This bill creates a special legislative commission consisting of fifteen members to examine and make recommendations to combat the rising threat of targeted violence against faith communities. The commission will include members of the Rhode Island House of Representatives, community faith leaders, law enforcement officials, and representatives from the International Brotherhood of Police Officers and the Fraternal Order of Police. The commission will research and analyze statewide trends and risk factors related to targeted violence against faith communities, examine methods and policies to prevent such violence, develop a prevention framework, assess procedures to address online aspects of targeted violence, and explore funding and training options. The commission will report its findings and recommendations to the House of Representatives by February 7, 2024, and will expire on May 7, 2024.

Statutes affected:
5353: 16-7.2-6