The 1986 Constitutional Convention was an unlimited Convention that began in January, 1986. The Convention met at the State House and at the Garrahy Judicial Complex in Providence. Kevin A. McKenna was President of the Convention, Albert Rainville, Vice-President, and James R. Langevin was Secretary. One hundred delegates, representing each R.I. district, took part. Of the 322 resolutions introduced, 24 were condensed to 14 and subsequently placed on the ballot for the November election. Six resolutions were rejected( 2,3,4,5,13 and 14), and eight were approved (1,6,7,8,9,10,11 and 12). The final ratification of the Convention took place on December 4 1986.
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Copyright is in the public domain unless otherwise specified. We reserve the right to restrict reproduction of materials due to preservation concerns.
Mr. Henry A.L. Brown Constitutional Convention papers, 1997-96, Rhode Island State Archives.
The Henry A.L. Brown Constitutional Convention papers includes text of resolutions as introduced 1-288, subsequent drafts of certain resolutions, meeting notices, agendas, memorandum from the convention president, and various versions of the 1986 constitution as drafted within the course of the convention. Those files containing drafts of resolutions also contain supporting documentation such as memos from the styling and drafting committee, committee reports, correspondence in support or against a specific resolution, notes from the delegate, and newspaper clippings. In many cases more than one resolution was introduced on a particular topic so several resolutions may be combined in a folder according to subject.
The Henry A.L. Brown Constitutional Convention papers are arranged into the following series:
Donated by Cynthia Archambault, Reference Librarian, Warwick Public Library, 600 Sandy Lane, Warwick, R.I. 02888 on June 26, 1997.
1986 Rhode Island Constitutional Convention records. Accession number: 00339.
"Commissions Boards and Conventions" An Inventory of the Papers of The Rhode Island Constitutional Convention 1986, it is located at the Philips Memorial Library at Providence College.
Resolutions are arranged alphabetically by subject.
Resolutions are arranged numerically by resolution number.
Items are arranged chronologically from oldest to newest.
Includes "A Thumbnail Sketch of the History of Constitution Making in Rhode Island" by Eugene Perry, "An Opportunity to Reform State Government" by Edward DiPrete, "A Primer on Key Issues" by the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council and other reports and publications related to the consitutional convention and the constitution of Rhode Island.
Includes meeting agendas, lists of resolutions assigned and meeting minutes for Febraury 1986 - May 1986.
Includes meeting agendas, ballot questions public notices, budget, clippings, Committee on Executive Branch - findings and recommendations, public hearing booklet, convention alerts and issues, delegate questionnaire, invocation, press releases, proposed rules of the 1986 Constitutional Convention, seating plan of the delegates, souvenirs, reports and correspondence of the Style and Drafting Committee, voters' guide and voting results.
Includes campaign letters regarding the race for Convention chairperson, correspondence from Governor DiPrete regarding call to order of convention, general correspondence and correspondence and memos from convention chairman Kevin A. McKenna to delegates.
Includes congratulation letters and notes, invitations and certificate of election.