2014 Rhode Island General Laws
Title 31 - Motor and Other vehicles
Chapter 31-38 - Inspection of Motor Vehicles
Section 31-38-15 - Motor vehicle inspection commission.

§ 31-38-15 Motor vehicle inspection commission. – (a) Within the department of revenue there shall be a motor vehicle inspection commission, referred to in this chapter as the "commission", which shall function as a unit in the department. The commission shall consist of seven (7) members who shall be appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the senate. In making said appointments, the governor shall give due consideration to including in the commission's membership one or more garage keeper(s) and/or inspection station owner(s).

(b) The tenure of all members of the commission as of the effective date of this act [March 29, 2006] shall expire on the effective date of this act [March 29, 2006], and the governor shall nominate seven (7) new members as follows:

(1) The governor shall appoint seven (7) members of the commission; three (3) of whom shall serve initial terms of three (3) years; two (2) of whom shall serve an initial term of two (2) years; and two (2) of whom shall serve an initial term of one year.

(2) Thereafter, all members of the commission shall be appointed to serve three (3) year terms.

(c) The governor shall designate one member of the commission to serve as chairperson. The commission may elect from among its members such other officers as they deem necessary.

(d) No person shall be eligible for appointment to the commission after the effective date of this act [March 29, 2006] unless he or she is a resident of this state.

(e) Four (4) members of the commission shall constitute a quorum.

(f) Members of the commission shall be removable by the governor pursuant to the provisions of § 36-1-7 of the general laws and for cause only, and removal solely for partisan or personal reasons unrelated to capacity of fitness for the office shall be unlawful.

(g) Within ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year, the commission shall approve and submit an annual report to the governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate, and the secretary of state of its activities during that fiscal year. The report shall provide: an operating statement summarizing meetings or hearings held, including meeting minutes, subjects addressed, decisions rendered, licenses considered and their disposition, rules or regulations promulgated, studies conducted, policies and plans developed, approved or modified and programs administered or initiated; a consolidated financial statement of all funds received and expended including the source of the funds, a listing of any staff supported by these funds and a summary of any clerical, administrative or technical support received; a summary of performance during the previous fiscal year including accomplishments, shortcomings and remedies; a synopsis of hearings, complaints, suspensions or other legal matters related to the authority of the commission; a summary of any training courses held pursuant to the provisions of this section; a briefing on anticipated activities in the upcoming fiscal year; and findings and recommendations for improvements. The report shall be posted electronically on the general assembly and secretary of state's websites as prescribed in § 42-20-8.2. The director of the department of revenue shall be responsible for the enforcement of the provisions of this subsection.

(h) To conduct a training course for newly appointed and qualified members within six (6) months of their qualification or designation. The course shall be developed by the chair of the commission, approved by the commission, and conducted by the chair of the commission. The commission may approve the use of any commission or staff members or other individuals to assist with training. The training course shall include instruction in the following areas: the provisions of chapters 42-46, 36-14, and 38-2; and the commission's rules and regulations. The director of the department of revenue shall, within ninety (90) days of the effective date of this act [March 29, 2006], prepare and disseminate training material relating to the provisions of chapters 42-46, 36-14, and 38-2.

History of Section.
(P.L. 1977, ch. 14, § 2; P.L. 1981, ch. 349, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 180, § 68; P.L. 2006, ch. 14, § 5; P.L. 2006, ch. 16, § 5; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 26; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 26.)