§ 16-21.2-9. Permanent legislative oversight commission on substance abuse prevention. There is established a permanent legislative oversight commission on substance abuse prevention whose purpose it shall be to oversee the implementation and administration of the Rhode Island Substance Abuse Prevention Act and to advise and make recommendations to the general assembly as to the adequacy and efficiency of all statutes, rules, regulations, guidelines, practices, and programs relating to substance abuse prevention. The commission shall consist of twelve (12) members: five (5) members shall be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives from among the members of the house of representatives, not more than four (4) of whom shall be from the same political party; three (3) members shall be appointed by the president of the senate from among the members of the senate, not more than two (2) of whom shall be from the same political party; and one member (ex officio) shall be the director of the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals and one member (ex officio) shall be the director of the department of health or designee; and a Rhode Island Substance Abuse Prevention Act task force member to be appointed by the chairperson of the commission; and a public member appointed by the chairperson of the commission. The chairperson of the commission shall be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives. Members of the commission shall serve without compensation, except that they shall be allowed their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties under this section. The commission may request and shall receive from any instrumentality of the state, including the division of substance abuse of the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals and from any municipality or any instrumentality of a municipality, any information and assistance that it deems necessary for the proper execution of its powers and duties under this section. The commission shall meet at least quarterly and shall report at least annually to the general assembly on its findings and recommendations with respect to:

(1) All existing substance abuse prevention programs;

(2) All rules, regulations, and guidelines promulgated pursuant to the Rhode Island Substance Abuse Prevention Act;

(3) Administration of the Rhode Island Substance Abuse Prevention Act; and

(4) Any other matters relating to substance abuse prevention efforts in the state.

History of Section. (P.L. 1987, ch. 375, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 284, § 6; P.L. 1992, ch. 418, § 2; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 14, § 8; P.L. 2001, ch. 180, § 14; P.L. 2013, ch. 501, § 33.)