It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

SECTION 1. Title 46 of the General Laws entitled "Waters and Navigation" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following chapter:

{ADD 46-5.1-1. Permanent committee -- Composition. -- ADD} {ADD There is hereby created a permanent legislative commission on the Port of Galilee. ADD}

{ADD 46-5.1-2. Composition. -- ADD} {ADD The commission shall consist of fifteen (15) members: three (3) of whom shall be from the house of representatives, not more than two (2) from the same political party to be appointed by the speaker; three (3) of whom shall be from the senate, not more than two (2) from the same political party, to be appointed by the majority leader; one (1) of whom shall be the director of the Department of Environmental Management, or his designee; one (1) of whom shall be the director of the Department of Transportation, or his designee; one (1) of whom shall be the director of the Department of Economic Development, or his designee; and six (6) of whom shall be members of the general public, of whom two (2) shall be appointed by the speaker, two (2) by the senate majority leader, and two (2) by the governor. ADD}

{ADD 46-5.1-3. Purpose. -- ADD} {ADD The purpose of the commission shall be to promote the economic revitalization and development of the Port of Galilee. ADD}

{ADD 46-5.1-4. Compensation. -- ADD} {ADD The members of the commission shall receive no compensation for their services. ADD}

{ADD 46-5.1-5. Appointments -- Vacancies. -- ADD} {ADD The members of the commission shall be appointed forthwith. In lieu of any appointment of a member of the legislature to the commission, 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. Vacancies in said commission shall be filled in like manner as the original appointment. ADD}

{ADD 46-5.1-6. Organization. -- ADD} {ADD The members of the commission shall meet no later than October 15, 1996 and shall elect a chairperson from among the legislators. ADD}

{ADD 46-5.1-7. Cooperation-- Quarters. -- ADD} {ADD 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. ADD}

{ADD 46-5.1-8. Reports. -- ADD} {ADD The commission shall issue a report no later than February 15, 1997 and annually thereafter. ADD}

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.