Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S0535

Introduced
2/26/25  

Caption

Increases number of members of the state crime laboratory commission 9, changes makeup of commission to include individuals with expertise in law enforcement, criminal defense, scientific research, makes chair of department of physics executive secretary.

Impact

The modification of the commission's structure is designed to improve the oversight and administration of the state crime laboratory, aligning it with modern criminal justice needs. By integrating members with practical experience in both fields of law enforcement and defense, the bill advocates for a more balanced representation that may lead to more informed decision-making. Moreover, the appointment of the chair of the department of physics at the University of Rhode Island as the executive secretary signals an intent to bridge scientific research with practical law enforcement applications, potentially advancing forensic science in the state.

Summary

Bill S0535 aims to amend the current structure of the State Crime Laboratory Commission in Rhode Island. The bill proposes increasing the commission's membership from five to nine members, intending to diversify the expertise represented on the commission. The commission will now include individuals with backgrounds in law enforcement, criminal defense, and scientific research, alongside the existing members such as the attorney general and superintendent of state police. This change is expected to enhance the commission's effectiveness by drawing on a broader range of professional insights and experiences.

Contention

While the bill presents a progressive change, it may encounter some opposition concerning concerns about representation and the potential for political influence in commission decisions. Critics could argue that although the intended inclusivity in expertise appears beneficial, it also risks complicating the commission's operations. Administratively, the requirements for appointment, including advice and consent from the senate, may introduce a level of bureaucracy that some could perceive as unnecessary. The balance of different interests represented could lead to contention over priorities and resource allocation within the state crime lab.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S2805

Reduces the number of commissioners on the board of commissioners to no less than fifteen and would add a d/b/a Serve RI designation after commissions name.

RI H7437

Reduces the number of commissioners on the board of commissioners to no less than fifteen and would add a d/b/a Serve RI designation after commissions name.

RI S2821

Provides minor technical changes, including an update to the membership of the state planning council to include the secretary of housing or designee, and provides clarifying language relating to the role of the technical committee.

RI H7666

Provides minor technical changes, including an update to the membership of the state planning council to include the secretary of housing or designee, and provides clarifying language relating to the role of the technical committee.

RI H7429

Changes the requirements of quarterly meetings of the board to monthly meetings. The chairperson of the board would be the commissioner or acting commissioner of the office of energy resources.

RI S2876

Allows the state to become a member of the physical therapist licensure compact adopted by twenty-five (25) states in order to facilitate the interstate practice of physical therapy with the goal of improving public access to physical therapy service

RI S2331

JOINT RESOLUTION AMENDING THE JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A PERMANENT LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION ON CHILD CARE IN RHODE ISLAND (This resolution would amend the commission name, membership, appointment process, purpose, funding allowance designation, timeline for membership, and meeting schedules.)

RI H7094

JOINT RESOLUTION AMENDING THE JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A PERMANENT LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION ON CHILD CARE IN RHODE ISLAND (This resolution would amend the commission name, membership, appointment process, purpose, funding allowance designation, timeline for membership, and meeting schedules.)

RI H6512

Joint Resolution Amending The Joint Resolution Creating A Permanent Legislative Commission On Child Care In Rhode Island (this Resolution Would Amend The Commission Name, Membership, Appointment Process, Purpose, Funding Allowance Designation, Timeline For Membership, And Meeting Schedules.)

RI S2545

Increases the membership of the energy facility siting board from 3 to 5 members and would revise the process of energy facility siting to mandate inclusion/participation of the host community of the facility as well as of the public and cities and towns.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.