§ 31-13-1 - State traffic commission – Manual of traffic control devices.
SECTION 31-13-1
§ 31-13-1 State traffic commission –Manual of traffic control devices. – (a) There is established a state traffic commission consisting of thesuperintendent of state police or his or her designee from within thedepartment of state police, the director of the department of revenue or his orher designee from within the division of motor vehicles, the director of thedepartment of transportation or his or her designee from within the departmentof transportation, the governor's representative to the National HighwayTraffic Safety Administration, and a member of the public appointed by thegovernor with the advice and consent of the senate, with respect to whichappointment the governor shall solicit and give due consideration to therecommendation of the Rhode Island Police Chief's Association. The commissionshall elect from among the members a chair and such other officers as it deemsnecessary.
(b) For the purpose of standardization and uniformity, thecommission shall adopt and cause to be printed for publication a manual ofregulations and specifications establishing a uniform system of traffic controlsignals, devices, signs, and marking consistent with the provisions of thischapter for use upon the public highways. The commission shall establish thetraffic regulations under chapters 12 – 27 of this title. The commissionshall meet not less frequently than monthly. The department of transportationshall provide all staff services and quarters required by the commission.
(c) Within ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscalyear, the commission shall approve and submit an annual report to the governor,the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate, andthe secretary of state, of its activities during that fiscal year. The reportshall provide: an operating statement summarizing meetings or hearings held,including meetings minutes, subjects addressed, decisions rendered,applications considered and their disposition, rules or regulationspromulgated, studies conducted, policies and plans developed, approved, ormodified, and programs administered or initiated; a consolidated financialstatement 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 duringthe previous fiscal year including accomplishments, shortcomings and remedies;a synopsis of hearings, complaints, suspensions, or other legal matters relatedto the authority of the counsel; a summary of any training courses heldpursuant to the provisions of this chapter; a briefing on anticipatedactivities in the upcoming fiscal year, and findings and recommendations forimprovements. The report shall be posted electronically on the websites of thegeneral assembly and the secretary of state pursuant to the provisions of§ 42-20-8.2. The director of the department of transportation shall beresponsible for the enforcement of the provisions of this subsection.
(d) To conduct a training course for newly appointed andqualified members within six (6) months of their qualification or designation.The course shall be developed by the chair of the commission, be approved bythe commission, and be conducted by the chair of the commission. The commissionmay approve the use of any commission and/or staff members and/or individualsto assist with training. The training course shall include instruction in thefollowing areas: the provisions of chapters 42-46, 36-14 and 38-2; and thecommission's rules and regulations. The director of the department oftransportation shall, within ninety (90) days of the effective date of this act[June 16, 2006], prepare and disseminate training materials relatingto the provisions of chapters 42-46, 36-14, and 38-2.