WPRO News and the Associated Press
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – Rhode Island lawmakers have created a special commission within the state House of Representatives to determine how to eliminate sexual assault from occurring on college campuses statewide.
The House unanimously passed a resolution Thursday creating the 13-member commission.
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Cale Keable says the commission is needed because the issue is very important and sensitive.
Rep. Mia Ackerman introduced a broadly worded bill earlier this year that would have required colleges to report incidents of sexual assault on campus to local law enforcement agencies.
Victim advocates told the Cumberland Democrat that mandatory reporting requirements can deter victims from coming forward.
Ackerman then introduced a new bill to create a study commission to find a better solution. She says Rhode Island could serve as a model for other states.
