2025 -- S 0300

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LC000281

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY -- FOREST CONSERVATION ACT --

COMPOSITION OF STATE BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS, PUBLIC AUTHORITIES, AND

QUASI-PUBLIC CORPORATIONS

     Introduced By: Senators Bell, Valverde, Ujifusa, DiMario, and Mack

     Date Introduced: February 13, 2025

     Referred To: Senate Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 2-27-3 of the General Laws in Chapter 2-27 entitled "Forest

Conservation Act" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     2-27-3. Forest conservation commission.

     (a)(1) There is established the forest conservation commission consisting of the directors

of the department of environmental management and the department of administration, or their

respective designees; and nine (9) eight (8) public members to be appointed by the director of the

department of environmental management. The public appointees shall include at least one member

with knowledge or experience in forestry; one member with knowledge or experience with urban

and community forestry; one member familiar with land use and community planning issues; one

member active in land preservation; one member representing forest landowners; one member

representing an environmental organization; and one member with knowledge of forest habitat; and

one member representing a forest products business. No person shall be eligible for appointment

pursuant to this section unless he or she is a resident of this state.

     (2) The members shall serve for terms of five (5) years each; provided, however, that of

the members first appointed, one shall serve for one year, one shall serve for two (2) years, one

shall serve for three (3) years, one shall serve for four (4) years, and the remaining members shall

serve for five (5) years, from January first next succeeding their appointment, as the director shall

designate.

     (3) Any vacancy occurring otherwise than by expiration of term shall be filled in the same

manner as the original appointment.

     (4) Upon expiration of a member’s term, that member shall continue as a member until that

member’s successor is appointed and qualified. Any person serving a term shall be eligible for

appointment.

     (b) No member, including ex officio members, shall receive compensation for the

performance of his or her duties as a member; provided, however, that each appointed member may

be reimbursed if funds are appropriated for his or her actual and necessary expenses incurred during

the performance of his or her official duties.

     (c)(1) The commission shall designate annually from its members a chairperson and a vice

chairperson.

     (2) Whenever public hearings are required under this chapter, or whenever the commission

determines a public hearing is appropriate, the commission shall use reasonable efforts to hold

those hearings at a place or places that will reasonably accommodate the interested parties.

     (3) Seven (7) Six (6) voting members of the commission shall constitute a quorum for the

transaction of any business or the exercise of any power of the commission. Except as otherwise

provided in this chapter, the commission shall have the power to act by a majority of the members

present at any meeting at which a quorum is in attendance.

     (d) The director may remove any member for cause or misconduct in office after giving

him or her a copy of the charges against him or her and an opportunity to be heard, in person or by

counsel, in his or her defense, upon not less than ten (10) days’ notice. If any member shall be

removed, the director shall file in the office of the secretary of state a complete statement of charges

made against the member and his or her findings, together with a complete record of the

proceedings.

     (e) The director shall have the authority to establish subcommittees to fulfill the purposes

of the commission. The subcommittee members shall be advisory to the commission and shall be

comprised of key stakeholders representative of the issue(s) to be addressed.

     SECTION 2. Section 5-6-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 5-6 entitled "Electricians" is

hereby amended to read as follows:

     5-6-4. Board of examiners — Composition — Appointment of members — Policy-

making role.

     (a)(1) There is created in the division of professional regulation, in the department of labor

and training, a state board of examiners of electricians that at all times consists of seven (7) six (6)

qualified electors of the state as follows:

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     (i) A member of an electrical inspection department of any city or town with, at least, five

(5) years’ experience as an electrical inspector to represent the general public;

     (ii) A qualified electrical contractor to represent employers;

     (iii) A journeyperson electrician to represent labor;

     (iv) The state fire marshal, who is ex officio, or his or her designee;

     (v) A qualified employee of any electric utility company to represent the utility companies;

     (vi) A journeyperson electrician to represent organized labor selected from a list of three

(3) persons submitted to the governor by the American Federation of Labor — Congress of

Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO); and

     (vii) A member of the Rhode Island Sign Contractors Association.

     (2) On or before January 31, the governor shall annually appoint a member or members of

the board to succeed the member or members whose term is at that time expiring who shall serve

for four (4) years or until his or her successor is elected and qualified. Any vacancy that occurs in

the board from any cause shall be filled by the governor for the remainder of the unexpired term.

     (b) The board has a policy-making role in the preparation and composition of the

examinations to be administered by the division. Subsequent to the administration of the

examinations, the board of examiners shall review the examinations to evaluate their effectiveness.

The board shall supervise the operation of the division in an advisory capacity in promulgating any

policy that is necessary to improve the operation of the division in their area of expertise. The

promulgation of that policy is subject to the approval of the director of the department. Members

of the board are subject to the provisions of chapter 14 of title 36.

     (c) The director of labor and training has the power to revoke or suspend the certificate or

license or impose a fine upon the certificate or license holder, for all certificates and licenses issued

by the division of professional regulation, after a hearing before and upon the recommendation of

the board of examiners of electricians.

     SECTION 3. Section 5-13-3 of the General Laws in Chapter 5-13 entitled "Horse Riding

Schools" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     5-13-3. Board of inspection.

     (a) There is created in the department of environmental management a state board of

inspection of horse riding schools to consist of three (3) qualified electors of the state:

     (1) The general agent of the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals;

     (2) A duly qualified and licensed veterinarian to be appointed by the director of the

department of environmental management; and

     (3) The owner or operator of a riding school in this state who is not the owner to be

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appointed by the director.

     (b) The general agent of the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

shall serve as a member of the board during the time he or she holds his or her position as general

agent. The other members of the board shall serve at the pleasure of the director of the department

of environmental management. All the members of the board shall serve without compensation but

are allowed their actual expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. The director of the

department of environmental management shall furnish to the board necessary clerical assistance

and supplies.

     SECTION 4. Section 5-19.1-3 of the General Laws in Chapter 5-19.1 entitled "Pharmacies"

is hereby amended to read as follows:

     5-19.1-3. State board of pharmacy — Creation — Membership — Oath — Vacancies.

     (a) Within the department of health, there shall be a board of pharmacy, consisting of nine

(9) five (5) individuals, residents of the state of Rhode Island, one of whom shall be a registered

pharmacist who is currently employed in the department of pharmacy at a hospital corporation in

the state of Rhode Island during his or her term of appointment; two (2) of whom shall be actively

engaged in the practice of independent retail pharmacy; two (2) of whom shall be representatives

of the Rhode Island drug chain stores; two (2) of whom shall be actively engaged in any field of

pharmacy practice; and two (2) of whom shall be from the public. All members, except the public

members, shall be registered pharmacists and shall have been a licensed pharmacist for five (5)

consecutive years in the state of Rhode Island immediately prior to appointment.

     (b) Members of the board shall hold office for a term of three (3) years. Appointment of

members shall occur as individual appointments expire, such that the composition of the board will

not be altered. All appointments shall be made by the director of health with the approval of the

governor.

     (c) No person who has been appointed to and served for three (3) full consecutive three-

year (3) terms shall be eligible for appointment to the board.

     (d) Each member shall qualify by taking the usual oath of a state officer, which shall be

filed with the secretary of state, and each member shall hold office for the term of his or her

appointment and until his or her successor is appointed and qualified.

     In the case of the resignation or disqualification of a member, or a vacancy occurring from

any cause, the director shall appoint a successor for the unexpired term.

     SECTION 5. Section 5-20.7-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 5-20.7 entitled "Real Estate

Appraiser Certification Act" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     5-20.7-4. Creation of board — Composition — Appointment, terms, and

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compensation of members.

     (a)(1) Within the department of business regulation, there is created the Rhode Island real

estate appraisers board which shall consist of ten (10) members to be appointed by the governor.

Six (6) of the board members shall be practicing former and non-practicing appraisers and, for the

initial board appointment, shall be former members in good standing of one of the following

professional associations or the successor associations: the American Institute of Real Estate

Appraisers, the Society of Real Estate Appraisers, the International Right of Way Association, the

National Association of Independent Fee Appraisers, or the International Association of Assessing

Officers. Where possible, at least one but not more than two (2) appraiser appointments shall be

from the membership of each of these professional organizations.

     (2) One board member shall be a member of the general public, and shall not be engaged

in the practice of real estate appraisal. One board member shall hold a real estate license under

chapter 20.5 of this title and shall not be a state-certified real estate appraiser. One member shall

be a representative of the Rhode Island banking industry. The director of the department of business

regulation or the director’s designee shall serve at all times as a member of the board ex officio

without voting privileges.

     (3) The term of office of the initial members and the powers of the initial board expire on

December 31, 1991.

     (b) Commencing January 1, 1992, and subsequently, the board shall consist of ten (10)

members:

     (1) Six (6) members shall be state-certified appraisers:

     (i) Two (2) appraiser members shall be appointed for a term of three (3) years;

     (ii) Two (2) members for a term of two (2) years; and

     (iii) Two (2) members for a term of one year;

     (2) One board member shall be a member of the general public, appointed for a term of

three (3) years, and shall not be engaged in the practice of real estate appraisal;

     (3) One board member shall hold a real estate license under chapter 20.5 of this title,

appointed for a term of two (2) years and shall not be a state-certified real estate appraiser;

     (4) One member shall be a representative of the Rhode Island banking industry and shall

be appointed for a term of one year; and

     (5) The director of the department of business regulation, or his or her designee, shall serve

at all times as a member of the board ex officio without voting privileges.

     (c)(1) Successors of all members shall each be appointed for terms of three (3) years and

until their successors are appointed and qualified by subscribing to the constitutional oath of office,

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which shall be filed with the secretary of state. Members to fill vacancies shall be appointed for the

unexpired term. No member shall be appointed to succeed himself or herself for more than two (2)

terms. Upon qualification of the appointed members, the board shall organize by selecting from its

members a chairperson and vice-chairperson with a term of office of one year.

     (2) The board shall meet not less than once each month or as necessary in order to conduct

its business, the dates and times of which shall be decided by a vote of the members.

     (3) Each real estate appraiser member of the board appointed as of January 1, 1992, must

be a state-certified real estate appraiser. At least one-half (½) of the appraiser members shall hold

the general appraisal certificate and not less than two (2) shall hold the residential appraisal

certificate.

     (4) Upon expiration of their terms, members of the board shall continue to hold office until

the appointment and qualification of their successors. The appointing authority may remove a

member for cause.

     (5) A quorum of the board is a majority of the voting members of the board members

appointed and/or sitting, whichever is less, with at least three (3) of these members required to be

appraiser members.

     (6) The department of business regulation, with the assistance of the board, shall implement

a program for recertification on or before July 1, 1992, and establish any reasonable rules and

regulations that are appropriate to insure that the examination, education, and experience

requirements of certificate and license holders meet the public interest and the minimum standards

of the Appraisal Foundation.

     (d) [Deleted by P.L. 2023, ch. 163, § 1 and P.L. 2023, ch. 164, § 1.]

     (e) No member of the board shall receive compensation for their official duties on the board

but shall be reimbursed for their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their

official duties.

     SECTION 6. Section 5-38-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 5-38 entitled "Automobile

Body Repair Shops" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     5-38-2. Duties of department of business regulation — Advisory board.

     (a) The department of business regulation shall issue licenses as provided for in § 5-38-6;

and shall authorize the transfer of licenses and the establishment of new offices for previously

licensed auto body repair shops. In addition to licensing, the department’s oversight of auto repair

shops shall be limited to:

     (1) Acting on complaints from consumers and law enforcement officials; and

     (2) Revoking, suspending, or taking other disciplinary actions with respect to facilities,

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corporations, or persons licensed under this chapter; and

     The department of business regulation shall adopt reasonable rules and regulations for the

licensing of automobile body repair shops and schools for the instruction in automobile body repair.

     (b) To establish within the department of business regulation, divisions of commercial

licensing and regulation, the auto collision repair licensing advisory board consisting of nine (9)

seven (7) members appointed by the governor, consisting of the following, who shall serve a term

of five (5) years:

     (1) One president, or his or her designee, from an association of independent, non-

networked, Rhode Island auto body shops;

     (2) Two (2) representatives from the department of business regulation;

     (3) One from the association of new car dealers;

     (4) One from the insurance industry;

     (5) One from law enforcement;

     (6) One from the general public; and

     (7) One from the glass installation/repairers industry; and

     (8) One from an association representing network or direct repair auto body repair shops.

     (c) The board may adopt, amend, and rescind rules and regulations as necessary to carry

out the provisions of this chapter with the prior approval of the director.

     (d) The board may oversee investigations of conduct deemed unprofessional against any

licensed facility, person, or corporation subject to this chapter and may hold hearings to determine

whether the charges are substantiated or unsubstantiated.

     (e) The board may recommend to the director of the department of business regulation that

the director license qualified applicants.

     (f) The board may meet at least once a month or more often upon the call of the chairperson

or director of the department of business regulation.

     (g) To recommend to the director of the department of business regulation to revoke,

suspend, or take other disciplinary action with respect to facilities, corporations, or persons licensed

under this chapter.

     (h) To adopt and publish, with the prior approval of the director of the department of

business regulation, rules of procedure and other regulations in accordance with the administrative

procedure act, chapter 35 of title 42.

     (i) The board members shall receive no compensation.

     (j) Following each monthly board meeting, the board may, if consistent with the public

interest, submit any: (1) Unresolved issue reasonably related to its jurisdiction under this statute to

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the director of the department of business regulation for his or her review at his or her discretion;

or (2) Seek a declaratory ruling pursuant to central management regulation 3 (“declaratory rulings

and petitions from the director”) as to any unresolved issue within the scope of this statute.

     (k) Board members shall continue to serve until their replacement is named.

     SECTION 7. Section 5-68.1-3 of the General Laws in Chapter 5-68.1 entitled "Radiologic

Technologists" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     5-68.1-3. Board — Composition — Appointment and terms of members — Duties.

     (a) Within the Rhode Island department of health there shall be a board of radiologic

technology consisting of seven (7) members as follows:

     (1) One member shall be a member of the public who has no financial interest in radiologic

technology other than as a consumer or possible consumer of its services. They shall have no

financial interest personally or through a spouse.

     (2) Two (2) members of the board shall be former licensed practitioners, one of whom shall

be a former radiologist who utilizes utilized ionizing radiation in the normal course of his or her

practice. Nominations for the licensed practitioner board members shall be submitted by the Rhode

Island Medical Society and the Rhode Island Radiological Society to the director for approval.

     (3)(i) Three (3) members of the board shall be formerly licensed under this chapter. One

shall be from radiography, one shall be from nuclear medicine, and one shall be from radiation

therapy.

     (ii) The director shall appoint as radiologic technologist members of the board, individuals

currently practicing who practiced as registered radiologic technologists in Rhode Island.

     (4) One member shall be a representative of the hospital association who shall be

nominated by the Hospital Association of Rhode Island and submitted to the director for approval.

     (5)(i) The director, with the approval of the governor, shall make appointments for a three-

year (3) term, but no individual shall serve more than two (2) consecutive terms. Members of the

board as of the effective date of this chapter, who were previously appointed pursuant to § 5-68-4,

shall continue to serve for the remainder of their appointed term.

     (ii) In the event of a vacancy in one of the positions, the director, with the approval of the

governor, may appoint an individual who shall fill the unexpired term.

     (6) The board shall meet during the first month of each calendar year to select a chairperson

and for other purposes. At least one additional meeting shall be held during each calendar year.

Meetings may also be called at any time by the chairperson, the director, or by written request of

two (2) members of the board. A majority of the fully authorized board constitutes a quorum.

     (b) The duties of the board shall be as follows:

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     (1) To evaluate the qualifications of applicants and review the required examination results

administered by a testing agency approved by the board;

     (2) To recommend to the director the issuance of licenses to applicants who meet the

requirements of this chapter;

     (3) To administer, coordinate, and enforce the provisions of this chapter and investigate

persons engaging in practices that may violate the provisions of the chapter;

     (4) To recommend to the director the denial or revocation of licenses to practice radiologic

technology as provided in this chapter; and

     (5) To recommend to the director adoption of rules and regulations pursuant to this chapter.

     SECTION 8. Section 16-42-3 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-42 entitled "Education of

Gifted Children [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]" is hereby

amended to read as follows:

     16-42-3. State advisory committee.

     (a) A state advisory committee shall be established by the department of elementary and

secondary education. The committee shall be comprised of not less than fifteen (15) fourteen (14)

members: one of whom shall be the chairperson of the house finance committee or designee; one

of whom shall be the chairperson of the senate finance committee or designee; one of whom shall

be representative of the Rhode Island association of school superintendents; two (2) of whom shall

be representatives of the Rhode Island association of school principals; two (2) of whom shall be

school teachers; one of whom shall be representative of the state council on the arts; one of whom

shall be a representative of a gifted project; two (2) of whom shall be educator representatives of

higher education; one of whom shall be representative of the Rhode Island association of school

committees; and two (2) of whom shall be representatives of the public who shall be parents; and

one of whom shall be representative of business/industry.

     (b) In appointing members to the state advisory committee, the commissioner of

elementary and secondary education shall ensure equal access and opportunity for participation to

all interested parties. Members of the state advisory committee shall serve without compensation

and shall meet a minimum of four (4) times a year. The advisory committee shall advise the

commissioner of elementary and secondary education on all matters pertaining to the education of

gifted and talented students.

     SECTION 9. Sections 16-53-2 and 16-53-8 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-53 entitled

"Rhode Island Board of Trustees on Career and Technical Education [See Title 16 Chapter 97 —

The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]" are hereby amended to read as follows:

     16-53-2. Composition of board of trustees.

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     (a) The board of trustees shall be composed of fifteen (15) members appointed by the

governor in staggered terms; all the members shall serve until their successors are appointed and

qualified, except as otherwise provided for in subsection (b) of this section. In the month of March,

the governor shall appoint members to succeed the members whose term will then next expire for

a term of three (3) years commencing on the first day of July then next following and until the

successor is named and qualified. A member shall be eligible to succeed himself or herself. A

vacancy other than by expiration shall be filled in the same manner as an original appointment but

only for the unexpired portion of the term.

     (b) The fifteen (15) members of the board of trustees shall be limited to nine (9) consecutive

years of service and shall consist of:

     (1) Nine (9) individuals who are representative of the private employment sector in the

following manner members of the public having previously served in the private employment

sector:

     (i) Five (5) of whom shall be representative of business, industry, and agriculture including:

     (A) Two (2) members who are representatives of general business concerns;

     (B) One member who is a representative of small business concerns;

     (C) One member who is a private sector member of the governor’s workforce board, or the

Rhode Island workforce investment board, or state job training coordinating council (established

pursuant to section 122 of the Job Training Partnership Act, 29 U.S.C. § 1532); and

     (D) One member who is a representative of the CTE trust established pursuant to this

chapter;

     (ii) Two (2) members who are representatives of labor organizations, one of whom must

be a career and technical teacher; and

     (iii) Two (2) members from trade associations representing employers in the state.

     (2) Five (5) individuals who are representative of secondary and postsecondary educational

institutions including:

     (i) One member who is a representative of the Rhode Island association of school

superintendents;

     (ii) One member who is a representative or the director of career and technical education

programs and/or facilities;

     (iii) The commissioner of elementary and secondary education, or his/her designee:

     (iv) The commissioner of higher education, or his/her designee: and

     (v) One member who is a representative of adult education and skills training.

     (3) The secretary of commerce or his/her designee shall be the fifteenth (15th) member ex

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officio.

     (c) In selecting individuals to serve on the state board, due consideration shall be given to

the appointment of individuals who serve on a private industry council under the Job Training

Partnership Act (established pursuant to 29 U.S.C. § 1512), or on councils established under other

related federal acts.

     (d) Members of the board of trustees may not represent more than one of the above-

specified categories, and there shall be appropriate representation of both sexes, racial, and ethnic

minorities, and the various geographic regions of the state.

     (e) The state shall certify the establishment and membership of the state board of trustees

at least ninety (90) days prior to the beginning of each planning period described in § 113(a)(1) of

United States Public Law 98-524, 20 U.S.C. § 2323(a)(1).

     16-53-8. Creation of career and technical education trust.

     (a) Rhode Island CTE trust established. Effective January 15, 2015, there is hereby created

a permanent, not-for-profit corporation to be known as the Rhode Island CTE trust on career and

technical education.

     (b) Composition of the CTE trust. The power of the trust shall be vested in nine (9)

members appointed originally by the governor in staggered terms. All the members shall serve until

their successors are appointed and qualified. After the original appointments, the CTE trust shall

have authority to appoint successors to fill terms for seven (7) of the members set forth in subsection

(d)(1) of this section.

     (c) The CTE trust shall coordinate with, but shall remain independent from, both RIDE and

the board of education.

     (d) The membership of the CTE trust shall be as follows:

     (1) Seven (7) individuals who are formerly representative of the private sector in the state

who shall constitute a majority of the membership. From among this group, five (5) members shall

be formerly representative of business, industry, and agriculture, including, but not limited to:

     (i) At least one representative from the various trades that are performed in the state; and

     (ii) At least one representative from any trade association representing various career and

technical education career clusters established by the U.S. Department of Education.

     (2) The secretary of commerce for Rhode Island; and

     (3) A member of the governor’s workforce training board, appointed by the governor. The

governor shall make the reappointment to this position.

     (e) A member shall be eligible to succeed himself or herself.

     (f) The governor shall make all appointments to the CTE trust on or before January 15,

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2015.

     SECTION 10. Section 21-28.11-6 of the General Laws in Chapter 21-28.11 entitled "The

Rhode Island Cannabis Act" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     21-28.11-6. Cannabis advisory board.

     (a) There is hereby established a cannabis advisory board, which is directed to work in

collaboration with the commission and the administrator of the cannabis office to advise and issue

recommendations on the use, commerce, regulation and effects of adult-use and medical cannabis

within the state. The advisory board shall additionally provide recommendations to the commission

regarding the administration and distribution of the social equity assistance fund established

pursuant to § 21-28.11-31.

     (b) Membership. The advisory board shall consist of eleven (11) voting members, and

eight (8) non-voting members.

     (1) The board shall consist of the following non-voting members: the secretary of

commerce or designee, the director of the department of labor and training or designee, the director

of the department of health or designee, the commissioner of education or designee, the

superintendent of public safety or designee, the director of the department of business regulation

or designee, the secretary of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) or

designee, and a representative from the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy selected

by the commission.

     (2) The board shall consist of the following voting members: a social equity officer, who

shall be appointed by the governor and serve as chair of the advisory board; two (2) additional

members to be appointed by the governor, one of whom shall represent the cannabis laboratory

testing industry, and one of whom shall be appointed in accordance with subsection (e) of this

section; four (4) members to be appointed by the speaker of the house, one of whom shall represent

the cannabis cultivation industry, and three (3) of whom to be appointed in accordance with

subsection (e) of this section; and four (4) members to be appointed by the president of the senate,

one of whom shall represent the cannabis retail industry, and three (3) of whom to be appointed in

accordance with subsection (e) of this section. Any representative of a particular industry pursuant

to this section shall not have any direct financial interest in the industry they are representing.

     (c) Term of voting members. The voting members shall be appointed to serve three (3)

year terms or until a successor is appointed. In the event of vacancy, the vacancy shall be filled in

the manner of the original appointment for the remainder of the term.

     (d) Compensation. The appointed members and representatives shall receive no

compensation for their services.

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     (e) Representation. The members of the advisory board appointed by the governor, the

speaker of the house and the president of the senate pursuant to the provisions of the chapter shall

to the extent possible be individuals with expertise in the following areas: public and behavioral

health, substance use disorder treatment, effective rehabilitative treatment for adults and juveniles,

homelessness and housing, economic development, criminal justice, law enforcement and drug

policy. Further, the advisory board shall include representation from communities most impacted

by cannabis prohibition, such as individuals with prior drug convictions, the formerly incarcerated,

and representatives of organizations servicing communities impacted by past federal and state drug

policies.

     (f) Quorum. To take action at a meeting, a majority of voting members of the board must

be present and voting to constitute a quorum.

     (g) Role and responsibilities. The advisory board shall:

     (1) Consider all matters submitted to the board by the cannabis control commission;

     (2) Advise and make recommendations to the commission on the preparation and

promulgation of guidelines, rules and regulations and any changes to guidelines, rules and

regulations that the advisory board deems fundamental or necessary for the commission’s review

and consideration;

     (3) Provide analysis and recommendations to the commission relating to the administration

and distribution of the social equity assistance fund established pursuant to § 21-28.11-31;

     (4) Conduct all meetings in compliance with chapter 46 of title 42 (the “open meetings

act”); and

     (5) Report the findings, analysis, recommendations and conclusions adopted and approved

by the board to the commission within thirty (30) days of adoption and approval.

     (h) Subcommittees. The chair may appoint subcommittees in order to develop and report

recommendations and to expedite the work of the board; provided, however, that the chair shall

appoint:

     (1) A subcommittee on public health to develop recommendations on: products, labeling,

marketing, advertising, related public health issues; potency, which may include a recommended

maximum limit for individual servings of cannabis products; and packaging, which may include

the development and implementation of a public health warning to appear on cannabis products;

     (2) A subcommittee on public safety and community mitigation to develop

recommendations on law enforcement, property, business, consumer, and any other issues that may

have an affect on the locality of the cannabis establishment and the surrounding environment;

     (3) A subcommittee on the cannabis industry to develop recommendations on cultivation,

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processing, manufacturing, transportation, distribution, seed-to-sale tracking systems and market

stability;

     (4) A subcommittee on market participation to develop recommendations on minority and

veteran-owned businesses, local agriculture and growing cooperatives; and

     (5) A subcommittee on social equity to develop recommendations on remedying the harm

to individuals directly and adversely impacted by the past enforcement of cannabis-related laws.

     SECTION 11. Section 23-1.7-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 23-1.7 entitled "Rhode

Island Program to Address Alzheimer’s Disease" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     23-1.7-2. Creation of advisory council.

     (a) There is hereby established a council to be called the “advisory council on Alzheimer’s

disease and related disorders.” The advisory council shall consist of nineteen (19) sixteen (16)

members to be composed as follows: the lieutenant governor, or designee; the director of the

department of health, or designee; the director of the office of healthy aging, or designee; the

chairperson of the long-term care coordinating council; three (3) members appointed by the

lieutenant governor, one of whom shall be appointed solely by the lieutenant governor without

reference to any list; one of whom shall be appointed and selected from a list of five (5) names of

individuals submitted by the speaker of the house, with two (2) individuals having experience as

caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders and reflecting diverse

backgrounds, including diversity in race and ethnicity; one of whom shall be appointed and selected

from a list of five (5) names of individuals submitted by the president of the senate, with two (2)

individuals having experience as caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related

disorders and reflecting diverse backgrounds, including race and ethnicity; one member appointed

by the speaker of the house; one member appointed by the president of the senate; and ten (10)

members appointed by the governor. The members appointed by the governor shall include one

member who is an Alzheimer’s disease patient advocate; one member who is an Alzheimer’s

disease caregiver; one member who is a healthcare provider; one member who is a researcher with

Alzheimer’s-related expertise in basic, translational, clinical, or drug-development science; one

member who is a representative from an Alzheimer’s disease organization that funds research and

has demonstrated experience in care and patient services; one member from an Alzheimer’s

advocacy organization that provides services to families and professionals, including information

and referrals, support groups, care consultation, education, and safety services; one member who

is a representative from an organization focused on Alzheimer’s workforce development; one

member who is a representative from the long-term-care industry; and one member who will

represent the adult primary care community; and one member who is a representative of a

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healthcare insurer. Advisory council members shall select their own chairperson. Ten (10) members

shall constitute a quorum.

     (b) The member appointed by the speaker of the house, the member appointed by the

president of the senate, and three (3) members appointed by the governor shall be initially appointed

for a term to expire July 1, 2020, and four (4) members to be appointed by the governor shall be

initially appointed for a term to expire July 1, 2021. After the initial term, the appointed members

shall serve two-year (2) terms, until their successor is appointed.

     SECTION 12. Section 23-4.1-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 23-4.1 entitled

"Emergency Medical Transportation Services" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     23-4.1-2. Ambulance service coordinating advisory board.

     (a) The ambulance service coordinating advisory board is hereby created and shall consist

of twenty-five (25) members appointed as set out in this section. The governor shall appoint the

members of the board as follows: (1) One mayor, town administrator, town manager, or other

municipal official recommended by the senate president; (2) Eight (8) former, non-practicing,

licensed emergency medical technicians as follows: three (3) from a full-time, paid department,

who shall be recommended from the Rhode Island State Association of Fire Fighters, IAFF, AFL-

CIO; two (2) who are active E.M.S. administrators, one recommended by the Rhode Island

Association of Fire Chiefs and one recommended by the Rhode Island State Firemen’s League

from a volunteer fire department; and two (2) recommended by the speaker of the house and one

recommended by the senate president; (3) One from the R.I. Hospital Association; (4) One from

the R.I. Medical Society; (5) One from the R.I. chapter of the American College of Surgeons,

committee on trauma; (6) One from the R.I. chapter of the American College of Emergency

Physicians; (7) One from the Rhode Island chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics; (8)

Two (2) former employees from a professional ambulance service; (9) Two (2) from the general

public; (10) Two (2) from Providence county who are active members of a public ambulance

service or fire department rescue squad unit, one from a full-time paid department and one from a

volunteer department; (11) Four (4), one each from the counties of Kent, Newport, Bristol, and

Washington, who shall be members of a public ambulance service or a fire department rescue

squad; and (12) One certified, emergency nurse in current practice who is a member of the

Emergency Room Nurses Association. The members of the board shall be chosen and shall hold

office for five (5) years and until their respective successors are appointed and qualified. In the

month of February in each year, the governor shall appoint successors to the members of the board

whose terms shall expire in that year, to hold office until the first day of March in the fifth (5th)

year after their appointment and until their respective successors are appointed and qualified. Any

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vacancy that may occur in the board shall be filled by appointment for the remainder of the

unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment. Each member may designate a

representative to attend in his or her absence by notifying the chair prior to that meeting of the

board. The board shall meet at least quarterly and to elect its officers annually.

     (b) The division of emergency medical services of the department of health shall provide

staff support to the board.

     SECTION 13. Section 23-17-13.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 23-17 entitled

"Licensing of Healthcare Facilities" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     23-17-13.1. Health services council.

     (a) There shall be established a health services council consisting of twelve (12) members,

four (4) of whom shall be appointed by the speaker of the house, one who shall be an expert in

healthcare economic and policy matters, and a second who shall represent the insurance business;

four (4) of whom shall be appointed by the president of the senate, one who shall represent the

business community, and a second who shall represent the general public; and four (4) of whom

shall be appointed by the governor, one who shall represent the office of the health insurance

commissioner, a second who shall represent the executive office of health and human services, a

third who shall represent the health insurance business, but not be an employee of any particular

insurance company, and a fourth who shall represent the executive office of commerce. All

members shall serve until the first day of July in the third year after appointment or until their

respective successors are appointed and qualified. Any vacancy of a member appointed that may

occur in the council shall be filled by appointment by the respective appointing authority for the

remainder of the unexpired term. The council may also serve as an advisory council as authorized

by § 23-16-3.

     (b) A person may not be a member of the health services council if the person is required

to register as a lobbyist as defined under chapter 139 of title 42.

     (c) Notwithstanding any laws, rules, or regulations to the contrary, all recommendations of

the health services council shall be by a majority vote of its members present at the time the vote

is taken.

     SECTION 14. Section 23-17.3-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 23-17.3 entitled "Long-

Term Care Coordinating Council" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     23-17.3-2. Membership.

     The council shall be comprised of thirty-three (33) twenty-eight (28) members, as follows:

the lieutenant governor or designee; the director of the department of health or designee; the

secretary of the executive office of health and human services or designee; the director of the

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department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals or designee; the

attorney general or designee; the director of the office of healthy aging or designee; the chair of the

Rhode Island advisory commission on aging or designee; the director of the Rhode Island Chapter

of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) or designee; the state long-term care

ombudsman or designee; the president of the Rhode Island Senior Center Directors Association or

designee; the executive director of the Rhode Island chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association or

designee; a representative of a not-for-profit long-term-care provider organization other than a

nursing home owner and a representative of a long-term-care service provider that primarily serves

persons with developmental disabilities, both to be appointed by the governor; a representative of

an assisted living residence other than a nursing home, to be appointed by the lieutenant governor;

a public member with no direct interest in long-term-care ownership representing a senior advocacy

organization, to be appointed by the speaker; a representative of the state program of all inclusive

care for the elderly, to be appointed by the lieutenant governor; a representative of senior housing,

to be appointed by the lieutenant governor; a representative of a hospice provider organization, to

be appointed by the senate president; a licensed home-care provider or a licensed home nursing

care provider, to be appointed by the speaker; a representative of a community mental health center,

to be appointed by the president of the senate; a registered nurse experienced in the care of the

elderly, to be appointed by the governor; a representative of nonmanagerial nursing home

employees, to be appointed by the president of the senate; two (2) members of the house, not more

than one (1) from the same political party, to be appointed by the speaker; a nursing home owner,

to be appointed by the speaker; two (2) members of the senate, not more than one from the same

political party, to be appointed by the president of the senate; one consumer of home- and

community-based care or a caregiver of a consumer of home- and community-based care, to be

appointed by the lieutenant governor; one consumer of behavioral health services or a caregiver of

a consumer of behavioral health services, to be appointed by the speaker; a member of the public

representing the interests of parents of children with special care needs, to be appointed by the

governor; a person with developmental disabilities or a representative of an organization that

advocates for the rights of persons with developmental disabilities, to be appointed by the lieutenant

governor; and a non-practicing general physician or advanced practice nurse with experience in

serving persons with long-term care and behavioral health needs, to be appointed by the president

of the senate; and a representative of a managed care health insurer providing long-term support

and services, to be appointed by the governor. All additional members shall be members of the

public appointed by the governor. The members of the council shall serve two-year (2) terms,

expiring on the second anniversary of each individual’s appointment or on the date that their

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respective successors are appointed and qualified, whichever is later.

     SECTION 15. Section 23-17.4-21.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 23-17.4 entitled

"Assisted Living Residence Licensing Act" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     23-17.4-21.1. Assisted living administrator certification board.

     (a) Within the department there is established an assisted living administrator certification

board to be appointed by the director of health with the approval of the governor consisting of seven

(7) members as follows: two (2) members of the board are persons with at least five (5) years

experience in operating an assisted living residence; one member of the board is an active assisted

living administrator who is not an assisted living owner; two (2) members are persons representing

assisted living consumers or family members; and two (2) members are representatives of the

assisted living industry or are assisted living employees but not owners of an assisted living

residence.

     (b) Members shall be appointed to three (3) year terms. No member shall serve for more

than two (2) terms. The director, with the approval of the governor, shall appoint all vacancies, as

they occur for the remainder of a term or until a successor is appointed.

     (c) The director may remove, after a hearing and with the approval of the governor, any

member of the board for neglect of any duty required by law or for any incompetency,

unprofessional or dishonorable conduct. Before beginning a term, a member shall take an oath

prescribed by law for state officers, a record of which shall be filed with the secretary of state.

     (d) The director shall appoint a chairperson.

     (e) Four (4) members of the board shall constitute a quorum.

     (f) The board shall serve without compensation.

     (g) Meetings of the board shall be called by the director or the director’s designee, or a

majority of the board members.

     (h) The director shall provide for a staff person of the department to serve as an

administrative agent for the board.

     SECTION 16. Section 23-17.17-6 of the General Laws in Chapter 23-17.17 entitled

"Health Care Quality Program" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     23-17.17-6. Health care quality steering committee.

     (a) The director shall establish and serve as chairperson of a health care quality steering

committee of no more than nineteen (19) members to advise in the following matters:

     (1) Determination of the comparable performance measures to be reported on;

     (2) Assessment of factors, including, but not limited to, factors related to incidents and

events reported to the department pursuant to § 23-17-40, contributing to the provision of quality

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health care and patient safety;

     (3) Selection of the patient satisfaction survey measures and instrument;

     (4) Methods and format for data collection;

     (5) Program expansion and quality improvement initiatives;

     (6) Format for the public quality performance measurement report;

     (7) Consideration of nursing-sensitive performance measures to be reported on;

     (8) Consideration of the relationship between human resources and quality, beginning with

measurement and reporting for nursing staff;

     (9) Consideration of measures associated with hospital-acquired infections with

consultation of infections control experts and with the hospital-acquired infections and prevention

advisory committee as established herein:

     (i) Hospital-acquired infections and prevention advisory committee:

     (A) The director of the department of health as the chairperson of the steering committee

shall appoint a permanent subcommittee called the hospital-acquired infections and prevention

advisory committee. Membership shall include representatives from public and private hospitals,

infection control professionals, director care nursing staff, physicians, epidemiologists with

expertise in hospital-acquired infections, academic researchers, consumer organizations, health

insurers, health maintenance organizations, organized labor, and purchasers of health insurance,

such as employers. The advisory committee shall have a majority of members representing the

infection control community.

     (B) The director of the department of health shall conduct a national and state specific

public reporting format scan of hospital acquired infection public reporting to be completed and

transmitted to the steering committee and referred to the advisory committee by October 1, 2008.

     (C) The advisory committee shall assist and advise the steering committee and the

department in the development of all aspects of the department’s methodology for collecting,

analyzing, and disclosing the information collected under this act, including collection methods,

formatting, and methods and means for release and dissemination.

     (D) In developing the methodology for collecting and analyzing the hospital infection data,

the department, steering committee and advisory committee shall consider existing methodologies

and systems for data collection, such as the centers for disease control’s national healthcare safety

network, or its successor; provided, however, the department’s discretion to adopt a methodology

shall not be limited or restricted to any existing methodology or system. The data collection and

analysis methodology shall be disclosed with the public report at the time of release.

     (E) The department, steering committee and the advisory committee shall evaluate, on a

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regular basis, the quality and accuracy of hospital information reported under this act and the data

collection, analysis, and dissemination methodologies.

     (ii) Hospital reports:

     (A) Individual hospitals shall collect data on hospital-acquired infections for the specific

clinical procedures determined by the department by regulation, which may include the following

general categories as further defined by the advisory committee:

     (I) Surgical site infections;

     (II) Ventilator-associated pneumonia;

     (III) Central line-related bloodstream infections;

     (IV) Urinary tract infections;

     (V) Process of care measures, such as compliance with the surgical infection

prevention/surgical care improvement program (SIP/SCIP) parameters, prevention bundles for

central line-associated bloodstream infections, prevention bundles for catheter-associated urinary

tract infections, hand hygiene compliance, compliance with isolation precautions; and

     (VI) Other categories as recommended by the advisory committee.

     (B) Beginning on or before April 1, 2009, hospitals shall submit quarterly reports on their

hospital-acquired infection rates to the department. Quarterly reports shall be submitted, in a format

set forth in regulations adopted by the department. Data in quarterly reports must cover a period

ending not earlier than one month prior to submission of the report. Annual reports shall be made

available to the public at each hospital and through the department. The first annual report shall be

due no later than October 2010.

     (C) The advisory committee shall recommend standardized criteria for reporting surgical

site infection outcome data for quality improvement recommendations. This will include standards

for post discharge surveillance. The information shall be included in hospital’s quality

improvement and safety plan to reduce surgical site infection. The advisory committee shall

recommend written guidelines to be given to every individual before and if necessary during their

hospitalization for the purpose of preventing hospital-acquired infections. In emergency

hospitalizations, written guidelines shall be given within a reasonable period of time.

     (D) If the hospital is a division or subsidiary of another entity that owns or operates other

hospitals or related organizations, the quarterly report shall be for the specific division or subsidiary

and not the other entity.

     (iii) Department reports:

     (A) The department shall annually submit to the legislature a report summarizing the

hospital quarterly reports and shall publish the annual report on its website. The first annual report

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shall be submitted and published no later than December 2010. Following the initial report, the

department shall update the public information on a yearly basis after it has been reviewed by the

steering committee with advice from the hospital-acquired infections and prevention advisory

committee.

     (B) All reports of outcome measures issued by the department may be risk-adjusted using

NHSN methodology or other nationally accepted methodology, to adjust for the differences among

hospitals as reviewed and recommended by the hospital-acquired infections and prevention

advisory committee.

     (C) The annual report shall compare hospital-acquired infection data as recommended by

the advisory committee, collected under subsection (9)(B), for each individual hospital in the state.

The department, in consultation with the advisory committee, shall make this comparison as easy

to comprehend as possible. The report shall also include an executive summary, written in plain

language that shall include, but not be limited to, a discussion of findings, conclusions, and trends

concerning the overall state of hospital-acquired infections in the state, including a comparison to

prior years. The report may include policy recommendations, as appropriate.

     (D) The department shall publicize the report and its availability as widely as practical to

interested parties, including, but not limited to, hospitals, providers, media organizations, health

insurers, health maintenance organizations, purchasers of health insurance, organized labor,

consumer or patient advocacy groups, and individual consumers. The annual report shall be made

available to any person upon request.

     (E) No hospital report of department disclosure may contain information identifying a

patient, employee, or licensed healthcare professional in connection with a specific infection

incident.

     (10) Consideration of pressure ulcer occurrence; and

     (11) Other related issues as requested by the director.

     (b) The members of the health care quality performance steering committee shall include

one member of the house of representatives, to be appointed by the speaker; one member of the

senate, to be appointed by the president of the senate; the director or director’s designee of the

department of human services; the director or the director’s designee of the department of

behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals; the director or the director’s

designee of the office of healthy aging; and thirteen (13) members to be appointed by the director

of the department of health to include persons representing Rhode Island licensed hospitals and

other licensed facilities/providers, the medical and nursing professions, the business community,

organized labor, consumers, and health insurers and health plans and other parties committed to

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healthcare quality; provided that, no such appointee has a financial interest in the hospital or

licensed facility.

     SECTION 17. Section 23-24.9-2.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 23-24.9 entitled

"Mercury Reduction and Education Act" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     23-24.9-2.1. Oversight and systems planning.

     (a) The general assembly further finds:

     (1) That reduction and elimination of health and environmental threats from mercury is a

highly complex undertaking requiring cooperation among policy makers, public health and

environmental officials and advocates, private businesses from diverse industries and sectors,

consumers, and the general public within Rhode Island and depending on actions in other states

and at the federal level;

     (2) That systems planning is critical to the smooth, effective, and efficient implementation

of programs to reduce and eliminate health and environmental threats from mercury in Rhode

Island;

     (3) That the implementation of the provisions of this chapter between July 2001 and July

2003 has been incomplete and partial and has given rise to unintended consequences; and

     (4) That additional time is required to study how to make the provisions of this chapter

more efficient and effective and to provide for needed systems planning.

     (b)(1) There is hereby created a fourteen (14) member commission on oversight and

planning for mercury hazard reduction and elimination with the following membership: nine (9)

members to be appointed by the governor; four (4) representatives of private business the public

with no financial interest in any business affected by this chapter; one of whom shall be an engineer

with expertise in manufacturing processes and pollution prevention; one of whom shall be an expert

on the effects of mercury on public health and/or the environment; one of whom shall be a

representative of consumer interests, and two (2) of whom shall be representatives of advocacy

organizations, and five (5) of whom shall be ex officio, voting members: the director of the

department of environmental management, the director of the department of health, the executive

of the Rhode Island economic development corporation, the executive director of the Rhode Island

resource recovery corporation, and the executive director of the Rhode Island League of Cities and

Towns. The ex-officio members may designate an alternate in writing who shall have voting

privileges. The members of the commission shall not receive compensation services. From the

membership of the commission, the governor shall designate a chairperson.

     (2) The purposes of the commission shall be to study the system for reducing and

eliminating mercury hazards in Rhode Island, including, but not limited to:

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     (A) Identifying current and projected sources of mercury hazards;

     (B) Evaluating programs and efforts to reduce the sources in a cost-effective and efficient

manner that does not place Rhode Island at a disadvantage with other states;

     (C) Building on effective efforts in other states and achieving a consistency with other

states in terms of approach and timing of implementation; and

     (D) Determining the availability and effectiveness to consumers and the public of

programs, facilities for disposal and recycling mercury-added products, and education about

mercury-added products and mercury hazards. On or before March 1, 2004, and on or before

September 1, 2004, the commission shall present to the governor, the speaker of the house of

representatives, and the president of the senate an interim progress report informing them of the

scope and progress of the commission’s work, to date. The commission shall report its findings and

recommendations to the governor, the speaker of the house, and the president of the senate by

January 1, 2005, which recommendation shall include such proposals as the commission deems

necessary or appropriate for amendments to this chapter.

     (3) The commission shall meet at the call of the chair, and shall have the power to adopt

bylaws for its organization and appoint such officers and committees as it deems appropriate.

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

documentary or otherwise, and such support and assistance as the commission deems necessary or

desirable. The director of administration shall arrange meeting space for and organizational support

to the commission.

     (5) The commission shall terminate effective July 1, 2005.

     (c) In order to provide time for the commission to complete its work, for planning and

implementing such changes to programs as may be proposed, and for enacting such changes as may

be desirable, that effective dates for implementing the provisions of this chapter pertaining to phase-

outs and exemptions (§ 23-24.9-7), labeling (§ 23-24.9-8), disposal bans (§ 23-24.9-9), collection

of mercury-added products (§ 23-24.9-10), disclosure (§ 23-24.9-11), and violations (§ 23-24.9-

16) shall be July 1, 2005, unless a later date is provided for in the section, and no actions to enforce

said provisions may be undertaken until July 1, 2005, or after, provided, however that voluntary

use of the provisions shall be facilitated and allowed.

     SECTION 18. Section 23-34.1-17 of the General Laws in Chapter 23-34.1 entitled

"Amusement Ride Safety Act" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     23-34.1-17. Advisory committee.

     To assist in the adoption of rules and regulations with regard to the operation of amusement

rides and devices, there is hereby created an amusement ride advisory committee. The committee

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shall consist of seven (7) members, one (1) of whom shall be a former carnival owner, one (1) of

whom shall be a former member of the amusement ride industry, one (1) of whom shall be a

structural engineer, one (1) of whom shall be the state building commissioner or his or her designee,

one (1) of whom shall be a mechanical engineer, one (1) of whom shall be the state fire marshall

or his or her designee, and one (1) of whom shall be a citizen of the state of Rhode Island, all

members to be appointed by the governor for a three (3) year term, and to meet on a quarterly basis

or as needed by the commissioner in furtherance of the provision of this chapter.

     SECTION 19. Section 23-99-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 23-99 entitled "The Rhode

Island Life Science Hub Act" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     23-99-4. Rhode Island life science hub established.

     (a) There is hereby constituted as an independent public a public corporation for the

purposes set forth in this chapter with a separate legal existence from the state to be known as the

Rhode Island life science hub hereinafter to be referred to as the “hub”. The exercise by the hub of

the powers conferred by this chapter shall be considered to be the performance of an essential

governmental function.

     (b) The hub shall be governed and its corporate powers exercised by a board of directors

consisting of fifteen (15) thirteen (13) directors: seven (7) of whom shall be appointed by the

governor, one of whom shall be a senior executive with extensive background in the banking, grant

making, and fundraising fields, one of whom shall be a member of a life science trade association,

or his or her designee, one of whom shall be the a former president or a senior executive of a Rhode

Island based life science company, or his or her designee, two (2) of whom shall be former senior

executives of Rhode Island based life science companies specializing in biomanufacturing, or his

or her designees, one of whom shall be a representative of organized labor, or his or her designee,

and one of whom shall be a member of the public who shall be a certified public accountant and a

member of the Rhode Island society of certified public accountants; one of whom shall be the

secretary of commerce; three (3) of whom shall be the president of Rhode Island college, or his or

her designee, the president of the university of Rhode Island, or his or her designee, and the

president of Brown university, or his or her designee; one of whom shall be the dean of the Warren

Alpert Medical School of Brown university, or his or her designee; one of whom shall be the

president and chief executive officer of the Lifespan Corporation, or his or her designee; one of

whom shall be the president and chief executive officer of Care New England Health System, or

his or her designee; and one of whom shall be an ex officio director who shall also be the director

of economic development for the city of Providence, or his or her designee.

     (c) The chair of the board shall be appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent

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of the senate, and shall be an individual who served in the capacity as a senior executive with

extensive background in the banking, grant making, and fundraising fields. The vice-chair of the

board shall be the secretary of commerce. Eight (8) directors shall constitute a quorum, and any

action to be taken by the board under the provisions of this chapter may be authorized by resolution

approved by a majority of the directors present and entitled to vote at any regular or special meeting

at which a quorum is present. No votes on the certification of any life science company nor on the

allocation or award of any fund resources to any certified life science company shall be taken unless

the chair is present and voting. A vacancy in the membership of the board of directors shall not

impair the right of a quorum to exercise all of the rights and perform all of the duties of the board.

Pursuant to § 42-46-5(b)(6), board directors are authorized to participate remotely using

videoconferencing technology in open public meetings of the board; provided, however, that:

     (1) The remote director(s) and all persons present at the meeting location are clearly audible

and visible to each other;

     (2) A quorum of the body is participating, either in person or by the use of remote

videoconferencing technology;

     (3) A member of the board who participates in a meeting of the board remotely shall be

considered present for purposes of a quorum and voting;

     (4) If videoconferencing is used to conduct a meeting, the public notice for the meeting

shall inform the public that videoconferencing will be used and include instructions on how the

public can access the virtual meeting; and

     (5) The board shall adopt rules defining the requirements of remote participation including

its use for executive session, and the conditions by which a director is authorized to participate

remotely.

     (d) Each board member shall serve a term of four (4) years. In the event that the chair of

the board position becomes vacant for any reason, or the chair is not able to perform the duties of

that position for any reason, the vice chair shall serve as the interim chair until the chair is able to

resume the chair’s duties; provided, however, in the event that the chair is not able to resume the

chair’s duties in that position, the governor shall appoint a new chair and, in making this

appointment, the governor shall give due consideration to appointing an individual from a list of

six (6) candidates, three (3) of whom shall be provided to the governor by the speaker of the house

and three (3) of whom shall be provided to the governor by the president of the senate. Any person

appointed to fill a vacancy in the office of an appointed director of the board shall be appointed in

a like manner and shall serve for the unexpired term of such director. Any director shall be eligible

for reappointment.

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     (e) The director of the board who is a member of the public and who is a certified public

accountant and a member of the Rhode Island society of certified public accountants shall serve as

treasurer and shall be charged with keeping the funds, books of account, and accounting records of

the hub. No grants, tax credits, or incentives shall be issued by the hub to any certified life science

company without the approval of the board and the signature of the treasurer. The board shall

annually elect a secretary who shall keep a record of the proceedings of the board and shall be

custodian of all books, documents, and papers.

     (f) Board directors shall serve without compensation, but each director shall be entitled to

reimbursement for actual, reasonable, and necessary expenses while engaged in the performance

of official duties. Board directors, officers, and employees shall not be liable to the state, the hub,

or to any other person as a result of their activities except for malfeasance in office or intentional

violations of law.

     (g) The board shall establish an application review committee consisting of not less than

three (3) directors of the board, which shall review certification proposals submitted by life sciences

companies that shall be supported by independently verifiable information, and the board shall

make a record of findings based on the certification proposal, documents submitted therewith, and

any additional evidence that the life science company meets all criteria that the hub may prescribe.

     (h) Certified life science companies shall be eligible to receive funding from the hub, upon

a majority vote of the board, for the following benefits which shall be awarded by the board on a

competitive basis:

     (1) Grants, loans, or other investments;

     (2) Assistance from the hub in obtaining federal, state, and nonprofit monies; or

     (3) Assistance from the hub in facilitating clinical trials.

     (i) Notwithstanding any other provisions of law in relation to their tenure of office, the

governor may remove any board director for the neglect of any duty required by law, incompetence,

unprofessional conduct, or willful misconduct.

     (j) Each director shall make full disclosure, in accordance with §§ 36-14-1 — 36-14-7, of

any financial interest, if any, in any matter before the board. Such interest must be disclosed in

advance to the directors of the board, recorded in the minutes of the board, and the director having

such an interest shall recuse themselves and shall not participate in any decision of the board

relating to such interest.

     (k) With the advice and consent of the senate, the board shall have the power to hire a

president, who shall also serve as the chief executive officer of the hub. The board also shall have

the power to establish compensation and conditions of employment for the president and chief

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executive officer; provided, further, the board shall have the power to hire other employees and

establish compensation and conditions of employment for such employees.

     (l) The commerce corporation shall provide operating quarters for the hub for, at a

minimum, the first year of the hub’s operation.

     SECTION 20. Section 28-21-21 of the General Laws in Chapter 28-21 entitled "Hazardous

Substances Right-To-Know Act" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     28-21-21. Permanent commission on hazardous substances in the workplace.

     (a) There is created a permanent commission on hazardous substances in the workplace

whose purpose it shall be to oversee and study the implementation of this chapter and to advise the

general assembly with respect to methods of improving the purpose of this chapter. The

commission shall annually submit its report to the general assembly not later than January 15 of

each year.

     (b) The commission shall consist of seventeen (17) fourteen (14) members, three (3) of

whom shall be from the house of representatives, not more than two (2) of whom shall be from the

same political party, to be appointed by the speaker to serve for their legislative term; two (2) of

whom shall be from the senate, one from each political party, to be appointed by the president of

the senate to serve for his or her legislative term; two (2) representatives of labor, two (2)

representatives of business, one member from the department of health, one member from the

department of labor and training; four (4) members from the public, one member from the medical

profession, and one member from the jewelry industry, all of whom shall be appointed by the

speaker, to serve for terms of three (3) years.

     (c) During the month of February every year, the speaker shall appoint a member to succeed

the members whose term will then next expire, to serve for a term of three (3) years commencing

on the first day of March then next following, and until his or her successor is appointed and

qualified.

     (d) A member shall be eligible to succeed himself or herself.

     (e) A vacancy, other than by expiration, shall be filled in like manner as an original

appointment, but only for the unexpired portion of the term.

     (f) The speaker shall select a chairperson from among the membership of the commission

to serve at the pleasure of the speaker.

     (g) The membership of the commission shall receive no compensation for their services.

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

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

by the commission to facilitate the purposes of this section.

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     (i) The speaker of the house is authorized and directed to provide suitable quarters for the

commission.

     SECTION 21. Section 28-29-30 of the General Laws in Chapter 28-29 entitled "Workers’

Compensation — General Provisions" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     28-29-30. Advisory council.

     (a) There is created a workers’ compensation advisory council consisting of seventeen (17)

members as follows:

     (1) The chief judge of the workers’ compensation court and two (2) additional judges of

the workers’ compensation court and one member of the bar who primarily represents injured

workers before the workers’ compensation court, both to be selected by the chief judge;

     (2) The director of business regulation;

     (3) The director of administration;

     (4) Three (3) representatives from labor appointed by the governor, one of whom shall be

an injured worker;

     (5) Three (3) representatives from business Four (4) members of the public appointed by

the governor, one of whom shall represent cities and towns;

     (6) One representative from the general public appointed by the governor;

     (7) The chairperson of the senate labor committee, or his or her designee;

     (8) The chairperson of the house labor committee, or his or her designee;

     (9) The director of labor and training; and

     (10) The chief executive officer of the workers’ compensation insurance fund, or his or her

designee.

     (b) It shall be the duty of the council to advise the governor and the general assembly, on

an annual basis, on the administration of the workers’ compensation system.

     SECTION 22. Section 28-42-37 of the General Laws in Chapter 28-42 entitled

"Employment Security — General Provisions" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     28-42-37. Advisory council.

     (a) The human resource investment council shall establish a state advisory council of eight

(8) six (6) members. Four (4) of the members shall be appointed by the governor from

recommendations made by the human resource investment council; two (2) of those members shall

be persons who, because of vocation, employment, or affiliation can be classed as employers and

two (2) of those members shall be persons who because of vocation, employment, or affiliation can

be classed as employees. The chair of the house committee on labor, the chair of the senate

committee on labor, the executive director of the economic policy council, and the director of the

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department of labor and training shall serve on the council by virtue of their respective positions.

The council shall aid the director of the department of labor and training in formulating policies

and solving problems relating to the administration of chapters 42 — 44 of this title, and in assuring

impartiality, neutrality, and freedom from partisan influence in the solution of those problems.

     (b) The council shall provide on or before March 31 of each year to the governor and the

general assembly a written report describing its activities.

     SECTION 23. Section 28-45-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 28-45 entitled

"Apprenticeship Programs in Trade and Industry" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     28-45-2. Apprenticeship council.

     (a) The director of labor and training, with the advice and consent of the governor, shall

appoint a state apprenticeship council composed of four (4) representatives each, from employer

and employee organizations respectively, and one public member. One of the employer

representatives shall represent a business employing less than fifty (50) employees. In making the

appointments, the director shall give due consideration to include representatives from different

types of industries, including those industries participating in non-trade apprenticeship programs

established pursuant to § 42-102-11. The council shall, by majority vote, elect from its membership

a chairperson, a vice-chairperson, and a secretary. The vice-chairperson shall act in the absence or

inability of the chairperson.

     (b) Upon the expiration of the terms of the council’s present membership, the director of

labor and training, with the advice and consent of the governor, shall appoint members to the

apprenticeship council for initial terms, and those members shall hold office until their successors

are appointed and have qualified, as follows:

     (1) One representative each, from employer and employee organizations respectively, for

an initial term of one year;

     (2) One representative each, from employer and employee organizations respectively, for

an initial term of two (2) years;

     (3) One representative each, from employer and employee organizations respectively, for

an initial term of three (3) years;

     (4) One representative each, from employer and employee organizations respectively, for

an initial term of four (4) years; and

     (5) One public member, representing a community organization, for an initial term of four

(4) years.

     (c) Upon the expiration of those initial terms, members shall be appointed for terms of four

(4) years and shall hold office until their successors are appointed and have qualified. Any vacancy

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shall be filled by appointments by the director of labor and training, with the advice and consent of

the governor, for the unexpired portion of the term. The commissioner of elementary and secondary

education and the director of labor and training shall be members of the council, ex-officio, without

vote.

     (d) The council may, by majority vote, designate any consultants that it may deem

necessary and desirable to assist it in the performance of its duties.

     (e) Members of the board shall not be compensated for their service on the board.

     SECTION 24. Section 28-47-8 of the General Laws in Chapter 28-47 entitled "Workers’

Compensation — Group Self-Insurance" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     28-47-8. Advisory committee for group self-insurance.

     (a) To advise the director, there shall be an advisory committee for group self-insurance,

which shall consist of seven (7) members appointed by the governor: (1) One of those members

shall be named from the manufacturing and trade group of group self-insurance; (2) Two (2) from

the transportation, public utilities, and construction group; (3) Two (2) from the services industry;

(4) One from healthcare facilities; and (5) One member shall be a group self-insurer selected at

large by the governor, who shall be vice-chairperson of the advisory committee. The director, or

his or her designee, shall be an additional member of the advisory committee and act as chairperson

of the committee. Any member appointed to the advisory committee shall be a group self-insurer

or an officer of a group self-insurer or a person who on account of his or her employment or

affiliation can be classed as a management representative of a group self-insurer.

     (b) The members of the advisory committee for group self-insurance shall be appointed for

terms of three (3) years. Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term by appointment by the

governor. Members shall continue in office until their successors are appointed. In the event that

no appointment is made within three (3) months after a vacancy exists or after the expiration of the

term of a member, the remaining members may fill the vacancy by a majority vote. If a member is

absent from two (2) consecutive regular meetings without adequate excuse his or her place may be

declared vacant by the director.

     (c) Members of the advisory committee shall serve without pay, but are entitled to their

reasonable and necessary traveling and other expenses incurred in connection with their duties.

     (d) Regular meetings of the advisory committee shall be held twice a year on the dates to

be fixed by the director. In addition, special meetings shall be held if called by the director or any

three (3) members of the committee.

     (e) The advisory committee shall have access to all group self-insurance records and shall

have the power to require the presence before it of any employee or any group self-insurer.

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Information obtained by members of the advisory committee shall be deemed confidential unless

disclosed by order of the committee.

     (f) It shall be the duty of the advisory committee to advise the director on all matters

relating to group self-insurance, particularly in respect to rules governing group self-insurance, the

deposit or withdrawal of securities, and on such other matters as the director shall request.

     (g) The director shall detail to the advisory committee any stenographic or other assistance

that may be necessary.

     SECTION 25. Section 30-15-6 of the General Laws in Chapter 30-15 entitled "Emergency

Management" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     30-15-6. Advisory council.

     (a) There is hereby created the Rhode Island emergency management advisory council

(hereinafter in this chapter called the “council”). The council will consist of thirty-eight (38)

members as follows:

     (1) Twenty-three (23) ex officio members as follows:

     (i) The lieutenant governor or designee;

     (ii) The adjutant general or designee;

     (iii) The director of the department of administration or designee;

     (iv) The director of the department of health or designee;

     (v) The director of transportation or designee;

     (vi) The director of human services or designee;

     (vii) The director of the department of public safety or designee;

     (viii) The administrator of the division of public utilities and carriers or designee;

     (ix) The director of the department of environmental management or designee;

     (x) The director of the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and

hospitals or designee;

     (xi) [Deleted by P.L. 2017, ch. 84, § 1 and P.L. 2017, ch. 86, § 1];

     (xii) [Deleted by P.L. 2017, ch. 84, § 1 and P.L. 2017, ch. 86, § 1];

     (xiii) The chairperson of the governor’s commission on disabilities or designee;

     (xiv) The chairperson of the Rhode Island public transit authority or designee;

     (xv) The executive director of the coastal resources management council or designee;

     (xvi) The executive director of the American Red Cross, Rhode Island chapter, or designee;

     (xvii) The director of the Rhode Island emergency management agency or designee;

     (xviii) The state court administrator or designee;

     (xix) The executive director of the commission on the deaf and hard of hearing or designee;

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     (xx) The director of the Providence emergency management agency or designee;

     (xxi) The executive director of the E-911 emergency telephone system division or

designee;

     (xxii) [Deleted by P.L. 2017, ch. 84, § 1 and P.L. 2017, ch. 86, § 1];

     (xxiii) The secretary of the executive office of health and human services or designee;

     (xxiv) The president of the Rhode Island Association of Emergency Managers or designee;

     (xxv) The president of the United Way of Rhode Island or designee; and

     (xxvi) The executive director of the Rhode Island commission for national and community

services or designee.

     (2) Fifteen (15) Eleven (11) members appointed by, and serving at the pleasure of, the

governor, as follows:

     (i) Two (2) members of the senate, recommended by the president of the senate, not more

than one of whom shall be from the same political party;

     (ii) Two (2) members of the house of representatives, recommended by the speaker of the

house, not more than one of whom shall be from the same political party;

     (iii) One representative of the gas and electric industry;

     (iv) [Deleted by P.L. 2017, ch. 84, § 1 and P.L. 2017, ch. 86, § 1];

     (v) One representative of the telephone industry;

     (vi) [Deleted by P.L. 2017, ch. 84, § 1 and P.L. 2017, ch. 86, § 1];

     (vii) Two (2) representatives of the general public, one of whom shall have expertise in

disaster preparedness;

     (viii) One representative of the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns;

     (ix) One representative of the media;

     (x) One representative of the water supply industry;

     (xi) One representative of the healthcare industry;

     (xii) One representative of the Rhode Island State Association of Firefighters;

     (xiii) One representative of the Rhode Island Association of Fire Chiefs; and

     (xiv) [Deleted by P.L. 2017, ch. 84, § 1 and P.L. 2017, ch. 86, § 1];

     (xv) [Deleted by P.L. 2017, ch. 84, § 1 and P.L. 2017, ch. 86, § 1];

     (xvi) One representative of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association.

     (b) It shall be the duty of the council to advise the governor and the director of the Rhode

Island emergency management agency on all matters pertaining to disaster preparedness. The

lieutenant governor shall serve as chairperson of the council and the director of the Rhode Island

emergency management agency shall serve as vice-chairperson. A quorum shall consist of twelve

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(12) members of the council. In providing advice to the governor and the director, the council shall,

among other matters reasonably related to its authority, do the following:

     (1) Establish a regular meeting schedule and form subcommittees as may be appropriate;

     (2) Review emergency management plans and other matters as may be acted upon or

otherwise provided for in this chapter;

     (3) Establish priorities and goals on emergency management matters on an annual basis;

     (4) Study emergency management plans in conjunction with the director of the Rhode

Island emergency management agency, and otherwise conduct such other studies as may be deemed

appropriate;

     (5) Review the coordination of the state’s emergency management programs with

appropriate authorized agencies and conduct studies on the programs as may be necessary;

     (6) Review the plans and operations of the various cities and towns in disaster preparedness

in conjunction with the director of the Rhode Island emergency management agency and his or her

office as required or necessary; and

     (7) [Deleted by P.L. 2000, ch. 170, § 2];

     (8) Provide an annual report on its activities in conjunction with the director.

     SECTION 26. Section 31-50-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-50 entitled "Office of

Automobile Theft and Insurance Fraud" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     31-50-2. Board created.

     There is created the automobile theft and insurance fraud investigations board, referred to

in this chapter as “the board”. The board shall consist of five (5) members one of whom shall be

appointed to represent the interests of consumers by the governor; one of whom shall be appointed

by the attorney general; one of whom shall be appointed by the governor to represent the insurance

industry with no financial interest in any particular insurance company; one of whom shall be

appointed by the president of the Rhode Island Chiefs of Police Association; and one of whom shall

be the superintendent of the state police, ex-officio, or his or her designee. The initial appointments

to the positions created in this section for appointed members shall be for a term of four (4) years,

three (3) years, two (2) years, and one year respectively, to be determined by the governor, and

subsequently to a term of four (4) years, or until a successor is appointed.

     SECTION 27. Section 39-21-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 39-21 entitled "E-911

Uniform Emergency Telephone System Division" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     39-21-4. Advisory commission.

     (a) There shall be an E-911 uniform emergency telephone system advisory commission

consisting of fourteen (14) thirteen (13) members to be appointed in the following manner: five (5)

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members shall be the director of the department of health, or his or her designee, the fire marshal,

or his or her designee, the colonel of the Rhode Island state police, or his or her designee, the state

telecommunications director, or his or her designee, and the administrator of the division of public

utilities and carriers, or his or her designee; three (3) members shall be appointed by the speaker of

the house: one of whom shall be a member of the house of representatives, and one of whom shall

be a representative of the police chiefs’ association, and one of whom shall be a representative of

the telecommunication services provider that is the primary provider to the E-911 PSAP; three (3)

members shall be appointed by the president of the senate: one of whom shall be a member of the

senate, one of whom shall be a representative of the fire chiefs’ association, and one of whom shall

be a representative of the wireless telecommunication industry; and three (3) members shall be

appointed by the governor: two (2) of whom shall be representatives of the public, and one of whom

shall be a representative of the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns.

     (b) Members of the commission shall serve five-year (5) terms, except for ex officio

members.

     (c) The advisory commission may make such recommendations and give such advice to

the executive director of the division as it deems appropriate.

     SECTION 28. Section 39-26.2-11 of the General Laws in Chapter 39-26.2 entitled

"Distributed Generation Standard Contracts" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     39-26.2-11. Composition and appointment.

     (a) The board shall consist of ten (10) nine (9) members appointed by the governor with

the advice and consent of the senate; seven (7) members shall be voting members, and the governor

shall give due consideration to appointing persons with no financial interest, but knowledge of: (1)

Energy regulation and law; (2) Large commercial/industrial users; (3) Small commercial/industrial

users; (4) Residential users; (5) Low-income users; (6) Environmental issues pertaining to energy;

and (7) Construction of renewable generation. Three (3) Two (2) members shall be ex officio,

nonvoting members, one representing an electric distribution company, one representing the

commissioner of the office of energy resources, and one representing the commerce corporation.

From the seven (7) voting members, the governor shall appoint one person to be chairperson of the

board and one person to be vice chairperson of the board; the commissioner of the office of energy

resources shall be the executive secretary and executive director of the board.

     (b) With the exception of the representative of the commissioner of the office of energy

resources, and the representative of the commerce corporation, the initial appointment of the other

ex officio, nonvoting member shall be for a term of two (2) years, to be thereafter reappointed or

replaced by a nonvoting member with terms of two (2) years. Of the initial appointments of voting

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members, three (3) voting members shall be appointed for a term of two (2) years, to be thereafter

reappointed or replaced by three (3) voting members with a term of two (2) years, and four (4)

voting members shall be appointed for a term of one year, to be thereafter reappointed or replaced

for each of the following three (3) years by four (4) voting members with a term of one year.

     (c) A simple majority of the total number of voting members shall constitute a quorum.

     (d) A vacancy other than by expiration shall be filled in the manner of the original

appointment but only for the unexpired portion of the term. The appointing authority shall have the

power to remove its appointee only for just cause.

     (e) The members of the board shall not be compensated for their service but shall be

reimbursed for their actual expenses necessarily incurred in the performance of their duties. The

provisions of this subsection shall not apply to the executive secretary/executive director.

     SECTION 29. Section 42-63.1-11 of the General Laws in Chapter 42-63.1 entitled

"Tourism and Development" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     42-63.1-11. Greater Providence-Warwick Convention and Visitors’ Bureau —

Creation — Composition — Governance — Powers.

     (a) There is created the Greater Providence-Warwick Convention and Visitors’ Bureau,

having a distinct legal existence from the state and not constituting a department or agency of the

state government, for the purpose of administering the Greater Providence-Warwick regional

tourism district established in § 42-63.1-5(a)(2).

     (b) The members of the bureau shall consist of persons, firms, corporations, partnerships,

associations, and organizations who are interested in promoting the purposes of the Greater

Providence-Warwick Convention and Visitors’ Bureau.

     (c) The Greater Providence-Warwick Convention and Visitors’ Bureau shall adopt bylaws

to provide for its governance.

     (d)(1) The business and affairs of the Greater Providence-Warwick Convention and

Visitors’ Bureau shall be managed by a board of directors comprised of fifteen (15) members

appointed as follows:

     (i) By the mayor of the city of Providence: three (3) members who shall be hoteliers directly

involved in the marketing of hotels having more than one hundred (100) rooms located in the city

of Providence, appointed for terms ending respectively on June 30, 1996, June 30, 1997, and June

30, 1998; and one member who shall be appointed for a term ending on June 30, 1996;

     (ii) By the mayor of the city of Warwick; one member who shall be a hotelier directly

involved in the marketing of a hotel having more than one hundred (100) rooms located in the city

of Warwick, appointed for a term ending on June 30, 1997; and one member who shall be appointed

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for a term ending on June 30, 1998;

     (iii) By the governor: one member who shall be a hotelier directly involved in the marketing

of a hotel having more than one hundred (100) rooms that is not located in either the city of

Providence or the city of Warwick, appointed for a term ending on June 30, 1996; one member

who shall be a representative of the hospitality industry who is not associated with a hotel and who

is not employed by a business or attraction that is located in either the city of Providence or the city

of Warwick, appointed from a list of at least three (3) names submitted by the Rhode Island

Hospitality Association for a term ending on June 30, 1997; and two (2) members who shall be

appointed for terms ending respectively on June 30, 1996, and June 30, 1998;

     (iv) By the board of commissioners of the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority; two

(2) members who shall be appointed for terms ending respectively on June 30, 1997, and June 30,

1998; and one member who shall be a hotelier directly involved in the marketing of a hotel having

more than one hundred (100) rooms located in the city of Warwick, appointed for a term ending on

June 30, 1996; and

     (v) By the members of the Greater Providence-Warwick Convention and Visitors’ Bureau;

two (2) members who shall be members of the Greater Providence-Warwick Convention and

Visitors’ Bureau, appointed for terms ending respectively on June 30, 1997 and June 30, 1998.

     (2) Thereafter, and upon the expiration of the terms of the initial directors, the directors

shall be appointed by the appointing authorities or elected by the members of the Greater

Providence-Warwick Convention and Visitors’ Bureau, as the case may be, to succeed the directors

whose terms are then ending and to serve for terms of three (3) years, so as to have the terms of

one-third (⅓) of the directors expire each year.

     (3) Any director may be reappointed or reelected for successive terms. Any vacancy

resulting from the death, disability or other failure of a director to continue to serve shall be filled,

for the remainder of the director’s term, by the person or body given the power to make the original

appointment.

     (e) The directors shall elect one of the directors to act as the chairperson of the Greater

Providence-Warwick Convention and Visitors’ Bureau. The directors may elect from among the

directors, a vice chairperson and any other officers that they may determine, including a secretary

and a treasurer.

     (f) The directors shall receive no compensation for the performance of their duties.

     (g) The directors may employ an executive director to administer, manage and direct the

affairs and business of the Greater Providence-Warwick Convention and Visitors’ Bureau, subject

to the policies, control and direction of the directors. The directors may employ technical experts

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and any other agents and employees, permanent and temporary, as they deem necessary. The

directors may delegate to one or more of the Greater Providence-Warwick Convention and Visitors’

Bureau’s agents or employees any administrative duties that they may deem proper.

     (h) The Greater Providence-Warwick Convention and Visitors’ Bureau shall have and

exercise all powers necessary or convenient to effect the purposes of this chapter as set forth in §

42-63.1-1.

     SECTION 30. Section 42-64.15-6 of the General Laws in Chapter 42-64.15 entitled "Made

in Rhode Island Manufacturing Collaborative of 2013" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     42-64.15-6. Advisory council established.

     (a) There is hereby established an advisory council to the Rhode Island “Made in Rhode

Island Manufacturing Collaborative” which shall consist of nine (9) members appointed by the

chief executive officer of the commerce corporation as follows:

     (1) A former manufacturer of locally manufactured materials (including, but not limited to,

lumber, granite, gravel, asphalt);

     (2) A former Rhode Island business owner that specializes in manufacturing services and

supports;

     (3) A representative of a Rhode Island based independent organization representing the

interests of the creative small business sector and commercial and industrial work space;

     (4) A representative from an independent Rhode Island organization or association

representing the interests of commerce or economic development within the manufacturing

industry;

     (5) A former Rhode Island based retailer of local manufactured products representing an

independent or franchised store;

     (6) A representative from a Rhode Island based nonprofit organization that trains,

incubates, and furthers industrial arts in the state;

     (7) A representative of the Rhode Island “Buy Local” effort;

     (8) One representative from an independent Rhode Island organization or association

representing the manufacturing industry;

     (9) A representative from a Rhode Island charitable foundation.

     (b) Advisory council members shall serve three-year (3) terms and are eligible to succeed

themselves. In the event a member is unable to complete the member’s term, the chief executive

officer of the commerce corporation shall appoint a successor, and the successor appointed to the

vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the unexpired term. The members of the board shall receive

no compensation.

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     (c) The advisory council shall elect annually a chairperson from among its members.

     (d) The advisory council shall receive staff and administrative support from the commerce

corporation. The chief executive officer of the commerce corporation shall furnish the advisory

board a suitable location to hold its meetings.

     (e) The advisory council shall meet at least quarterly and at the call of the chairperson or

three (3) council members. The chairperson of the made in Rhode Island manufacturing

collaborative, or a designee from among the members of the collaborative, shall be present for all

advisory council meetings.

     (f) The advisory council shall advise the collaborative on all matters pertaining to the

collaborative duties and powers.

     SECTION 31. Section 42-64.17-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 42-64.17 entitled "Long-

Term Economic Development" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     42-64.17-1. Long-term economic development vision and policy — Economic

development planning council.

     (a) The economic development corporation and the division of planning shall develop a

written long-term economic development vision and policy for the state of Rhode Island and a

strategic plan for implementing this policy. Such a plan shall include, but not be limited to:

     (1) A unified economic development strategy for the state that integrates business growth

with land use and transportation choices;

     (2) An analysis of how the state’s infrastructure can best support this unified economic

development strategy;

     (3) A focus and prioritization that the outcomes of the economic development strategy be

equitable for all Rhode Islanders;

     (4) Reliance on comprehensive economic data and analysis relating to Rhode Island’s

economic competitiveness, business climate, climate change, sea-level rise, coastal resiliency,

national and regional reputation, and present economic development resources;

     (5) Suggestions for improving and expanding the skills, abilities, and resources of state

agencies, municipalities, and community partners to speed implementation of the plan’s

recommendations; and

     (6) The inclusion of detailed implementation plans, including stated goals, specific

performance measures and indicators.

     (b) On or before October 31, 2014, the economic development corporation and the division

of planning shall submit the written long-term economic development vision and policy and

implementation plan to the governor, the senate, and the house of representatives.

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     (c) Beginning January 1, 2015, and during the first year of each new or re-elected

gubernatorial administration thereafter, the governor shall convene an economic development

planning council consisting of no fewer than nineteen (19) members as follows:

     (1) The secretary of commerce who shall serve as chair;

     (2) The director of the department of administration;

     (3) The director of the department of revenue;

     (4) The director of the department of labor and training;

     (5) The director of the department of transportation;

     (6) The director of the department of business regulation;

     (7) The commissioner of elementary and secondary education;

     (8) The commissioner of higher education;

     (9) The director of the department of environmental management;

     (10) The executive director of the coastal resources management council;

     (11) One member who shall be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;

     (12) One member who shall be appointed by the president of the senate; and

     (13) Seven (7) members who shall be appointed by the governor as follows: one of whom

shall be a representative from the League of Cities and Towns; one of whom shall be a

representative from a chamber of commerce; one of whom shall be from a nonprofit organization

representing a major industry sector in Rhode Island; one of whom shall represent a business with

more than one hundred (100) employees located in Rhode Island; one of whom shall represent a

business with fewer than one hundred (100) employees located in Rhode Island; one of whom shall

be from a venture capital firm with a principal place of business in Rhode Island; and one of whom

shall represent a private sector labor union. Any department director appointed as a member of the

council may appoint a designee from the director’s respective agency to represent the director on

the council. Members of the council shall serve for a term of one year or until an economic

development policy has been approved by the governor under this section.

     (d) The economic development planning council and, upon his or her appointment, the

secretary of commerce, shall develop a written long-term economic development vision and policy

for the state and a strategic plan for implementing the policy. In developing the policy, the council

shall review and consider the published economic development policy and implementation plan in

effect at the commencement of the governor’s term of office. The policy shall set long-term goals

and measurable benchmarks which are not limited to a particular gubernatorial administration and

shall give consideration to any impacts the plan may have on businesses employing ten (10) or

fewer people. The strategic plan shall include any major economic development initiatives and

LC000281 - Page 39 of 41

programs in effect at the time of the plan’s creation. In developing the policy the council may hold

public hearings throughout the state.

     (e) Once the policy and plan have been adopted by the council and, upon the secretary of

commerce’s appointment, the secretary of commerce shall submit the policy and plan to the senate

and house of representatives. The final approval of the policy and plan by the governor shall not be

granted until the house and senate have conducted a public hearing on the policy and plan. The

approved policy and plan shall be published in writing and on the official website of the state no

later than December 31 of that year.

     (f) The economic development corporation shall be responsible for providing staff to

support the work of the council, and the division of planning shall also provide staff support. All

departments represented on the council shall cooperate with the economic development corporation

and the division of planning to facilitate the purposes of this chapter.

     (g) Subject to funding, the council shall be able to hire consultants and related assistance

to provide the type of analysis necessary to inform and perform their work.

     (h) All departments, offices, boards, and agencies of the state shall cooperate with the

economic development planning council and furnish such administrative and staff support, advice,

information, documentary and otherwise, data and data analysis, and other support as may be

necessary or desirable.

     (i) In carrying out the responsibility under this order, the council may:

     (1) Accept grant funds and in-kind contributions from governmental and private entities;

     (2) Hold public hearings;

     (3) Invite experts and other witnesses to submit testimony; and

     (4) Contract with experts and consultants as necessary to inform deliberations and

recommendations.

     (j) In addition to any other applicable law, rules, or regulations, the economic development

planning council shall be subject to the provisions of the Open Meetings Act, chapter 46 of this

title, and the Public Records Act, chapter 2 of title 38.

     SECTION 32. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY -- FOREST CONSERVATION ACT --

COMPOSITION OF STATE BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS, PUBLIC AUTHORITIES, AND

QUASI-PUBLIC CORPORATIONS

***

     This act would remove appointees of state boards, commissions, public authorities and

quasi-public who have a corporate/business interest in the subject matter of the board or

commission.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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