Section 42-64.19-3 - [Effective 12/31/2024] Executive office of commerce(a) There is hereby established within the executive branch of state government an executive office of commerce effective February 1, 2015, to serve as the principal agency of the executive branch of state government for managing the promotion of commerce and the economy within the state and shall have the following powers and duties in accordance with the following schedule: (1) On or about February 1, 2015, to operate functions from the department of business regulation;(2) On or about April 1, 2015, to operate various divisions and functions from the department of administration;(3) On or before September 1, 2015, to provide to the Senate and the House of Representatives a comprehensive study and review of the roles, functions, and programs of the department of administration and the department of labor and training to devise recommendations and a business plan for the integration of these entities with the office of the secretary of commerce. The governor may include such recommendations in the Fiscal Year 2017 budget proposal; and(4) On or before July 1, 2021, to provide for the hiring of a deputy secretary of commerce and housing who shall report directly to the secretary of commerce. On July 1, 2022, the deputy secretary of commerce and housing shall succeed to the position of secretary of housing, and the position of deputy secretary of commerce and housing shall cease to exist under this chapter. All references in the general laws to the deputy secretary of commerce and housing shall be construed to mean the secretary of housing. The secretary of housing shall be appointed by and report directly to the governor and shall assume all powers, duties, and responsibilities formerly held by the deputy secretary of commerce and housing. Until the formation of the new department of housing pursuant to chapter 64.34 of this title, the secretary of housing shall reside within the executive office of commerce for administrative purposes only. (b) In this capacity, the office shall: (1) Lead or assist state departments and coordinate business permitting processes in order to:(i) Improve the economy, efficiency, coordination, and quality of the business climate in the state;(ii) Design strategies and implement best practices that foster economic development and growth of the state's economy;(iii) Maximize and leverage funds from all available public and private sources, including federal financial participation, grants, and awards;(iv) Increase public confidence by conducting customer centric operations whereby commercial enterprises are supported and provided programs and services that will grow and nurture the Rhode Island economy; and(v) Be the state's lead agency for economic development.(c) [Repealed by 2024 Amendment.]R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-64.19-3
Amended by 2024 Pub. Laws, ch. 403,§ I-9, eff. 12/31/2024.Amended by 2024 Pub. Laws, ch. 117,§ 7-4, eff. 6/17/2024.Amended by 2023 Pub. Laws, ch. 323, § 2, eff. 1/1/2024.Amended by 2023 Pub. Laws, ch. 324, § 2, eff. 1/1/2024.Amended by 2022 Pub. Laws, ch. 442, § 1, eff. 6/30/2022.Amended by 2022 Pub. Laws, ch. 388, § 1, eff. 6/30/2022.Amended by 2021 Pub. Laws, ch. 162, § 14-2, eff. 7/6/2021.Amended by 2014 Pub. Laws, ch. 528, § 59, eff. 12/31/2014.Added by 2013 Pub. Laws, ch. 492, § 3, eff. 2/1/2015.Added by 2013 Pub. Laws, ch. 489, § 3, eff. 2/1/2015.This section is set out more than once due to postponed, multiple, or conflicting amendments.