but not limited to, the following

duties:

(i) Space management, procurement, usage, and/or leasing of private or public space;

(ii) Care, maintenance, cleaning, and contracting for such services as necessary for state

property;

(iii) Capital equipment replacement;

(iv) Security of state property and facilities unless otherwise provided by law;

(v) Ensuring Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance;

(vi) Responding to facilities emergencies;

(vii) Managing traffic flow on state property;

(viii) Grounds keeping/landscaping/snow-removal services;

(ix) Maintenance and protection of artwork and historic artifacts;

(4) To manage and oversee state fleet operations.

(d) All state agencies shall participate in a statewide database and/or information system

for capital assets, that shall be established and maintained by DCAMM.

(e) Offices and boards assigned to DCAMM. DCAMM shall oversee the following

boards, offices, and functions:

(1) Office of planning, design, and construction (PDC);

(2) Office of facilities management and maintenance (OFMM);

(3) Contractors' registration and licensing board (§ 5-65-1 et seq.);

(4) State building code (§ 23-27.3-1 et seq.);

(5) Office of risk management (§ 37-11-1 et seq.);

(6) Fire safety code board of appeal and review (§ 23-28.3-1 et seq.);

(7) Office of state fleet operations (§ 42-11-2.4(d)).

(f) The boards, offices, and functions assigned to DCAMM shall:

(1) Exercise their respective powers and duties in accordance with their statutory

authority and the general policy established by the director of DCAMM or in accordance with the

powers and authorities conferred upon the director of DCAMM by this section;

(2) Provide such assistance or resources as may be requested or required by the director

of DCAMM or the director of administration;

(3) Provide such records and information as may be requested or required by the director

of DCAMM or the director of administration; and

(4) Except as provided herein, no provision of this chapter or application thereof shall be

construed to limit or otherwise restrict the offices stated above from fulfilling any statutory

requirement or complying with any valid rule or regulation.

SECTION 7. Sections 35-1.1-2 and 35-1.1-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 35-1.1

entitled "Office of Management and Budget" are hereby amended to read as follows:

35-1.1-2. Establishment of the office of management and budget. -- There is hereby

established within the department of administration an office of management and budget. This

office shall serve as the principal agency of the executive branch of state government for

managing budgetary functions, performance management, internal audit, and federal grants

management. In this capacity, the office shall:

(1) Establish an in-depth form of data analysis within and between departments and

agencies, creating a more informed process for resource allocation to best meet the needs of

Rhode Island citizens;

(2) Identify federal grant funding opportunities to support the Ggovernor's and Ggeneral

Aassembly's major policy initiatives and provide technical assistance with the application process

and post-award grants management;

(3) Analyze federal budgetary issues and report on potential impacts to the state;

(4) Coordinate the budget functions of the state with performance management

objectives;

(5) Maximize efficiencies in departments, agencies, advisory councils, and

instrumentalities of the Sstate by improving processes and prioritizing programs;

(6) Upon the written request of the governor, the director of the department of

administration, or the director of the office of management and budget, the office shall conduct

audits, provide management advisory and consulting services, or conduct investigations relative

to the financial affairs or the efficiency of management, or both, of any state department or

agency. The office may from time to time make such investigations and additional reports to the

governor, the director of the department of administration or the director of the office of

management and budget shall deem necessary or advisable. Be responsible for the internal audit

function of state government and conduct audits of any state department, state agency, or private

entity that is a recipient of state funding or state grants; provide management advisory and

consulting services; or conduct investigations relative to the financial affairs or the efficiency of

management, or both, of any state department or agency.

35-1.1-4. Offices and functions assigned to the office of management and budget --

Powers and duties. -- (a) The offices assigned to the office of management and budget include

the budget office, the performance management office, office of internal audit, and the federal

grants management office.

(b) The offices assigned to the office of management and budget shall:

(1) Exercise their respective powers and duties in accordance with their statutory

authority and the general policy established by the governor or by the director acting on behalf of

the governor or in accordance with the powers and authorities conferred upon the director by this

chapter;

(2) Provide such assistance or resources as may be requested or required by the governor

and/or the director;

(3) Provide such records and information as may be requested or required by the

governor and/or the director, to the extent allowed under the provisions of any applicable general

or public law, regulation, or agreement relating to the confidentiality, privacy, or disclosure of

such records or information; and,

construed to limit or otherwise restrict the budget officer from fulfilling any statutory requirement

or complying with any valid rule or regulation.

SECTION 8. Sections 35-7-1, 35-7-3, 35-7-3.1, 35-7-5, 35-7-5.1, 35-5-7 of the General

Laws in Chapter 35-7 entitled "Post Audit of Accounts" are hereby repealed.

35-7-1. Bureau of audits. -- The director of administration shall create a bureau of audits

which shall conduct all audits required by any department.

35-7-3. Audits performed by the bureau of audits. -- (a) The bureau of audits is

authorized to conduct audits of any state department, state agency, or private entity that is a

recipient of state funding or state grants. As deemed necessary or expedient by the bureau of

audits, audits may be made relative to the financial affairs or the economy and efficiency of

management of each department and agency. The bureau of audits shall determine which such

audits shall be performed in accordance with a risk-based evaluation. Unless there is an issue of

misappropriation, the provisions of this section shall not apply to non-profit organizations.

(b) Within twenty (20) days following the date of the issuance of the final audit report,

the head of the department, agency or private entity audited shall respond in writing to each

recommendation made in the final audit report. This response shall address the department's,

agency's or private entity's plan of implementation for each specific audit recommendation and, if

applicable, the reasons for disagreement with any recommendation proposed in the audit report.

Within one year following the date on which the audit report was issued, the bureau of audits may

perform a follow-up audit for the purpose of determining whether the department, agency or

private entity has implemented, in an efficient and effective manner, its plan of action for the

recommendations proposed in the audit report.

information gathered as a result of an audit indicates that criminal activity may have occurred, the

chief of the bureau of audits may provide such information to a state or federal law enforcement

agency. For any such information that is otherwise exempt from public disclosure under the

provisions of Rhode Island general law § 38-2-1 et seq., the provision of such information to a

law enforcement agency shall not therefore require that this information be further disclosed.

(d) Copies of each audit report, the written response to the audit report, and the results of

each follow-up audit as described in subsection (b) above shall be submitted to the chairpersons

of the house finance committee and the senate finance committee.

35-7-3.1. Cost of forensic examinations. -- When it is determined by the bureau of

audits that an audit is necessary because there is sufficient evidence to believe that there may

have been fiscal impropriety, wrongdoing or fiscal mismanagement by any employee, board

member, or commissioner of any state agency or authority as defined in § 42-35-1, the bureau of

audits may conduct a forensic examination of such entity. All costs associated with the forensic

examination shall be paid, as deemed appropriate, either by the examined entity or by an

appropriation proposed by the governor and enacted by the general assembly. Such costs shall

include, but not be limited to, the following expenses:

(1) One hundred percent (100%) of the total salaries and benefits paid to the examining

personnel of the bureau of audits engaged in those examinations;

(2) All costs associated with the procurement of a forensic consultant;

(3) All costs associated with a consultant that provides expertise pertinent to the

examinee's operations;

(4) All reasonable technology costs related to the forensic examination process.

Technology costs shall include the actual cost of software and hardware utilized in the

examination process and the cost of training examination personnel in the proper use of the

software hardware.

35-7-5. Investigations or management advisory and consulting services upon request

of governor or general assembly. -- The bureau of audits shall, upon the written request of the

governor, the director of the department of administration, or of either branch of the general

assembly, conduct audits, provide management advisory and consulting services, or conduct

investigations relative to the financial affairs or the economy and efficiency of management, or

both, of any state department or agency. The bureau of audits may from time to time make such

investigations and additional reports to the governor, the director of the department of

administration, and the general assembly as the chief of the bureau shall deem necessary or

advisable.

35-7-5.1. Management advisory and consulting services provided to state agencies

and departments. -- When requested in writing by the head of a state department or agency to

the director of administration, the bureau of audits may provide management advisory or

consulting services to the department or agency. Any such request must include the scope of

services requested and a schedule for the work to be performed.

35-7-7. Persons authorized to conduct audits – Reports of irregularities. -- Any

qualified person duly authorized by the director of administration to act as auditor may examine

the books, papers, and documents of any department, or of the clerk of any court or office of the

state having control of funds, and if the audit discloses any irregularities or improper handling of

records or funds, the auditor shall report the same to the director, who shall report to the governor

with his or her recommendations.

SECTION 9. Section 35-7-15 of the General Laws in Chapter 35-7 entitled "Post Audit

of Accounts" is hereby amended to read as follows:

35-7-15. Audit of information security systems. -- (a) The general assembly recognizes

that the security of government computer systems is essential to ensuring the stability and

integrity of vital information gathered and stored by the government for the benefit of the

citizenry and the breach of security over computer systems presents a risk to the health, safety,

and welfare of the public. It is the intent of the legislature to ensure that government computer

systems and information residing on these systems are protected from unauthorized access,

compromise, sabotage, hacking, viruses, destruction, illegal use, cyber-attack, or any other act

that might jeopardize or harm the computer systems and the information stored on them.

(b) In conjunction with the powers and duties outlined in this chapter, the bureau of

audits office of internal audit may conduct reviews and assessments of the various government

computer systems and the security systems established to safeguard these computer systems.

Computer systems subject to this section shall include systems that pertain to federal, state, or

local programs, and quasi-governmental bodies, and the computer systems of any entity or

program that is subject to audit by the bureau of audits office of internal audit. The bureau of

audit's office of internal audit's review may include an assessment of system vulnerability,

network penetration, potential security breaches, and susceptibility to cyber attack and cyber

fraud.

and available for public inspection; provided, however, in the event the review indicates a

computer system is vulnerable, or security over the system is otherwise deficient, reasonably

segregable portions of the findings shall be subject to public inspection after the redaction of any

information, the disclosure of which, would endanger the security of the system or reveal the

specific nature of the vulnerabilities found. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the

contrary, the work papers developed in connection with the review of computer systems and the

security over those systems authorized by this section shall not be deemed public records and are

not subject to disclosure.

(d) In order to maintain the integrity of the computer system, the bureau of audits office

of internal audit may procure the services of specialists in information security systems or other

contractors deemed necessary in conducting reviews under this section, and in procuring those

services shall be exempt from the requirements of the state purchasing law or regulation.

(e) Any outside contractor or vendor hired to provide services in the review of the

security of a computer system shall be bound by the confidentiality provisions of this section.

SECTION 10. TITLE 35 of the General Laws entitled "Public Finance" is hereby

amended by adding thereto the following chapter:

CHAPTER 7.1

THE OFFICE OF INTERNAL AUDIT

35-7.1-1. Establishment of office of internal audit. -- (a) There is hereby established

within the office of management and budget an office of internal audit. Within the office of

internal audit, there shall be a chief, appointed by the director of administration, who shall be the

administrative head of the office. The person so selected to be the chief shall be selected without

regard to political affiliation and with a demonstrated ability in the following areas: accounting,

auditing, financial analysis, investigation, management analysis, and public administration. The

office of internal audit will report to the office of management and budget director. Any reference

in general law to the "bureau of audits" shall mean the office of internal audit.

(b) The chief of the office of internal audit shall not hold, or be a candidate for, any

elective or any other appointed public office while a chief. No current chief shall hold a position

in any political party or political committee, or, aside from voting, actively engage in the political

campaign of any candidate for public office that may cause a real or perceived conflict of interest,

or participate as a board member of any entity that receives state or federal funding.

elective public office while an employee, nor shall he/she hold a position in any political party or

political committee or, aside from voting, actively engage in a political campaign of any

candidate for public office that may cause a real or perceived conflict of interest, or participate as

a board member of any not for profit entity that receives state or federal funding.

(d) Purposes and scope. The office of internal audit is authorized to conduct audits of any

state department, state agency, or private entity that is a recipient of state funding or state grants.

In addition, the office of internal audit is authorized, but not limited to, evaluating the efficiency

of operations and internal controls, preventing and detecting fraud, waste, abuse, or

mismanagement in the expenditure of public funds, whether federal, state, or local, that are

related to any and all state programs and operations as well as the procurement of any goods,

services, or construction, by public bodies. As deemed necessary or expedient by the office of

internal audit, audits may be made relative to the financial affairs or the economy and efficiency

of management of each department, agency or public body. The office of internal audit shall

determine which such audits shall be performed in accordance with a risk-based evaluation.

(e) "Public body" or "public bodies" under this chapter shall mean state agencies,

bureaus, divisions, departments, offices, commissions, boards, institutions, including the public

institutions of higher education, districts, authorities, quasi-agencies, or political subdivisions

created by the general assembly, or the governor. "Public body" shall also include any city and

town within the state of Rhode Island but municipal audits under this chapter shall only cover the

expenditure of state or federal funds distributed by the state. Audits and investigations of public

bodies may include the expenditures by nongovernmental agencies of federal, state, and local

public funds.

35-7.1-2. Duties. -- (a) The chief of internal audit shall supervise, coordinate, and/or

conduct audits, civil and administrative investigations, and inspections or oversight reviews,

when necessary, relating to expenditure of state or federal funds, or to any and all state programs

and operations, as well as the procurement of any supplies, services, or construction, by public

bodies. In the course of an audit or investigation, the office of internal audit shall review statutes

and regulations of the public body and shall determine if such a public body is in compliance and

shall make recommendations concerning the efficiency of operations, and the effect of such

statutes or regulations on internal controls and the prevention and detection of fraud, waste and

abuse. The chief of internal audit may recommend policies or procedures that may strengthen

internal controls, or assist in the prevention or detection of fraud, waste, and abuse or

mismanagement.

(b) The person, or persons, with legal authority for any public body may request the

assistance of the office of internal audit. Any such request must include the scope of services

requested and the work to be performed. In such events, the chief, with the approval of the

director of management and budget, may assign personnel to conduct, supervise, or coordinate

such activity as deemed necessary and appropriate to perform his/her duties in a diligent and

prudent manner. The expenses for any such assistance requested by the public body shall be

reimbursed by the public body to the office of internal audit. The chief may recommend policies

for the conduct, supervision, or coordination of the relationship, between state and other state,

local governmental agencies as well as federal governmental agencies and nongovernmental

entities with respect to all matters relating to the prevention and detection of fraud, waste, abuse

or mismanagement in or relating to any and all programs and activities of the state of Rhode

Island.

there is sufficient evidence to believe that there may have been fiscal impropriety, wrongdoing, or

fiscal mismanagement by any agent, employee, board member, or commissioner of any public

body, the office of internal audit may conduct a forensic examination of such entity. All costs

associated with the forensic examination shall be paid, as deemed appropriate, either by the

examined entity or by an appropriation by the general assembly. Such costs shall include, but not

be limited to, the following expenses:

(1) One hundred percent (100%) of the total salaries and benefits paid to the examining

personnel of the office of internal audit engaged in those examinations;

(2) All costs associated with the procurement of a forensic consultant;

(3) All costs associated with a consultant that provides expertise pertinent to the

examinee's operations;

(4) All reasonable administrative and technology costs related to the forensic examination

process. Technology costs shall include the actual cost of software and hardware utilized in the

examination process and the cost of training examination personnel in the proper use of the

software and hardware.

35-7.1-3. Investigations or management advisory and consulting services upon

request of governor or general assembly. -- The office of internal audit may, upon the written

request of the governor or of the general assembly, conduct audits, provide management advisory

and consulting services, or conduct investigations relative to the financial affairs or the economy

and efficiency of management, or both, of any public bodies as defined in §35-7.1-1(e). The

office of internal audit may, from time to time, make such investigations and additional reports to

the governor, the director of the department of administration, the director of the office of

management and budget, and the general assembly as deemed necessary or advisable.

35-7.1-4. Management advisory and consulting services provided to public bodies. --

When requested in writing by a public body to the chief, the office of internal audit may provide

management advisory or consulting services to the public body. Any such request must include

the scope of services requested and a schedule for the work to be performed.

35-7.1-5. Persons authorized to conduct audits – Reports of irregularities. -- Any

qualified person duly authorized by the director of management and budget to act as auditor may

examine the books, papers, and documents of any public body having control of state or federal

funds, and if the audit discloses any irregularities or improper handling of records or funds, the

auditor shall report the same to the chief who shall, in turn, report such findings and

recommendations to the director of management and budget, who shall further report to the

director of administration.

35-7.1-6. Inspection of records and papers – Investigations. -- (a) The chief, in

carrying out the duties outlined in this chapter, shall have access to all records, reports, audits,

reviews, papers, books, documents, recommendations, correspondence, including information

relative to the purchase of goods or services or anticipated purchase of goods or services, from

any agent, contractor, or vendor by any public body, as defined in §35-7.1-1(e), and any other

data and material that is maintained by or available to any public body regardless of the media in

which it is maintained which is in any way related to the programs and operations with respect to

public bodies.

(b) The chief may request information and records, cooperation, and assistance from any

state, or local governmental agency as may be necessary for carrying out his/her duties and

responsibilities. Upon receipt of such request, each person in charge of the public body shall

furnish to the chief, or his/her authorized agent or representative, such information and records,

cooperation and assistance, including information relative to the purchase of goods or services or

anticipated purchase of goods or services from any contractor or vendor by any public body,

within ten (10) business days of receipt of the chief's request. If the public body is unable to

comply with the request for records and/or information within (10) business days, the public body

must notify the chief, prior to the expiration of the ten (10) business days, in writing as to the

reason, or reasons, why the request cannot be fulfilled within this time and whether additional

time is necessary.

shall prepare detailed findings, conclusions, and recommendations concerning the administration

of programs or operations, and internal controls over processes of public bodies.

(d) The chief shall have direct and prompt access to any public body, its agents, officers,

and employees when necessary for any purpose pertaining to the performance of his/her duties

and responsibilities under this chapter.

35-7.1-7. Complaint – Investigation. -- (a) The chief shall accept and may investigate or

audit complaints or information from any identified individual concerning the possible existence

of any activity constituting fraud, waste, abuse, or mismanagement relating to programs and

operations of public bodies.

(b) The chief shall not, after receipt of a complaint or information from an employee,

contractor, or private citizen who requests confidentiality, disclose the identity of that individual,

without the written consent of said individual, unless the chief determines such disclosure is

necessary and unavoidable during the course of an investigation. In such event, the individual

filing the complaint shall be notified, if possible, immediately of such disclosure.

Whistleblowers' Protection Act."

35-7.1-8. Reports to the state police. -- In carrying out his/her duties and

responsibilities, the chief shall report to the Rhode Island state police whenever the chief has

reasonable grounds to believe there has been a violation of federal or state criminal law. The chief

shall also refer findings to the state ethics commission, or to any other federal, state, or local

agency with an interest in said findings, in the discretion of the chief. Any referrals made under

this section shall not be made public by the office of internal audit.

35-7.1-9. Coordination with other state agencies. -- The chief may coordinate with

other state agencies that are responsible for investigating, auditing, reviewing, or evaluating the

management of public bodies for the purpose of sharing information and avoiding duplication of

effort.

35-7.1-10. Annual and interim reports. -- (a) The office of internal audit shall prepare

an annual report summarizing the activities of the office of internal audit for the prior fiscal year.

The office of internal audit may also prepare interim performance reports. These reports shall be

presented to the director of management and budget. The annual reports shall be posted on the

office's website.

(b) The annual report shall include, but not be limited to: a general description of

significant problems in the areas of efficiencies, internal controls, fraud, waste, and abuse within

programs and operations within the jurisdiction of the office; a general description of the

recommendations for corrective actions made by the office during the reporting period with

respect to significant deficiencies in the areas of efficiencies, internal controls, fraud, waste, and

abuse; the identification of each significant recommendation described in previous annual reports

on which corrective action has not been completed; a summary of matters referred to prosecuting

authorities; a summary of any matters concerning the recovery of monies as a result of an audit

finding or civil suit or a referral to another agency for the purposes of such suit; a list of all audit

reports completed by the office during the reporting period; and a statement of recommendations

of amendment to this chapter or the rules, regulations, or procedures governing the office of

internal audit that would improve the effectiveness or the operations of the office.

filing.

(d) Within twenty (20) calendar days following the date of the issuance of the

management-response copy of the draft audit report, the head of the department, agency, public

body, or private entity audited shall respond, in writing, to each recommendation made in the

audit report. This response shall address the department's, agency's, or public body's or private

entity's plan of corrective action, the party responsible to implement the corrective action plan,

and the anticipated date to complete the implementation of the corrective action; and, if

applicable, the reasons for disagreement with any recommendation proposed in the audit report

and justification of management's acceptance of risk. The office of internal audit may perform

follow-up procedures for the purpose of determining whether the department, agency, public

body, or private entity has implemented, in an efficient and effective manner, its plan of

correction action for the recommendations proposed in the audit report or addressed the risk

discussed in the audit report.

(e) Copies of each audit report, inclusive of management's responses noted in subsection

(d) shall be submitted to the chairpersons of the house finance committee, and the senate finance

committee and posted on the office's website.

SECTION 11. Section 42-13-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 42-13 entitled

"Department of Transportation" is hereby amended to read as follows:

42-13-2. Organization and functions of the department. -- (a) The department shall be

organized in accordance with a project management-based program and shall utilize an asset

management system.

(1) A project management-based program, manages the delivery of the department's

portfolio of transportation improvement projects from project conception to the project

completion. Project management activities include:

(i) Managing and reporting on the delivery status of portfolio projects;

(ii) Developing overall workload and budget for the portfolio;

(iii) Developing and implementing the tools to estimate the resources necessary to deliver

the projects; and

(iv) Developing and implementing processes and tools to improve the management of the

projects.

(2) Asset management is the process used for managing transportation infrastructure by

improving decision making for resource allocation. Asset management activities include a

systemic process based on economic, engineering, and business principles which includes the

following functions:

(i) Completing a comprehensive inventory of system assets;

(ii) Monitoring system performance; and

(iii) Performing analysis utilizing accurate data for managing various assets within the

transportation network.

(b) The director of transportation shall appoint a chief operating officer to oversee the

day-to-day operations of the department.

and such other divisions, subdivisions, and agencies as the director shall find are necessary to

carry out the responsibilities of the department, including: office of audit; division of finance;

division of planning; division of project management; division of operations and maintenance;

office of civil rights; office of safety; office of external affairs; office of legal; office of personnel;

office of information services.

(d) The director may assign such other responsibilities as he or she shall find appropriate

and may reassign functions other than as set out in this section if he or she finds the reassignment

necessary to the proper and efficient functioning of the department or of the state's transportation

system.

(e) The department shall submit a report annually no later than March 31 to the speaker

of the house, the president of the senate, and the house and senate fiscal advisors concerning the

status of the ten (10) year ten-year (10) transportation plan.

SECTION 12. Section 42-155-7 of the General Laws in Chapter 42-155 entitled "Quasi-

Public Corporations Accountability and Transparency Act" is hereby amended to read as follows:

42-155-7. Audit of quasi-public corporations. -- (a) Commencing January 1, 2015, and

every five (5) years thereafter, each quasi-public corporation shall be subject to a performance

audit, conducted in compliance with the generally acceptable governmental auditing standards or

the standards for the professional practice of internal auditing, by the chief of the bureau of audits

office of internal audit. The chief, in collaboration with the quasi-public corporation, shall

determine the scope of the audit. To assist in the performance of an audit, the chief, in

collaboration with the quasi-public corporation, may procure the services of a certified public

accounting firm, which shall be a subcontractor of the bureau of audits office of internal audit,

and shall be under the direct supervision of the bureau of audits office of internal audit. The chief

of the bureau of audits office of internal audit shall establish a rotating schedule identifying the

year in which each quasi-public corporation shall be audited. The schedule shall be posted on the

website of the bureau of audits office of internal audit.

(b) The audit shall be conducted in conformance with chapter 7 of title 35 ("Post Audit of

Accountings").

audit. The chief and each quasi-public corporation shall agree upon reasonable costs for the audit,

not to exceed seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000), that shall be remitted to the bureau of

audits office of internal audit.

(d) The results of the audit shall be made public upon completion and posted on the

websites of the bureau of audits office of internal audit and the quasi-public corporation.

(e) For purposes of this section, a performance audit shall mean an independent

examination of a program, function, operation, or the management systems and procedures of a

governmental or nonprofit entity to assess whether the entity is achieving economy, efficiency,

and effectiveness in the employment of an available resources.

SECTION 13. Section 42-12-1.4 of the General Laws in Chapter 42-12 entitled

"Department of Human Services" is hereby repealed:

42-12-1.4. Transfer of functions from the department of health. -- There is hereby

transferred from the department of health to the department of human services the administration

and management of the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children

(WIC) and all functions and resources associated therewith.

SECTION 14. Section 42-18-5 of the General Laws in Chapter 42-18 entitled

"Department of Health" is hereby amended to read as follows:

42-18-5. Transfer of powers and functions from department of health. -- (a) There

are hereby transferred to the department of administration:

(1) Those functions of the department of health which that were administered through or

with respect to departmental programs in the performance of strategic planning as defined in §

42-11-10(c);

(2) All officers, employees, agencies, advisory councils, committees, commissions, and

task forces of the department of health who or that were performing strategic planning functions

as defined in § 42-11-10(c); and

(3) So much of other functions, or parts of functions, and employees and resources,

physical and funded, related thereto of the director of health as are incidental to, and necessary

for, the performance of the functions transferred by subdivisions (1) and (2).

(b) There is hereby transferred to the department of human services the administration

and management of the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children

(WIC) and all functions and resources associated therewith.

(c)(c)There is hereby transferred to the executive office of health and human services the

HIV/AIDS care and treatment programs and all functions and resources associated therewith. The

department of health shall retain the HIV surveillance and prevention programs and all functions

and resources associated therewith.

SECTION 15. Chapter 42-18 of the General Laws entitled "Department of Health" is

hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

42-18-6 42-18-7. Transfer of functions from the department of human services. --

There is hereby transferred to the department of health those functions and resources formerly

administered by the department of human services relating to the administration and management

of the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (WIC) authorized

by § 23-13-17.

SECTION 16. Sections 30-17.1-1, 30-17.1-2, 30-17.1-3, 30-17.1-4, 30-17.1-5, 30-17.1-6,

30-17.1-7, 30-17.1-9, 30-17.1-10, 30-17.1-11 and 30-17.1-13 of the General Laws in Chapter 30-

17.1 entitled "Veterans' Affairs" are hereby amended to read as follows:

30-17.1-1. Appropriations. -- The general assembly shall annually appropriate such

sums as it may deem necessary for the support of the veterans' home in the town of Bristol, any

veterans' cemetery authorized and established by the general assembly, and the assistance of the

widows, widowers, and dependent children of deceased veterans, known as the "veterans'

assistance fund", for the assistance of worthy dependent veterans, and the dependent-worthy

families of those veterans who served in the army, navy, marine corps, coast guard, and air force

of the United States and were honorably discharged from that service, and for such clerical

assistance as may be required in connection with the administration of that program; and the state

controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw an order upon the general treasurer for the

payment of such sums as may be from time to time required, upon receipt by the state controller

of proper vouchers approved by the director of human services veterans' affairs.

30-17.1-2. Powers of division office of veterans' affairs. -- The division office of

veterans' affairs, in the department of human services, in addition to having the control and

management of veterans' affairs, shall have custody of all records inquiring into the needs of

worthy veterans and the needs of dependent worthy families of those veterans, residing within the

State of Rhode Island, and shall also assist such cases as examination proves worthy of

assistance, in such sums of money and by such methods as will, in the judgment of that division

office, best relieve the needs of worthy applicants for assistance.

30-17.1-3. Oath of officials – Bonds. -- All officials appointed under the provisions of

this chapter or chapter 24 of this title shall be duly sworn to the faithful performance of their

duties. The director of human services veterans' affairs may, in the director's discretion, require of

all officials subordinate to the director, bonds for the faithful performance of their duties.

30-17.1-4. Veterans' claims assistance. -- Upon request, the director of the department

of human services veterans' affairs, or his or her designee, shall, in accordance with the applicable

rules and regulations of the dDepartment of vVeterans' aAffairs of the United States, prepare and

present all veterans' pension and compensation claims qualifying under the provisions of § 42-12-

5. The department of human services office of veterans' affairs shall render this assistance without

charge to the claimant for the assistance.

30-17.1-5. Requiring veteran to enter home. – The director of human services veterans'

affairs, or his or her designee, may, in his or her discretion, require any veteran who has no

dependent parents, wife, or children, and who desires assistance as provided in this chapter, to

become a resident of the veterans' home in order to enjoy the benefits of this chapter.

30-17.1-6. Establishment of the office of veterans' affairs; division director. -- (a)

There is hereby established within the executive branch of government and the department of

human services an office director of the division of veterans' affairs. The director of the division

office of veterans' affairs shall be a person qualified through experience and training and shall be

an honorably discharged war veteran of the United States armed forces. The director of the

division office of veterans' affairs shall be appointed by and report directly to the director of the

department of human services governor, but the office shall reside within the department of

human services for administrative purposes. and be in the unclassified service.

(b) The director of veterans' affairs shall have all such powers, consistent with law, as are

necessary and/or convenient to effectuate the purposes of this chapter and to administer its

functions, including, but, not limited to, the power to promulgate and adopt regulations. The

director shall have authority to apply for, receive, and administer grants and funds from the

federal government and all other public and private entities to accomplish the purposes of the

office.

30-17.1-7. Annual report to general assembly. -- The director of human services

veterans' affairs shall report annually, no later than January 31st of each year, to the governor,

speaker of the house of representatives, the senate president, and house and senate finance

committees, setting forth, in detail, the condition of the veterans' home, any veterans' cemetery,

authorized and established by the general assembly, and in general the character of the work of

veterans' affairs;, and shall render in the report a faithful account of all moneys received and

expended by the director of human services and by the division office of veterans' services affairs

in the execution of the provisions of this chapter and chapter 24 of this title, excepting the names

of persons to whom they have furnished assistance which shall be omitted.

30-17.1-9. Definitions. -- When used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the

following meanings:

(1) "Advisory Committee" means the veterans' services strategic plan advisory committee

as established in § 30-17.1-10.

(2) "Committee" means the veterans' committee pursuant to the provisions of subdivision

§ 30-17.1-11(c)(8).

(3) "State agencies" means state entities responsible for the implementation of services

for Rhode Island veterans and their families including:

(i) The division office of veterans' affairs;

(ii) The division of planning;

(iii) The department of human services;

(iv) The Rhode Island board of education;

(v) The department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals;

(vi) The department of health;

(vii) The division of elderly affairs;

(viii) The department of business regulation;

(ix) The department of the attorney general;

(x) The department of labor and training;

(xi) The economic development corporation Rhode Island commerce corporation;

and

(xii) The office of the secretary of state.

(4) "Veterans' Sservices Sstrategic Pplan ("VSSP'")" means the strategic plan as

established in § 30-17.1-11.

30-17.1-10. Veterans' services strategic plan advisory committee established. -- (a)

There is hereby created a veterans' services strategic plan advisory committee known as "the

Rhode Island veterans' services strategic plan advisory committee" consisting of thirteen (13)

members as follows:

(1) One of whom shall be the director of the division office of veterans' affairs, or his or

her designee, who shall serve as co-chairperson;

(2) One of whom shall be the director of the department of human services, or his or her

designee, who shall serve as co-chairperson;

(3) One of whom shall be the associate director of the division of planning, or his or her

designee;

(4) One of whom shall be the chair of the Rhode Island board of education, or his or her

designee;

(5) One of whom shall be the director of the department of behavioral healthcare,

developmental disabilities and hospitals, or his or her designee;

(6) One of whom shall be the director of department of health, or his or her designee;

(7) One of whom shall be the director of the division of elderly affairs, or his or her

designee;

(8) One of whom shall be the director of the department of business regulation, or his or

her designee;

(9) One of whom shall be the attorney general, or his or her designee;

(10) One of whom shall be the director of the department of labor and training, or his or

her designee;

(11) One of whom shall be the director of the economic development corporation

Rhode Island commerce corporation, or his or her designee;

(12) One of whom shall be the secretary of state, or his or her designee;

(13) One of whom shall be the adjutant general of the Rhode Island Nnational Gguard, or

his or her designee.

(b) Forthwith upon the passage of this chapter, the members of the advisory committee

shall meet at the call of the chairperson and organize. Thereafter, the committee shall meet

quarterly and at the call of the chairperson or three (3) members of the advisory committee.

documentation, and otherwise to the committee and its agents as is deemed necessary or desirable

by the advisory committee to facilitate the purposes of this chapter.

(d) The department of human services, division of veterans' affairs, is hereby directed to

provide suitable quarters and staff for the advisory committee.

(e) All departments and agencies of the state shall furnish such advice and information,

documentation, and otherwise to the commission and its agents as is deemed necessary or

desirable by the advisory committee to facilitate the purposes of this chapter.

(f) The members of the advisory committee shall receive no compensation for their

services. Members of the committee shall serve for a term of three (3) years and may not succeed

themselves more than once after January 1, 2016.

30-17.1-11. The duties of the committee. -- (a) The advisory committee acting through

the division office of veterans' affairs, shall work in conjunction with the department of human

services to develop, maintain and annually update a five- (5) year (5) statewide veterans' services

strategic plan ("VSSP"), that includes goals and measurable outcomes to ensure that all

departments deliver comprehensive services and supports for veterans and their families.

(b) The advisory committee shall conduct an analysis of study toward the development of

the "VSSP" that shall include, but not be limited to, the following veterans' issues:

(1) Access to benefits;

(2) Employment opportunities;

(3) Veteran-owned small business growth;

(4) Educational attainment;

(5) Job skills training;

(6) Behavioral health;

(7) Long-term health care options;

(8) Criminal justice issues; and

(9) Homelessness.

representing diverse interests and viewpoints, that shall provide input to the advisory committee

on all matters pertaining to the preparation or implementation of the veterans' services strategic

plan. The committee shall receive administrative support from the departments and the members

shall not receive compensation for their service. The committee shall meet at least quarterly and

at the call of the co-chairs or four (4) members of the veterans' committee.

(d) The "VSSP" shall:

(1) Be based upon comprehensive data gained through open and transparent engagement

of veterans' stakeholders;

(2) Produce veteran-centric policies and procedures informed by forward looking

planning;

(3) Realistically assess resource adequacy and capabilities delivered;

(4) Ensure that existing resources are aligned to mission critical objectives;

(5) Compliment, as well as leverage, existing US Veterans' Administration programs and

best practices;

(6) Foster state, federal, and private partnerships that seamlessly deliver exceptional

services to the state's veteran population; and

(7) More effectively coordinate the delivery of veterans' services to all current and future

veterans in Rhode Island.

30-17.1-13. Veterans' "pocket guide" and online resource application. -- Contingent

upon funding:

(1) The division director of the office of veterans' affairs shall produce and annually

update a comprehensive "Ppocket Gguide Oof Vveterans' Sservices." This document shall be a

concise yet thorough compendium of the benefits and services available to veterans in Rhode

Island.

(2) Additionally, the division director of veterans' affairs shall develop and maintain a

veterans' online resource application of this information.

(3) The division director of veterans' affairs is hereby authorized to accept grants and

donations for this project.

SECTION 17. Section 30-24-5 of the General Laws in Chapter 30-24 entitled "Rhode

Island Veterans' Home" is hereby amended to read as follows:

30-24-5. Functions of advisory council. -- The advisory council for veterans' affairs

shall exercise and perform all the duties and functions formerly exercised and performed by the

advisory council for the Rhode Island veterans' home. The advisory council for the Rhode Island

veterans' home is hereby abolished. The advisory council for veterans' affairs shall make

suggestions to and shall advise the director of human services the office of veterans' affairs and

the administrator of the veterans' home concerning the policies, rules, and the regulations of the

Rhode Island veterans' home; provided, however, that the advisory council shall have no

administrative power.

SECTION 18. Section 42-129-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 42-129 entitled "Persian

Gulf War Information Relief Commission" is hereby amended to read as follows:

42-129-2. Commission established. -- (a) There is established a Legislative Advisory

Persian Gulf War information and relief commission which shall obtain information relating to

the health effects of exposure to any Gulf War-related risk substance for veterans of this state

who may have been exposed to any such substance in the Persian Gulf region or Southwest Asia

during their period of military service in the 1990-1991 Persian Gulf War or current Persian Gulf

hostilities or hostilities anywhere in Southwest Asia subsequent to September 11, 2001.

(b) The commission consists of eleven (11) members who shall serve for a term of five

(5) years, five (5) non-appointed commissioner positions shall include:

(i) The associate director of the division of veteran's affairs or his or her designee;

(ii) The president of the united veteran's council, or his or her designee;

(iii) The chairperson of the Multi Service council of Rhode Island or his or her designee;

(iv) The past associate director of the division of veteran's affairs or his or her designee;

and

(v) The chairperson of the advisory council to for veteran's affairs, or his or her designee.

The remaining four (4) six (6) members are appointed as follows:

The president of the senate shall appoint two (2) members, one of whom shall be a

licensed physician in epidemiology, and one of whom shall be a veteran who served in South

West Asia subsequent to September 11, 2001; the speaker of the house of representatives shall

appoint two (2) members, one of whom shall be an honorably discharged veteran from the

Persian Gulf War; and the minority leaders of the senate and the house of representatives shall

each appoint one member, one who shall be an honorably discharged veteran, and one who

served in the Persian Gulf during the 1990-1991 Persian Gulf War. The associate director of the

division office of veterans' affairs, the president of the united veterans' council and the

chairperson of the advisory council shall be appointed for a term to expire August 31, 2010. The

members appointed by the president of the senate and the speaker of the house shall be appointed

for a term to expire August 31, 2009; the members appointed by the minority leaders of the house

of representatives and senate shall be appointed for a term to expire August 31, 2008. Thereafter

the commissioners shall serve staggered five (5) year terms, each member serving until his or her

successor shall be appointed.

shall be made in the same manner as the original appointment. Vacancies in the membership of

the commission and its officers shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as the

original appointment or election. The commission shall meet at least four (4) times a year at the

call of the chairperson. The initial meeting of the commission shall be called by the director of the

department of human services not later than September 1, 2006. The members of the commission

shall receive no compensation for their services.

SECTION 19. Chapter 42-51 of the General Laws entitled "Governor's Commission on

Disabilities" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

42-51-12. Designated state entity. -- (a) The governor's commission on disabilities shall

be the designated state entity (DSE), pursuant to section 705(e) of the Workforce Innovation and

Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 796c). As the DSE, the commission shall apply for and:

(1) Receive, account for, and disburse funds received by the state under Part B based on

the state independent living plan (SILP);

(2) Provide administrative support services for a program under Part B;

(3) Keep such records, and afford such access to such records, as the administrator finds

to be necessary with respect to the programs;

(4) Submit such additional information or provide such assurances as the administrator

may require with respect to the programs; and

(5) Retain not more than five percent (5%) of the funds received by the state for any

fiscal year under Part B, for the performance of the services outlined in subdivisions (a)(1)

through (4) of this section. For purposes of these regulations, the five percent (5%) cap on funds

for administrative expenses applies only to the Part B funds allocated to the state and to the state's

required ten percent (10%) Part B match. It does not apply to other program income funds,

including, but not limited to, payments provided to the state from the social security

administration for assisting social security beneficiaries and recipients to achieve employment

outcomes, any other federal funds, or to other funds allocated by the state for IL purposes.

(b) The DSE shall carry out its other responsibilities under the act, including, but not

limited to, arranging for the delivery of IL services under Part B of the act, and for the necessary

and sufficient resources needed by the statewide independent living council (SILC) to fulfill its

statutory duties and authorities, as authorized in the approved state plan.

accounting procedures as may be necessary to ensure the proper disbursement of, and accounting

for, federal funds provided to centers for independent living (CILs), SILCs, and/or other service

providers under the independent living services (ILS) program. The DSE must comply with all

applicable federal and state laws and regulations, including those in 45 CFR parts 75.

(d) The SILC shall not be established as an entity within a state agency, including the

DSE. The SILC shall be independent of and autonomous from the DSE and all other state

agencies.

SECTION 20. Upon the designation of the governor's commission on disabilities as the

designated state entity, pursuant to section 705(e) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity

Act (29 U.S.C. 796c), the governor is hereby authorized to transfer or reallocate the

appropriations and any other property of the designated state unit. Any proceedings or other

business or matters, undertaken or commenced prior to the effective date of this act by the

designated state unit and pending on the effective date of this act, may be conducted and

completed by the governor's commission on disabilities.

SECTION 21. Section 40.1-1-13 of the General Laws in Chapter 40.1-1 entitled

"Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals" is hereby

amended to read as follows:

40.1-1-13. Powers and duties of the office. -- Notwithstanding any provision of the

Rhode Island general laws to the contrary, the department of mental health, retardation,

behaviorial healthcare, development disabilities and hospitals shall have the following powers

and duties:

(1) To establish and promulgate the overall plans, policies, objectives, and priorities for

state substance abuse education, prevention, and treatment; provided, however, that the director

shall obtain and consider input from all interested state departments and agencies prior to the

promulgation of any such plans or policies;

(2) Evaluate and monitor all state grants and contracts to local substance-abuse service

providers;

(3) Develop, provide for, and coordinate the implementation of a comprehensive state

plan for substance-abuse education, prevention, and treatment;

(4) Ensure the collection, analysis, and dissemination of information for planning and

evaluation of substance abuse services;

(5) Provide support, guidance, and technical assistance to individuals, local

governments, community service providers, public and private organizations in their substance-

abuse education, prevention, and treatment activities;

(6) Confer with all interested department directors to coordinate the administration of

state programs and policies that directly affect substance-abuse treatment and prevention;

(7) Seek and receive funds from the federal government and private sources in order to

further the purposes of this chapter;

(8) Act To act for all purposes in the capacity of "state substance abuse authority" as that

term has meaning the sole designated agency with the sole responsibility agency with the sole for

coordination planning, coordinating, managing, implementing, and reporting on of state

substance-abuse planning and policy and, efforts as it relates to requirements set forth in pertinent

federal substance-abuse laws and regulations;

(9) Propose, review and/or approve, as appropriate, proposals, policies, or plans

involving insurance and managed care systems for substance-abuse services in Rhode Island;

(10) To enter into, in compliance with the provisions of title 37, chapter 2, contractual

relationships and memoranda of agreement as necessary for the purposes of this chapter;

(11) To license facilities and programs for the care and treatment of substance abusers,

and for the prevention of substance abuse;

(12) To promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out the requirements of this

chapter;

(13) Perform other acts and exercise any other powers necessary or convenient to carry

out the intent and purposes of this chapter; and

(14) To exercise the authority and responsibilities relating to education, prevention, and

treatment of substance abuse, as contained in, but not limited to, the following chapters: chapter

1.10 of title 23; chapter 10.1 of title 23; chapter 28.2 of title 23; chapter 21.2 of title 16; chapter

21.3 of title 16; chapter 50.1 of title 42; chapter 109 of title 42; chapter 69 of title 5 and § 35-4-

18.;

(15) To establish a Medicare Part D restricted-receipt account in the Hospitals and

Community Rehabilitation Services program to receive and expend Medicare Part D

reimbursements from pharmacy benefit providers consistent with the purposes of this chapter.;

(16) To establish a RICLAS Group Home Operations restricted receipt account in the

services for the developmentally disabled program to receive and expend rental income from

RICLAS group clients for group home-related expenditures, including food, utilities, community

activities, and the maintenance of group homes.;

(17) To establish a non-Medicaid, third-party payor restricted-receipt account in the

hospitals and community rehabilitation services program to receive and expend reimbursement

from non-Medicaid third-party payors to fund hospital patient services that are not Medicaid

eligible.; and

(18) To act in conjunction with the executive office of health and human services as the

state’s co-designated agency for administering federal aid and for the purpose of the calculation

of expenditures relative to the substance-abuse block grant and federal funding maintenance of

effort requirements.

SECTION 22. Section 42-7.2-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 42-7.2 entitled "Office of

Health and Human Services" is hereby amended to read as follows:

42-7.2-2. Executive office of health and human services. -- There is hereby established

within the executive branch of state government an executive office of health and human services

to serve as the principal agency of the executive branch of state government for managing the

departments of children, youth and families, health, human services, and behavioral healthcare,

developmental disabilities and hospitals. In this capacity, the office shall:

(a) Lead the state's four (4) health and human services departments in order to:

(1) Improve the economy, efficiency, coordination, and quality of health and human

services policy and planning, budgeting, and financing.

(2) Design strategies and implement best practices that foster service access, consumer

safety, and positive outcomes.

(3) Maximize and leverage funds from all available public and private sources, including

federal financial participation, grants, and awards.

(4) Increase public confidence by conducting independent reviews of health and human

services issues in order to promote accountability and coordination across departments.

(5) Ensure that state health and human services policies and programs are responsive to

changing consumer needs and to the network of community providers that deliver assistive

services and supports on their behalf.

(6) Administer Rhode Island Medicaid in the capacity of the single state agency

authorized under title XIX of the U.S. Social Security act, 42 U.S.C. § 1396a et seq., and exercise

such single state agency authority for such other federal and state programs as may be designated

by the governor. Except as provided for herein, nothing in this chapter shall be construed as

transferring to the secretary the powers, duties, or functions conferred upon the departments by

Rhode Island general laws for the management and operations of programs or services approved

for federal financial participation under the authority of the Medicaid state agency.

(7) To act in conjunction with the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental

disabilities and hospitals as the state's co-designated agency for administering federal aid and for

the purpose of the calculation of expenditures relative to the substance-abuse block grant and

federal funding maintenance of effort requirements.

SECTION 23. Section 36-4-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 36-4 entitled "Merit

System" is hereby amended to read as follows:

36-4-2. Positions in unclassified service. -- (a) The classified service shall comprise all

positions in the state service, now existing or hereinafter established, except the following

specific positions which, with other positions heretofore or hereinafter specifically exempted by

legislative act, shall constitute the unclassified service:

(1) Officers and legislators elected by popular vote and persons appointed to fill

vacancies in elective offices.

(2) Employees of both houses of the general assembly.

(3) Officers, secretaries, and employees of the office of the governor, office of the

lieutenant governor, department of state, department of the attorney general, and the treasury

department.

(4) Members of boards and commissions appointed by the governor, members of the

state board of elections and the appointees of the board, members of the commission for human

rights and the employees of the commission, and directors of departments.

(5) The following specific offices:

(i) In the department of administration: director, chief information officer;, cybersecurity

officer, director of office of management and budget, director of performance management,

deputy director, chief of staff, public information officer and legislative/policy director;, and

within the health benefits exchange: director, deputy director, administrative assistant, senior

policy analyst, and chief strategic planning monitoring and evaluation;

(ii) In the department of business regulation: director;

(iii) In the department of elementary and secondary education: commissioner of

elementary and secondary education;

(iv) In the department of higher education: commissioner of postsecondary education;

(v) In the department of health: director, executive director, and deputy director;

(vi) In the department of labor and training: director, administrative assistant,

administrator of the labor board and legal counsel to the labor board, executive director, and

communications director;

(vii) In the department of environmental management: director;

(viii) In the department of transportation: director, chief operating officer,

administrator/division of project management, administrator/division of planning, chief of staff,

communications director, legislative director, and policy director;

(ix) In the department of human services: director and director of veterans' affairs;

(x) In the state properties committee: secretary;

(xi) In the workers' compensation court: judges, administrator, deputy administrator,

clerk, assistant clerk, clerk secretary;

(xii) In the division of elderly affairs: director;

(xiii) In the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and

hospitals: director;

(xiv) In the department of corrections: director, assistant director

(institutions/operations), assistant director (rehabilitative services), assistant director

(administration), and wardens;

(xv) In the department of children, youth and families: director, one assistant director,

one associate director, one executive director, and a chief of staff;

(xvi) In the public utilities commission: public utilities administrator;

(xvii) In the water resources board: general manager;

(xviii) In the human resources investment council: executive director.

(xix) In the office of health and human services: secretary of health and human services.

(xx) In the office of commerce: secretary, deputy secretary, chief of staff,

communications director, legislative director, and policy director.

(6) Chief of the hoisting engineers, licensing division, and his or her employees;

executive director of the veterans memorial building and his or her clerical employees.

(7) One confidential stenographic secretary for each director of a department and each

board and commission appointed by the governor.

(8) Special counsel, special prosecutors, regular and special assistants appointed by the

attorney general, the public defender and employees of his or her office, and members of the

Rhode Island bar occupying a position in the state service as legal counsel to any appointing

authority.

(9) The academic and/or commercial teaching staffs of all state institution schools, with

the exception of those institutions under the jurisdiction of the board of regents for elementary

and secondary education and the board of governors for higher education.

(10) Members of the military or naval forces, when entering or while engaged in the

military or naval service.

(11) Judges, referees, receivers, clerks, assistant clerks, and clerical assistants of the

supreme, superior, family, and district courts, the traffic tribunal, security officers of the traffic

tribunal, jurors, and any persons appointed by any court.

(12) Election officials and employees.

(13) Deputy sheriffs and other employees of the sheriffs division within the department

of public safety.

(14) Patient or inmate help in state charitable, penal, and correctional institutions and

religious instructors of these institutions and student nurses in training, residents in psychiatry in

training, and clinical clerks in temporary training at the institute of mental health within the state

of Rhode Island medical center.

(15) (i) Persons employed to make or conduct a temporary and special inquiry,

investigation, project, or examination on behalf of the legislature, or a committee therefor, or on

behalf of any other agency of the state if the inclusion of these persons in the unclassified service

is approved by the personnel administrator. The personnel administrator shall notify the house

fiscal advisor and the senate fiscal advisor whenever he or she approves the inclusion of a person

in the unclassified service.

(ii) The duration of the appointment of a person, other than the persons enumerated in

this section, shall not exceed ninety (90) days or until presented to the department of

administration. The department of administration may extend the appointment another ninety (90)

days. In no event shall the appointment extend beyond one hundred eighty (180) days.

(16) Members of the division of state police within the department of public safety.

(17) Executive secretary of the Blackstone Valley district commission.

(18) Artist and curator of state-owned art objects.

(19) Mental health advocate.

(20) Child advocate.

(21) The position of aquaculture coordinator and marine infrastructure specialist within

the coastal resources management council.

(22) Employees of the office of the health insurance commissioner.

(23) In the department of revenue: the director, secretary, attorney.

(24) In the department of public safety: the director.

(b) Provided, however, that, if any position added to the unclassified service by

legislative act after January 1, 2015, is occupied by a classified employee on June 30, 2015, such

position shall remain in the classified service until such position becomes vacant.

SECTION 24. Section 19 shall take effect on October 1, 2016. The remainder of this

article shall take effect upon passage.