Bill > H5664

This bill increases the membership of the state crime laboratory commission from five to nine members, expanding the commission's composition to include additional key legal and academic representatives. Specifically, the bill adds the chief justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court, the president of the Rhode Island Bar Association, the public defender, and the president of the Rhode Island Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers as new members. Additionally, the bill changes the executive leadership structure by designating the deans of both the College of Pharmacy and Engineering at the University of Rhode Island as co-executive secretaries, replacing the previous single executive secretary role. The new members will be appointed by the governor with senate advice and consent, and public members will continue to serve two-year terms. The bill maintains existing provisions about quorum requirements, member representation, and removal procedures, ensuring that the expanded commission can effectively oversee the state crime laboratory while maintaining its administrative integrity. The legislation will take effect immediately upon its passage.

Justice

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