07-R189

2007 -- H 6312

Enacted 04/25/07

H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND ADDRESS CONCERNS REGARDING TEEN VIOLENCE IN THE COMMUNITY

Introduced By: Representatives Giannini, and Mattiello

Date Introduced: April 25, 2007

     WHEREAS, Students at Mount Pleasant High School in Providence, Rhode Island have

expressed concerns over violent behavior and actions by teens in the community; and

     WHEREAS, These serious concerns must be addressed and a comprehensive plan issued

that will include input from the effected population; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That a special house commission be and the same is hereby created

consisting of eleven (11) members: three (3) of whom shall be members of the house of

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

Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, or designee; one of whom shall be the

Providence Superintendent of Schools, or designee; one of whom shall be the Principal of Mt.

Pleasant High School, or designee; one of whom shall be a member of the faculty at Mt. Pleasant

High School, to be appointed by the Providence Superintendent of Schools; one of whom shall be

the Providence Chief of Police, or designee; and three of whom shall be students at Mt. Pleasant

High School, to be appointed by the Principal of Mt. Pleasant High School.

     In lieu of any appointment of a member of the legislature to a permanent advisory

commission, a legislative study commission, or any commission created by a general assembly

resolution, the appointing authority may appoint a member of the general public to serve in lieu

of a legislator, provided that the majority leader or the minority leader of the political party which

is entitled to the appointment consents to the appointment of the member of the general public.

     The purpose of said commission shall be to make a comprehensive study and address

concerns regarding the ongoing issue of violence in the community including:

     * Initiatives for after-school programs;

     * Student victimization;

     * Stronger preventative measures for guns and weaponry; and

     * Concerns regarding violent behavior and actions within the community.

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

the call of the speaker of the house and organize and shall select from among the legislators a

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

appointment.

     The membership of said commission shall meet at the call of the speaker of the house and

organize and shall select, from among the legislators, a chairperson. Vacancies in said

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

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

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

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

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

     The 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

house of representatives no later than June 5, 2008 and said commissions shall expire on August

5, 2008.

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LC02936

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