2026 -- S 3162

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LC006209

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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J O I N T   R E S O L U T I O N

CREATING A SPECIAL JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION ON CITY AND TOWN

AFFAIRS

     Introduced By: Senators Bissaillon, and Urso

     Date Introduced: March 27, 2026

     Referred To: Senate Housing & Municipal Government

     WHEREAS, Rhode Island's thirty-nine (39) cities and towns are essential partners in the

effective delivery of government services and the promotion of the health, safety, and welfare of

residents; and

     WHEREAS, Municipalities face diverse challenges based on population, geography,

infrastructure, and local resources, which require consistent coordination with the State of Rhode

Island to ensure efficient governance and equitable service delivery; and

     WHEREAS, A structured, ongoing forum for collaboration between the General

Assembly, the Executive Branch, and municipal leaders will enhance communication, align

policy objectives, and strengthen Rhode Island's overall capacity for effective public

administration; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That a special joint legislative commission on City and Town Affairs be

and the same is hereby created consisting of nine (9) members: one member appointed by the

Speaker of the House of Representatives; one member appointed by the Minority Leader of the

House of Representatives; one member appointed by the President of the Senate; one member

appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate; one representative from the Office of the

Governor appointed by the Governor; executive director of the Rhode Island League of Cities and

Towns, or designee; one representative from a rural municipality appointed by the Governor; one

representative from a suburban municipality appointed by the Governor; and one representative

from an urban municipality appointed by the League of Cities and Towns.

     The purpose of said commission shall be to strengthen coordination between state and

local government, review and recommend policies to improve municipal governance and

intergovernmental collaboration, identify barriers that hinder municipal operations and propose

practical solutions, provide a forum for early consultation on proposed state legislation or

regulations with potential municipal impact, and prepare findings and policy recommendations to

enhance municipal efficiency and public service delivery.

     Forthwith upon passage of this resolution, the members of the commission shall meet at

the call of the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate and shall select, from among the

legislative members co-chairpersons.

     Vacancies in said commission shall be filled in like manner as the original appointment.

     The membership of said commission shall receive no compensation for their services.

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

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

desirable by the commission to facilitate the purposes of this resolution. The Speaker of the

House is hereby authorized and directed to provide suitable quarters for said commission; and be

it further

     RESOLVED, That the commission shall report its findings and recommendations to the

General Assembly no later than December 31, 2026, and said commission shall expire on January

31, 2027.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

J O I N T   R E S O L U T I O N

CREATING A SPECIAL JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION ON CITY AND TOWN

AFFAIRS

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     This resolution would create a nine (9) member Special Joint Legislative Commission on

City and Town Affairs whose purpose of the commission would be to strengthen coordination

between state and local government, review and recommend policies to improve municipal

governance and intergovernmental collaboration, identify barriers that hinder municipal

operations and propose practical solutions, provide a forum for early consultation on proposed

state legislation or regulations with potential municipal impact, and prepare findings and policy

recommendations to enhance municipal efficiency and public service delivery. The commission

would meet at the call of the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate, select co-

chairpersons from among the legislators, and submit a written report of its findings and

recommendations to the General Assembly no later than December 31, 2026. The commission

would expire on January 31, 2027.

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LC006209

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