President of the Senate Dominick J. Ruggerio (D-Dist. 4, North Providence, Providence) appointed Sen. Matthew L. LaMountain (D-Dist. 31, Warwick, Cranston) to serve on the Judiciary Committee last week. LaMountain was elected to the chamber in November and will also serve as vice chairman of the Committee on Environment and Agriculture, and will serve on the Committee on Rules, Government Ethics and Oversight.

The Senate Judiciary Committee handles all legislation and matters which affect the penal code, judicial system, ethics, open meetings, access to public records and election laws. They also consider the gubernatorial appointments of judges and magistrates through the Senatorial function of advice and consent.

The Committee on Environment and Agriculture considers issues relating to the conservation of air, land, water, plants, animals, minerals and other natural resources of the state.

The Senate Committee on Rules, Government Ethics and Oversight is charged with monitoring the performance of public organizations and agencies, considering all legislation relating to government ethics, and all matters relating to the operating rules, functions and protocols of the Senate.