2012 -- H 8019

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LC02284

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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2012

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A N A C T

RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT - THE AMERICAN AND

SOUTHEAST ASIAN CULTURAL EXCHANGE COMMISSION

     Introduced By: Representatives Slater, Diaz, and Hull

     Date Introduced: March 29, 2012

     Referred To: House Health, Education & Welfare

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Title 42 of the General Laws entitled "STATE AFFAIRS AND

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GOVERNMENT" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following chapter:

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     CHAPTER 155

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THE AMERICAN AND SOUTHEAST ASIAN CULTURAL EXCHANGE COMMISSION

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     42-155-1. Commission established. -- There shall be an American and Southeast Asians

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cultural exchange commission to consist of nine (9) members, all of whom shall be American

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citizens descended from Cambodia, Laos, Hmong, and Vietnam, and be residents of the state;

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three (3) of whom shall be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; three (3) of

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whom shall be appointed by the president of the senate; and three (3) of whom shall be appointed

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by the governor. The commission shall establish and maintain, cultural ties between the countries

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of Cambodia, Laos, Hmong, and Vietnam and the Southeast Asian American community, and

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shall foster a special interest in the historical and cultural background of all groups, as well as in

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the economic, political, social, and artistic life of the countries involved; and shall help establish

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and/or promote the Southeast Asian languages in Rhode Island’s schools.

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     42-155-2. Terms of office - Chairperson. -- The members shall be appointed for terms

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of two (2) years except that of the two (2) members originally appointed by each of the

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appointing authorities; one shall be appointed for a term of one year, one shall be appointed for a

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term of two (2) years. The members shall annually elect one of them as chairperson of the

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commission.

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     42-155-3. Authority to accept grants. -- In addition to any of its other powers and

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responsibilities, the commission is authorized and empowered to accept any grants made

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available by the United States government or any agency of the United States government and the

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commission, with the approval of the governor, is authorized and empowered to perform these

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acts and enter into all necessary contracts and agreements with the United States or any agency of

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the United States government as may be necessary in the manner and degree as shall be deemed

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to be in the best interest of the state. The proceeds of grants received shall be paid to the general

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treasurer of the state and be deposited by him or her in a separate fund and shall be utilized for the

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purposes of those grants.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC02284

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N A C T

RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT - THE AMERICAN AND

SOUTHEAST ASIAN CULTURAL EXCHANGE COMMISSION

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     This act would create an American and Southeast Asian Cultural Exchange Commission.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC02284

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