Bill > H4767

This bill establishes three new regional commissions on the status of women: the Eastern Regional commission, the Upper Middlesex commission, and the Plymouth County commission. Each commission will consist of nine members appointed by the existing commission on the status of women, with appointments made from a pool of residents within their respective regions. These new commissions will be tasked with conducting ongoing studies on issues affecting women in their designated areas, reporting their findings annually, and recommending solutions to identified problems. Members will serve three-year terms, with initial appointments staggered for one, two, and three years, and will be limited to two consecutive terms, though former members can reapply after a one-year break. The commissions will operate with volunteer members who are not compensated, will elect their own officers, and are required to meet at least four times a year. They will also have the authority to accept donations and grants, use volunteer services, recommend policies to government agencies, establish their own governance rules, hold public meetings and hearings, and take other necessary actions to fulfill their purpose. The bill specifies the towns and cities included in the Eastern Regional and Upper Middlesex communities, and defines Plymouth County communities as all municipalities within Plymouth County. Sections related to the Plymouth County commission and the Upper Middlesex commission will take effect on January 1, 2018.