R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-15-8 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-15 / Section 2-15-8
§ 2-15-8. Permits for cutting or removal of plants or debris  Replacement of damaged or removed trees.
Status: in_force

(a) Whenever any person, firm, or corporation other than a tree warden or his or her deputy, or an authorized agent of the department of transportation, or an authorized agent of the department of environmental management, or an authorized agent of the park commission of any town or city, or an electric distribution company that is effectuating vegetation management standards and practices as approved by the division of public utilities and carriers pursuant to § 39-34-3, desires the cutting or removal, in whole or in part, of any public shrub or ornamental or shade tree, or the burning of any rubbish or debris upon any public highway or in any park or public grounds, that person, firm, or corporation shall apply in writing to the tree warden or the department of transportation, the department of environmental management, or the park commission of any town or city, as the case may be, for permission to do the cutting, removing, or burning, and shall obtain a written permit before the cutting, removing, or burning shall commence.

(b) When the application is made for the cutting or removal of trees along any public highway for the purpose of moving, constructing, or demolishing any building, the permit shall contain a provision that the applicant shall replace any trees that are removed or in the opinion of the issuer are substantially damaged in the process at the applicants own expense and file a bond in an amount and with surety suitable to the issuer of the permit to assure performance of the same. The sum of the diameter of the replacement trees shall be substantially equivalent to the sum of the diameters of the trees that were cut or removed, and shall be planted within the immediate community area.

(c) Any person, firm, corporation, or governmental entity that removes or substantially damages, in whole or in part, any tree on public grounds shall replace the tree with a substantially equivalent tree or trees, the sum of the diameters of which are equal to twice that removed or damaged, in the immediate vicinity of the tree removed or damaged. This subsection does not apply to a public utility or its authorized agent when the work being performed is in accordance with a written tree trimming and tree replacement program filed with and approved by the tree warden in the municipality where the work is being done or by the state forester for work to be performed on state land and in municipalities that do not have functioning tree wardens or in accordance with vegetation management standards and practices approved pursuant to § 39-34-3.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-3-3 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-3 / Section 2-3-3
§ 2-3-3. Organizational requirements for participation.
Status: in_force

The cooperative extension district associations are incorporated under the laws of Rhode Island; are governed by boards of directors selected to represent as evenly as possible all parts of their respective districts; and shall maintain and abide by the memorandum of agreement with the director of cooperative extension at the University of Rhode Island.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-6-9 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-6 / Section 2-6-9
§ 2-6-9. Injunction.
Status: in_force

When in the performance of his or her duties the director applies to any court for a temporary or permanent injunction restraining any person from violating or continuing to violate any of the provisions of this chapter or any rules and regulations under this chapter, the injunction is to be issued without bond.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-20-12 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-20 / Section 2-20-12
§ 2-20-12. Measurement of thin boards.
Status: in_force

All boards less than three-fourths (Â¾) of an inch thick shall be surveyed and measured in the same manner as to quality, quantity and numbers, as though they were of the thickness of one inch (1").
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-12-9 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-12 / Section 2-12-9
§ 2-12-9. Causing of fires.
Status: in_force

(a) A person shall not:

(1) Dispose of a lighted match, cigarette, cigar, ashes or other flaming or glowing substance or any other substance or thing that is likely to ignite a forest, brush, grass or woods fire, or throw or drop from a moving vehicle any of those objects or substances;

(2) Set a backfire or cause a backfire to be set, except under the direct supervision of an established fire control agency or unless it can be established that the setting of the backfire is necessary for the purpose of saving life or valuable property;

(3) Destroy, break down, mutilate or remove any fire control sign or poster erected by an established fire control agency in the administration of its lawful duties and authorities;

(4) Use or operate on or adjacent to forest land, a welding torch, tar pot, or other device which may cause a fire, without clearing flammable material surrounding the operation or without taking other precautions prescribed by the director to insure against the starting and spreading of fire;

(5) Operate or cause to be operated any engine, other machinery or powered vehicle not equipped with spark arresters, or other suitable devices to prevent the escape of fire or sparks; or

(6) Discharge or cause to be discharged a gun firing incendiary or tracer bullets or tracer charge on to or across any forest land.

(b) Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100) nor less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for each offense.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-12-19 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-12 / Section 2-12-19
§ 2-12-19. Enforcement and prosecutions.
Status: in_force

It is the duty of the director of the department of environmental management or his or her duly authorized representative to enforce the provisions of this chapter and chapter 11 of this title and to prosecute any person, firm or corporation who, in his or her opinion, is guilty of the violation of any of the provisions of this chapter and in all prosecutions the director or his or her authorized representative is not required to enter into any recognizance or to give surety for costs. It is the duty of the attorney general to conduct the prosecution brought by the director under the provisions of this chapter and chapter 11 of this title.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-20-31 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-20 / Section 2-20-31
§ 2-20-31. Penalty for neglect of duties by surveyor.
Status: in_force

Every surveyor or deputy surveyor who, on due notice and request, willfully neglects or refuses to perform the duties enjoined by this chapter shall be fined not less than ten dollars ($10.00) nor more than fifty dollars ($50.00) for each offense.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-10-1 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-10 / Section 2-10-1
§ 2-10-1. Acceptance of property for demonstration and experimentation purposes.
Status: in_force

The director of environmental management is authorized and empowered, with the approval of the governor, and subject, in the case of real property, to the provisions of chapter 6 of title 37, to accept on behalf of the state any property given to the state absolutely and in fee simple for general forest demonstration and experimentation purposes, but no acceptance makes the state in any manner legally or equitably liable to any person relative to the care, preservation or use of the property. All deeds, contracts and other documents in connection with the transfer of the property shall be approved by the attorney general.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-18-13 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-18 / Section 2-18-13
§ 2-18-13. Prosecution of offenses.
Status: in_force

All prosecutions under the provisions of §§ 2-18-9  2-18-13 shall be instituted by the director of environmental management, and shall be directed by him or her, and all penalties recovered for the violation of any of the provisions of those sections shall be paid into the treasury of the state. In prosecutions for violation of any provisions of §§ 2-18-9  2-18-13 commenced by the director, it is not necessary that he or she enter into recognizance or give surety for costs to prosecute those violations.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-4-6 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-4 / Section 2-4-6
§ 2-4-6. Powers and duties of committee.
Status: in_force

In addition to the duties and powers conferred upon the committee, it has the following duties and powers:

(1) To offer any assistance as may be appropriate to the directors of conservation districts, organized as provided in this chapter, in the carrying out of any of their powers and programs; to assist and guide districts in the preparation and carrying out of programs for resources conservation authorized under this chapter; to review district programs; to coordinate the programs of the conservation districts and resolve any conflicts in those programs.

(2) To keep the directors of each of the conservation districts organized under this chapter informed of the activities and experience of all other districts organized under this chapter, and to facilitate an interchange of advice and experience between the districts and cooperation between them.

(3) To approve forms of agreements, proposed to be entered into by districts, with other districts or with any state, federal, interstate, or other public or private agency, organization, or individual, and advise the districts concerning the forms of agreements.

(4) To secure the cooperation and assistance of the United States and any of its agencies, and of agencies of this state, in the work of the districts.

(5) To enlist the cooperation and collaboration of state, federal, regional, interstate and local public and private agencies with the conservation districts; and to facilitate arrangements under which the conservation districts may serve city or town governing bodies and other agencies as their local operating agencies in the administration of any activity concerned with the conservation of renewable natural resources.

(6) To disseminate information throughout the state concerning the activities and programs of the conservation districts organized under this chapter, to make available information concerning the needs and the work of the conservation districts and the committee to the governor, the legislature, executive agencies of the government of this state, political subdivisions of this state, cooperating federal agencies, and the general public.

(7) Pursuant to procedures developed mutually by the committee and other federal, state and local agencies that are authorized to plan or administer activities significantly affecting the conservation of renewable natural resources, to receive from those agencies for review and comment suitable descriptions of their plans, programs and activities for the purposes of coordination with district conservation programs; to arrange for and participate in conferences necessary to avoid conflict among those plans and programs, to call attention to omissions, and to avoid duplications of effort.

(8) Whenever the committee determines that there exists a substantial conflict between the resources conservation program of a district and the proposed plans or activities directly affecting resource conservation prepared by any other local governmental unit or agency of the federal government, or this state, and that the conflict cannot be resolved through the consultation procedures provided for in this section, the committee shall submit a report of the conflict through the department of environmental management to the governor.

(9) To compile information and make studies, summaries, and analyses of natural resource conditions in cooperation with local conservation districts and conservation programs on a statewide basis.

(10) Except as otherwise assigned by state law, to carry out and coordinate the policies of this state in programs at the state level for the conservation of the renewable natural resources of this state and to represent the state in matters affecting those resources. This includes the formulation and development of state guidelines, as deemed necessary, for the conservation of soil, water and related natural resources of the state. When developing these guidelines the committee, working with the conservation districts, may secure the assistance of state and federal agencies and Rhode Island schools of higher learning to make such investigations and studies as are necessary.

(11) To offer technical assistance to the department of environmental management and/or other state agencies in the development of recommendations for the general assembly of any natural resource legislation deemed necessary for the conservation, preservation, protection and development of the renewable natural resources of this state. This legislation may include, but is not necessarily limited to, provision for erosion and sediment control, flood plain regulation and the conservation of watershed resources.

(12) To assist conservation districts in obtaining legal services from the attorney general.

(13) To require annual reports from conservation districts, the form and content of which shall be developed by the committee.

(14) To establish by regulations, with the assistance and advice of the appropriate state fiscal officers, adequate and reasonably uniform accounting and auditing procedures which shall be used by conservation districts, and when the situation requires on a vote of at least four (4) members, to impound all district funds and assets subject to ratification at a hearing on the action in accordance with the administrative procedures act, chapter 35 of title 42.

(15) To approve and issue within ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year a detailed annual report to the governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate, and the secretary of state of its activities for the preceding year. The report shall provide a review and synopsis of the state conservation district activities; an operating statement summarizing meetings or hearings held, including meeting minutes, subjects addressed, decisions rendered, studies conducted, policies and plans developed, approved, or modified, and programs administered or initiated; a summary of the work of the farm, forest and open space subcommittee including the list of current values for farm, forest and open space; a consolidated financial statement of all funds received and expended including the source of the funds, a listing of any staff supported by these funds, and a summary of any clerical, administrative or technical support received; a summary of performance during the previous fiscal year including accomplishments, shortcomings and remedies; a synopsis of any legal matters related to the authority of the council; a summary of any training courses held pursuant to subsection 2-4-6(18); a briefing on anticipated activities in the upcoming fiscal year; and findings and recommendations for improvements. The report shall be posted electronically as prescribed in § 42-20-8.2. The director of the department of administration shall be responsible for the enforcement of this provision.

(16) To establish by regulation the procedure for removing a district director from office either for excessive absence or for other cause. The procedure shall include a hearing before the committee at which time the affected director may seek to rebut the charges.

(17) To have supervision and control of any funds appropriated by the general assembly to finance the activities of the committee and the conservation districts; to administer the provisions of any act enacted by the legislature appropriating funds for expenditure in connection with the activities of conservation districts; to distribute to conservation districts funds, equipment, supplies and services received by the committee for that purpose from any source, subject to the conditions that shall be made applicable thereto in any state or federal statute or local ordinance making available those funds, property or services; to issue regulations establishing suitable controls to govern the use by conservation districts of those funds, property and services; approve all budgets, administrative procedures and operations of those districts to ensure that districts conform with applicable laws and regulations.

(18) To conduct a training course for newly appointed and qualified members and new designees of ex officio members within six (6) months of their qualification or designation. The course shall be developed by the chair of the committee, approved by the committee, and conducted by the chair of the committee. The committee may approve the use of any committee or staff members or other individuals to assist with training. The course shall include instruction in the following areas: the provisions of chapters 2-4, 42-46, 36-14 and 38-2; and the committees rules and regulations. The director of administration shall, within ninety (90) days of the effective date of this act [April 20, 2006], prepare and disseminate training materials relating to the provisions of chapters 42-46, 36-14 and 38-2.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-3-5 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-3 / Section 2-3-5
§ 2-3-5. Annual report of activities.
Status: in_force

It is the duty of each district association to present annually to the secretary of state a full report of its activities for the preceding year including a statement of its receipts from all sources and disbursements.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-14-1 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-14 / Section 2-14-1
§ 2-14-1. Tree warden defined.
Status: in_force

Wherever in this chapter the term tree warden is used, it means the tree warden appointed by any town or city as provided in §§ 2-14-2 and 2-14-3.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-16-7 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-16 / Section 2-16-7
§ 2-16-7. Compensation for loss or destruction of infested plants.
Status: in_force

No damages shall be awarded to the owner for the loss or destruction of infested or infected plants, plant products, or other articles or reimbursement made for expenses incurred incident to the application of the prescribed preventive or remedial measures. The infected or infested plants, plant products, or articles are a public menace. Nothing in this section shall be interpreted as preventing financial assistance to owners where that financial assistance is provided for under specific legislation other than this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-20-15 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-20 / Section 2-20-15
§ 2-20-15. Grading of soft pine.
Status: in_force

In the surveying of soft pine boards there shall be six (6) sorts:

(1) The first sort shall be denominated number 1 and marked I, and includes boards free from sap, rot, knots, shakes and splits, not less than one inch thick, square-edged, and contains not less than sixteen (16) feet in quantity.

(2) The second sort shall be denominated number 2 and marked II. Lumber of this sort does not have over one inch sap on the edges and is free from shakes, rot and knots, square-edged, and not less than seven-eighths ( ) of an inch thick.

(3) The third sort shall be denominated number 3 and marked III. Lumber of this sort shall be free from rot and shakes and nearly free from sap and knots.

(4) The fourth sort shall be denominated number 4 and marked IV. Lumber of this sort is free from rot, shakes and large knots, suitable for cheap finish and dressing lumber.

(5) The fifth sort shall be denominated number 5 and marked V. Lumber of this sort is square-edged, free from rot and shakes and suitable for barn and box boards.

(6) The sixth sort shall be denominated number 6 and marked X. Lumber of this sort is not required to be square edged, and may have rot, shakes, knots and sap.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-14-9 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-14 / Section 2-14-9
§ 2-14-9. Suppression of pests and diseases.
Status: in_force

In any case where the town or city council requests the department of environmental management to give general supervision over its town or city forest in the suppression of insect pests and tree diseases, the tree warden shall follow those recommendations and cooperate closely with the department of environmental management.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-20-16 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-20 / Section 2-20-16
§ 2-20-16. Grading of hard pine, spruce, hemlock, and juniper.
Status: in_force

In the survey of southern hard pine, spruce, hemlock and juniper boards, planks and sawed and hewed timber, there shall be two (2) sorts: (1) The first sort shall be denominated merchantable, and shall include all boards, planks, joists and timber that are sound and square-edged and well sawed; and (2) The second sort shall be denominated refuse and shall include all other descriptions, with allowance for rot.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-10-8 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-10 / Section 2-10-8
§ 2-10-8. Receipt of federal grants.
Status: in_force

The general treasurer is authorized to receive any moneys that may be placed at the disposal of the state by the United States government, or any department of the United States, under the provisions of any law, cooperative agreement or otherwise, for the purpose of protecting, preserving or developing the woodlands and forestry in this state.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-5-7 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-5 / Section 2-5-7
§ 2-5-7. Liability and obligations of state.
Status: in_force

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed or operate to impose any financial liability upon the state as specified, and the department has no authority to incur any obligation or liability against the state under this chapter for the expenditure of funds other than the expenditure of funds payable from the agricultural soil conservation program fund, pursuant to the appropriations made for the agricultural soil conservation program fund.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-3-9 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-3 / Section 2-3-9
§ 2-3-9. Annual appropriation to the Rhode Island agricultural council.
Status: in_force

The sum of five thousand dollars ($5,000) is annually appropriated out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated to the Rhode Island agricultural council to support its efforts to improve the agricultural economy of Rhode Island. The state controller is authorized and directed to draw orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of this money, or so much as may be required from time to time, upon receipt by the state controller of properly authenticated vouchers.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-7-5 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-7 / Section 2-7-5
§ 2-7-5. Labels.
Status: in_force

(a) Any commercial fertilizer distributed in this state in containers must have on or affixed to the container a label setting forth in clearly legible and conspicuous form the net weight and the information required by § 2-7-4 (a)(5)(i), (ii) and (iii) of this chapter.

(b) In case of bulk shipments, this information, in written or printed form, shall accompany delivery and be supplied to the purchaser at the time of delivery.

(c) A commercial fertilizer formulated according to specifications furnished by a consumer prior to mixing shall be labeled to show the net weight, guaranteed analysis, and the name and address of the distributor.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-4-18 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-4 / Section 2-4-18
§ 2-4-18. Coastal resources management council and water resources board unaffected.
Status: in_force

The provisions of this chapter notwithstanding, no provision of this chapter shall be construed to take precedence over or acquire any of the powers delegated to the coastal resources management council under the provisions of § 46-23-6 and any amendment to these sections and this section shall also apply to the state water resources board.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-12-11 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-12 / Section 2-12-11
§ 2-12-11. Fire fighting by fire chiefs and senior officers  Summons of assistance.
Status: in_force

If a fire occurs in woodland, the fire chief, and the senior officer of the district in which the fire occurs, shall immediately take any measures that may be necessary, including backfiring and plowing, to control or extinguish the fire, and shall investigate the causes of fire and report the causes to the director. Any fire chief or senior officer has the authority to summon any use of bulldozers, trucks, and other property adapted to the purpose. Any person who refuses or neglects to assist or to allow the use of the bulldozers, trucks or other property required, is liable to a fine of not more than one hundred dollars ($100). All active members of an organized fire department shall be called as a unit only, the unit coming under the authority of the officer in charge of the fire department. The fire chief or senior officer in charge of a fire shall keep an account of the time of all persons assisting him or her, and a schedule of all property used.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-25-2 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-25 / Section 2-25-2
§ 2-25-2. Legislative findings.
Status: in_force

The general assembly hereby finds and declares:

(1) A viable agricultural and seafood sector in Rhode Island represents part of a secure regional food supply, which in turn lends itself to energy and economic efficiencies;

(2) The federal government and regional entities have established and continue to establish programs and processes to support local agricultural production and increased consumption of locally produced food, and Rhode Island functions in whole or in part in the context of federal and regional programs;

(3) The general public is increasingly interested in locally produced food;

(4) The benefits of local food systems to local communities include open land, jobs, nutritious and safe foods, and youth education opportunities;

(5) Farms and commercial fishing are an integral part of Rhode Islands overall economy;

(6) Encouraging the continued growth of Rhode Islands agricultural and seafood sectors is integral to reducing food insecurity in Rhode Island;

(7) Relationship-based food systems such as farm-to-school programs, community supported agriculture (CSA) programs, farmers markets, and pick-your-own operations are increasingly popular and offer areas of opportunity for new farmers; and

(8) The state of Rhode Island has historically established programs to provide for and regulate the agriculture and commercial fishing sectors.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-3-4 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-3 / Section 2-3-4
§ 2-3-4. Receipts and disbursement of funds for cooperative extension work.
Status: in_force

The district associations organized under this chapter are authorized to receive funds from the United States Department of Agriculture, the state, the cities and towns of the state, and from individuals, organizations, corporations, and other funding sources that may desire to contribute to the educational work contemplated by this chapter. The district associations are authorized to disburse the funds received in employing extension agents, defraying their expenses, and providing support personnel, office facilities, and materials for demonstrations and other forms of education and instruction according to plans and methods approved by the United States Department of Agriculture for carrying out the provisions of the federal Smith-Lever Act, 7 U.S.C. § 341 et seq., and any subsequent act providing for extension work and by the University of Rhode Island.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-7-1 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-7 / Section 2-7-1
§ 2-7-1. Title.
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be known as the Rhode Island Commercial Fertilizer Law.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-14-4 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-14 / Section 2-14-4
§ 2-14-4. Deputies  Compensation of warden and deputies.
Status: in_force

A tree warden may appoint any number of deputy tree wardens that he or she deems expedient and may at any time remove them from office. The tree warden and his or her deputies shall receive any compensation for their services that the town or city council may determine.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-16-12 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-16 / Section 2-16-12
§ 2-16-12. Prosecution of violations.
Status: in_force

All prosecutions of violations under the provisions of this chapter shall be instituted by the director, and shall be directed by him or her, and it is not necessary that he or she enter into recognizance or give surety for costs to prosecute these violations.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-23-5 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-23 / Section 2-23-5
§ 2-23-5. Nuisance actions against agricultural operations.
Status: in_force

(a) No agricultural operation, as defined in this chapter is found to be a public or private nuisance, due to alleged objectionable:

(1) Odor from livestock, manure, fertilizer, or feed, occasioned by generally accepted farming procedures;

(2) Noise from livestock or farm equipment used in normal, generally accepted farming procedures;

(3) Dust created during plowing or cultivation operations;

(4) Use of pesticides, rodenticides, insecticides, herbicides, or fungicides.

This provision pertains only to nuisance actions under chapter 1 of title 10.

(b) In addition, no city or town ordinance adopted under §23-19.2-1 shall be enforced against any agricultural operation as defined in this chapter. In addition, no rule or regulation of the department of transportation shall be enforced against any agricultural operation to prevent it from placing a seasonal directional sign or display on the states right-of-way, on the condition that that sign or display conforms with the local zoning ordinance, and that sign or display is promptly removed by the agricultural operation upon the conclusion of the season for which said sign or display was placed.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-25-5 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-25 / Section 2-25-5
§ 2-25-5. Small grants and technical assistance program established.
Status: in_force

The department of environmental management shall establish the local agriculture and seafood small grants and technical assistance program. Through the program the department shall: (1) Assist in the marketing of Rhode Island grown agricultural products and local seafood for the purpose of sale and promotion within the state of Rhode Island or United States; (2) Enhance the economic competitiveness of Rhode Island grown agricultural products and local seafood; (3) Provide financial and technical assistance support to organizations and farmers for activities and programs which enhance the economic viability of local agriculture, and support the development of a locally based, safe and sustainable food system; (4) Provide individual farm grants to small or beginning Rhode Island farmers that support the entry or sustainability within the respective industry; (5) Work with the state department of health to further develop and support food safety related programs and standards pertaining to local agriculture and seafood; and (6) Perform other activities necessary to facilitate the success and viability of the states agricultural and seafood sectors.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-26-9 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-26 / Section 2-26-9
§ 2-26-9. Research and educational growth by institutions of higher education.
Status: in_force

(a) The commission is authorized to certify any higher educational institution in Rhode Island to grow or handle, or assist in growing or handling, industrial hemp for the purpose of agricultural or academic research where such higher educational institution submits the following to the commission:

(1) The location where the higher educational institution intends to grow or cultivate the industrial hemp;

(2) The higher educational institutions research plan; and

(3) The name of the employee of the higher educational institution who will supervise the hemp growth, cultivation, and research.

(b) Growth for purposes of agricultural and educational research by a higher educational institution shall not be subject to the licensing requirements set forth in § 2-26-5.

(c) The applicant is encouraged to partner with an institution of higher learning within the state of Rhode Island to develop best practices for growing and handling hemp.

(d) The commission shall maintain a list of each higher education institution certified to grow or cultivate industrial hemp under this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-4-8 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-4 / Section 2-4-8
§ 2-4-8. District board  Organization  Quorum  Expenses and audit.
Status: in_force

(a) The governing body of the districts is be the board of directors consisting of five (5) directors, elected or appointed. The directors shall elect one of their members to be chairperson and may, from time to time, change that designation. The term of office of each director is three (3) years. A director holds office until a successor has been elected or appointed and has qualified. Vacancies shall be filled for any unexpired term. The selection of successors to fill an unexpired term, or for a full term, shall be made in the same manner in which the retiring directors were, respectively, selected. A majority of the board constitutes a quorum and all actions of the board shall be by a majority vote of the members present and voting at a meeting at which a quorum is present.

(b) The directors may employ a secretary and other employees, technical experts, personnel, permanent and temporary, as they may require and shall determine their qualifications, duties, and compensation. The directors shall provide for the execution of surety bonds for all employees and officers who are entrusted with funds or property; shall provide for the keeping of a record of all proceedings and orders issued or adopted; and shall provide for a periodic audit of the accounts of receipts and disbursements in accordance with procedures prescribed by regulations of the state committee.

(c) The directors may call upon the state committee for any legal services that may be available from the attorney general. The directors shall furnish to the state committee, upon request, copies of any rules, regulations, orders, contracts, ordinances, forms and other documents that they shall adopt or employ, and any other information that may be required in the performance of their duties.

(d) Directors shall receive twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per meeting for their services, and are entitled to other expenses at a rate set by the state committee, including per diem and traveling expenses, necessarily incurred in the discharge of their duties. All payments for compensation and expenses are contingent upon availability of funds and at no time shall meeting or travel expenses supersede necessary conservation expenditures.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-13-1 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-13 / Section 2-13-1
§ 2-13-1. Ratification of compact  Text.
Status: in_force

The governor having entered on behalf of this state into a compact, substantially in the following form, with one or more of the states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont and with such other states of the United States or provinces of the Dominion of Canada as may have legally joined therein, the legislature hereby signifies its approval and ratification of the compact so entered into, as to any of such states or provinces that may have or may hereafter legally join in the compact:

NORTHEASTERN INTERSTATE FOREST FIRE PROTECTION COMPACT

ARTICLE I

The purpose of this compact is to promote effective prevention and control of forest fires in the northeastern region of the United States and adjacent areas in Canada by the development of integrated forest fire plans, by the maintenance of adequate forest fire fighting services by the member states, by providing for mutual aid in fighting forest fires among the states of the region and for procedures that will facilitate such aid, and by the establishment of a central agency to coordinate the services of member states and perform such common services as member states may deem desirable.

ARTICLE II

This agreement shall become operative immediately as to those states ratifying it whenever any two or more of the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts have ratified it and the congress has given its consent. Any state not mentioned in this article which is contiguous with any member state may become a party to this compact. Subject to the consent of the congress of the United States, any province of the Dominion of Canada which is contiguous with any member state may become a party to this compact by taking such action as its laws and the laws of the Dominion of Canada may prescribe for ratification. In this event, the term state in this compact shall include within its meaning the term province and the procedures prescribed shall be applied in the instance of such provinces, in accordance with the forms and practices of the Canadian government.

ARTICLE III

Each state joining herein shall appoint three representatives to a commission hereby designated as the Northeastern forest fire protection commission. One shall be the state forester or officer holding an equivalent position in such state who is responsible for forest fire control. The second shall be a member of the legislature of such state designated by the commission or committee on interstate cooperation of such state, or if there be none, or if said commission on interstate cooperation cannot constitutionally designate the said member, such legislator shall be designated by the governor thereof; provided that if it is constitutionally impossible to appoint a legislator as a commissioner from such state, the second member shall be appointed by the governor of said state in his discretion. The third member shall be a person designated by the governor as the responsible representative of the governor. In the event that any province of the Dominion of Canada shall become a member of this commission, it shall designate three members who will approximate this pattern of representation to the extent possible under the law and practices of such province. This commission shall be a body corporate with the powers and duties set forth herein.

ARTICLE IV

It shall be the duty of the commission to make inquiry and ascertain from time to time such methods, practices, circumstances and conditions as may be disclosed for bringing about the prevention and control of forest fires in the area comprising the member states, to coordinate the forest fire plans and the work of the appropriate agencies of the member states and to facilitate the rendering of aid by the member states to each other in fighting forest fires.

The commission shall formulate and, in accordance with need, from time to time, revise a regional forest fire plan for the entire region covered by the compact which shall serve as a common forest fire plan for that area.

The commission shall, more than one month prior to any regular meeting of the legislature in any signatory state, present to the governor and to the legislature of the state its recommendations relating to enactments to be made by the legislature of that state in furthering the interests and purposes of this compact.

The commission shall consult with and advise the appropriate administrative agencies of the states party hereto with regard to problems connected with the prevention and control of forest fires and recommend the adoption of such regulations as it deems advisable.

The commission shall have power to recommend to the signatory states any and all measures that will effectuate the prevention and control of forest fires.

ARTICLE V

Any two or more member states may designate the Northeastern forest fire protection commission as a joint agency to maintain such common services as those states deem desirable for the prevention and control of forest fires. Except in those cases where all member states join in such designation for common services, the representatives of any group of such designating states in the Northeastern forest fire protection commission shall constitute a separate section of such commission for the performance of the common service or services so designated provided that, if any additional expense is involved, the states so acting shall appropriate the necessary funds for this purpose. The creation of such a section as a joint agency shall not affect the privileges, powers, responsibilities or duties of the states participating therein as embodied in the other articles of this compact.

ARTICLE VI

The commission may request the United States forest service to act as the primary research and co-ordinating agency of the Northeastern forest fire protection commission, in cooperation with the appropriate agencies in each state and the United States forest service may accept the initial responsibility in preparing and presenting to the commission its recommendations with respect to the regional fire plan. Representatives of the United States forest service may attend meetings of the commission and of groups of member states.

ARTICLE VII

The commission shall annually elect from its members a chairperson and a vice-chairperson. The commission shall appoint such officers or employees as may be required to carry the provisions of this compact into effect, shall fix and determine their duties, qualifications and compensation, and may at its pleasure, remove or discharge any such officer or employee. The commission shall adopt rules and regulations for the conduct of its business. It may establish and maintain one or more offices for the transaction of its business and may meet at any time or place but must meet at least once a year.

A majority of the members of the commission representing a majority of the signatory states shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of its general business, but no action of the commission imposing any obligation on any signatory state shall be binding unless a majority of the members from such signatory state shall have voted in favor thereof. For the purpose of conducting its general business, voting shall be by state units.

The representatives of any two or more member states, upon notice to the chairperson as to the time and purpose of the meeting, may meet as a section for the discussion of problems common to those states.

Sections established by groups of member states shall have the same powers with respect to officers, employees and the maintenance of offices as are granted by this article to the commission. Sections may adopt such rules, regulations and procedures as may be necessary for the conduct of their business.

ARTICLE VIII

It shall be the duty of each member state for formulate and put in effect a forest fire plan for that state and to take such measures as may be recommended by the commission to integrate such forest fire plan with the regional forest fire plan.

Whenever the state forest fire control agency of a member state requests aid from the state forest fire control agency of any other member state in combatting, controlling or preventing forest fires, it shall be the duty of the state forest fire control agency of that state to render all possible aid to the requesting agency which is consonant with the maintenance of protection at home.

Each signatory state agrees to render aid to the forest service or other agencies of the government of the United States in combatting, controlling or preventing forest fires in areas under their jurisdiction located within the member state or a contiguous member state.

ARTICLE IX

Whenever the forces of any member state are rendering outside aid pursuant to the request of another member state under this compact, the employees of such state shall, under the direction of the officers of the state to which they are rendering aid, have the same powers (except the power of arrest), duties, rights, privileges and immunities as comparable employees of the state to which they are rendering aid.

No member state or its officers or employees rendering outside aid pursuant to this compact shall be liable on account of any act or omission on the part of such forces while so engaged, or on account of the maintenance or use of any equipment or supplies in connection therewith.

All liability that may arise either under the laws of the requesting state or under the laws of the aiding state or under the laws of a third state on account of or in connection with a request for aid, shall be assumed and borne by the requesting state.

Any member state rendering outside aid pursuant to this compact shall be reimbursed by the member state receiving such aid for any loss or damage to, or expense incurred in the operation of any equipment answering a request for aid, and for the cost of all materials, transportation, wages, salaries, and maintenance of employees and equipment incurred in connection with such request. Provided, that nothing herein contained shall prevent any assisting member state from assuming such loss, damage, expense or other cost or from loaning such equipment or from donating such services to the receiving member state without charge or cost.

Each member state shall provide for the payment of compensation and death benefits to injured employees and the representatives of deceased employees in case employees sustain injuries or are killed while rendering outside aid pursuant to this compact, in the same manner and on the same terms as if the injury or death were sustained within such state.

For the purposes of this compact the term employee shall include any volunteer or auxiliary legally included within the forest fire fighting forces of the aiding state under the laws thereof.

The commission shall formulate procedures for claims and reimbursement under the provisions of this article.

Aid by a member state to an area subject to federal jurisdiction beyond the borders of such state shall not be required under this compact unless substantially the same provisions of this article relative to powers, liabilities, losses and expenses in connection with such aid are embodied in federal laws.

ARTICLE X

When appropriations for the support of this commission or for the support of common services maintained by the commission or a section thereof under the provisions of article V are necessary, the commission or section thereof shall allocate the costs among the states affected with consideration of the amounts of forested land in those states that will receive protection from the service to be rendered and the extent of the forest fire problem involved in each state, and shall submit its recommendations accordingly to the legislatures of the affected states.

The commission shall submit to the governor of each state, at such time as he may request, a budget of its estimated expenditures for such period as may be required by the laws of such state for presentation to the legislature thereof.

The commission shall keep accurate books of account, showing in full its receipts and disbursements, and said books of account shall be open at any reasonable time to the inspection of such representatives of the respective signatory states as may be duly constituted for that purpose.

On or before the first day of December of each year, the commission shall submit to the respective governors of the signatory states a full and complete report of its activities for the preceding year.

ARTICLE XI

The representatives from any member state may appoint and consult with an advisory committee composed of persons interested in forest fire protection.

The commission may appoint and consult with an advisory committee of representatives of all affected groups, private and governmental.

ARTICLE XII

The commission may accept any and all donations, gifts and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials and services from the federal or any local government, or any agency thereof and from any person, firm or corporation, for any of its purposes and functions under this compact, and may receive and utilize the same subject to the terms, conditions and regulations governing such donations, gifts and grants.

ARTICLE XIII

Nothing in this compact shall be construed to authorize or permit any member state to curtail or diminish its forest fire fighting forces, equipment, services or facilities, and it shall be the duty and responsibility of each member state to maintain adequate forest fire fighting forces and equipment to meet normal demands for forest fire protection within its borders.

Nothing in this compact shall be construed to limit or restrict the powers of any state ratifying the same to provide for the prevention, control and extinguishment of forest fires, or to prohibit the enactment or enforcement of state laws, rules or regulations intended to aid in such prevention, control and extinguishment in such state.

Nothing in this compact shall be construed to affect any existing or future cooperative relationship or arrangement between the United States forest service and a member state or states.

ARTICLE XIV

This compact shall continue in force and remain binding on each state ratifying it until the legislature or the governor of such state takes action to withdraw therefrom. Such action shall not be effective until six months after notice thereof has been sent by the chief executive of the state desiring to withdraw to the chief executives of all states then parties to the compact.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-24-1 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-24 / Section 2-24-1
§ 2-24-1. Ratification of compact  Text.
Status: in_force

The governor having entered on behalf of this state into a compact, substantially in the following form, with one or more of the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Virginia and with any other states of the United States or provinces of the Dominion of Canada as may have legally joined in this compact, the legislature signifies its approval and ratification of the compact entered into, as to any of those states or provinces that may have or may hereafter legally join in the compact:

ARTICLE I

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE, FINDINGS AND DECLARATION OF POLICY

Section 1. Statement of purpose, findings and declaration of policy. The purpose of this compact is to recognize by constitutional prerequisite the interstate character of the northeast dairy industry and to form an interstate commission for the northeast region. The mission of the commission is to take such steps as are necessary to assure the continued viability of dairy farming in the northeast, and to assure consumers of an adequate, local supply of pure and wholesome milk.

In todays regional dairy marketplace, cooperative, rather than individual state action may address more effectively the market disarray. Under our constitutional system, properly authorized, states acting cooperatively may exercise more power to regulate, interstate commerce than they may assert individually without such authority. For this reason, the participating states invoke their authority to act in common agreement, with the consent of Congress, under the compact clause of the Constitution.

In establishing their constitutional regulatory authority over the regions fluid milk market by this compact, the participating states declare their purpose that this compact neither displace the federal order system nor encourage the merging of federal orders. Specific provisions of the compact itself set forth this basic principle.

Designed as a flexible mechanism able to adjust to changes in a regulated marketplace, the compact also contains a contingency provision should the federal order system be discontinued. In that event, the interstate commission is authorized to regulate the marketplace in replacement of the order system. This contingent authority does not anticipate such a change, however, and should not be so construed. It is only provided should developments in the market other than establishment of this compact result in discontinuance of the order system.

Recent, dramatic price fluctuations, with a pronounced downward trend, threaten the viability and stability of the northeast dairy region. Historically, individual state regulatory action has been an effective emergency remedy available to farmers confronting a distressed market. The federal order system, implemented by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937 [7 U.S.C. §601 et seq.], establishes only minimum prices for dairy products, without preempting the power of states to regulate milk prices above the minimum levels so established. Based on this authority, each state in the region has individually attempted to implement at least one regulatory program in response to the current dairy industry crisis.

The participating states find and declare that the dairy industry is the paramount agricultural activity of the northeast. Dairy farms, and associated suppliers, marketers, processors and retailers, are an integral component of the regions economy. Their ability to provide a stable, local supply of pure, wholesome milk is a matter of great importance to the health and welfare of the region.

The participating states further find that dairy farms are essential to the regions rural communities and character. The farms preserve open spaces, sculpt the landscape and provide the land base for a diversity of recreational pursuits. In defining the rural character of our communities and landscape, dairy farms also provide a major draw for our tourist industries.

By entering into this compact, the participating states affirm that their ability to regulate the price which northeast dairy farmers receive for their product is essential to the public interest. Assurance of a fair and equitable price for dairy farmers ensures their ability to provide milk to the market and the vitality of the northeast dairy industry, with all the associated benefits.

ARTICLE II

DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION

Section 2. Definitions. For the purpose of this compact, and of any supplemental or concurring legislation enacted pursuant thereto, except as may be otherwise required by the context:

(1) Commission means the commission established by this compact.

(2) Compact means this interstate compact.

(3) Region means the territorial limits of the states which are or become parties to this compact.

(4) Participating state means a state which has become a party to this compact by the enactment of concurring legislation.

(5) Regulated area means any area within the region governed by and defined in regulations establishing a compact over-order price or commission marketing order.

(6) Pool plant means any milk plant located in a regulated area.

(7) Partially regulated plant means a milk plant not located in a regulated area but having Class I distribution within such area, or receipts from producers located in such area. Commission regulations may exempt plants having such distribution or receipts in amounts less than the limits defined therein.

(8) Compact over-order price means a minimum price required to be paid to producers for Class I milk established by the commission in regulations adopted pursuant to sections ten and eleven of this compact, which is above the price established in federal marketing orders or by state farm price regulation in the regulated area. Such price may apply throughout the region or in any part or parts thereof as defined in the regulations of the commission.

(9) Commission marketing order means regulations adopted by the commission pursuant to sections ten and eleven of this compact in place of a terminated federal marketing order or state dairy regulation. Such order may apply throughout the region or in any part or parts thereof as defined in the regulations of the commission. Such order may establish minimum prices for any or all classes of milk.

(10) Milk means the lacteal secretion of cows and includes all skim, butterfat, or other constituents obtained from separation or any other process. The term is used in its broadest sense and may be further defined by the commission for regulatory purposes.

(11) Class I milk means milk disposed of in fluid form or as a fluid milk product, subject to further definition in accordance with the principles expressed in subdivision (b) of §3.

(12) State dairy regulation means any state regulation of dairy prices, and associated assessments, whether by statute, marketing order or otherwise.

Section 3. Rules of construction.

(a) This compact shall not be construed to displace existing federal milk marketing orders or state dairy regulation in the region but to supplement them. In the event some or all federal orders in the region are discontinued, the compact shall be construed to provide the commission the option to replace them with one or more commission marketing orders pursuant to this compact.

(b) This compact shall be construed liberally in order to achieve the purposes and intent enunciated in section one. It is the intent of this compact to establish a basic structure by which the commission may achieve those purposes through the application, adaptation and development of the regulatory techniques historically associated with milk marketing and to afford the commission broad flexibility to devise regulatory mechanisms to achieve the purposes of this compact. In accordance with this intent, the technical terms which are associated with market order regulation and which have acquired commonly understood general meanings are not defined herein but the commission may further define the terms used in this compact and develop additional concepts and define additional terms as it may find appropriate to achieve its purposes.

ARTICLE III

COMMISSION ESTABLISHED

Section 4. Commission established. There is hereby created a commission to administer the compact, composed of delegations from each state in the region. A delegation shall include not less than three (3) nor more than five (5) persons. Each delegation shall include at least one (1) dairy farmer who is engaged in the production of milk at the time of appointment or reappointment and one (1) consumer representative. Delegation members shall be residents and voters of, and subject to such confirmation process as provided in, the appointing state. Delegation members shall serve no more than three (3) consecutive terms, with no single term of more than four (4) years, and be subject to removal for cause. In all other respects, delegation members shall serve in accordance with the laws of the state represented. The compensation, if any, of the members of a state delegation shall be determined and paid by each state, but their expenses shall be paid by the commission. Each state delegation shall be entitled to one (1) vote in the conduct of the commissions affairs.

Section 5. Voting requirements. All actions taken by the commission, except for the establishment or termination of an over-order price or commission marketing order, and the adoption, amendment or rescission of the commissions by-laws, shall be by majority vote of the delegations present. Establishment or termination of an over-order prices or commission marketing order shall require at least a two-thirds ( ) vote of the delegations present. The establishment of a regulated area which covers all or part of a participating state shall require also the affirmative vote of the states delegation. A majority of the delegations from the participating states shall constitute a quorum of the conduct of the commissions business.

Section 6. Administration and management.

(a) The commission shall elect annually from among the members of the participating state delegations a chairperson, a vice-chairperson, and a treasurer. The commission shall appoint an executive director and fix his or her duties and compensation. The executive director shall serve at the pleasure of the commission, and, together with the treasurer, shall be bonded in an amount determined by the commission. The commission may establish through its by-laws an executive committee composed of one (1) member elected by each delegation.

(b) The commission shall adopt by-laws for the conduct of its business by a two-thirds ( ) vote and shall have the power by the same vote to amend and rescind these by-laws. The commission shall publish its by-laws in convenient form with the appropriate agency or officer in each of the participating states. The by-laws shall provide for appropriate notice to the delegations of all commission meetings and hearings and of the business to be transacted at such meetings or hearings. Notice also shall be given to other agencies or officers of participating states as provided by the laws of those states.

(c) The commissions shall file an annual report with the secretary of agriculture of the United States, and with each of the participating states by submitting copies to the governor, both houses of the legislature, and the head of the state department having responsibilities for agriculture.

(d) In addition to the powers and duties elsewhere prescribed in this compact, the commission shall have the power:

(1) To sue and be sued in any state or federal court;

(2) To have a seal and alter the same at pleasure;

(3) To acquire, hold, and dispose of real and personal property by gift, purchase, lease, license, or other similar manner, for its corporate purposes;

(4) To borrow money and to issue notes, to provide for the rights of the holders thereof and to pledge the revenue of the commission as security therefor, subject to the provisions of §18 of this compact;

(5) Appoint such officers, agents, and employees as it may deem necessary, prescribe their powers, duties, and qualifications; and

(6) To create and abolish such offices, employments, and positions as it deems necessary for the purposes of their compact and provide for the removal, term, tenure, compensation, fringe benefits, pension, and retirement rights of these officers and employees. The commission may also retain personal services on a contract basis.

Section 7. Rule-making power. In addition to the power to promulgate a compact over-order price or commission marketing orders as provided by this compact, the commission is further empowered to make and enforce such additional rules and regulations as it deems necessary to implement any provisions of this compact, or to effectuate in any other respect the purposes of this compact.

ARTICLE IV

POWERS OF THE COMMISSION

Section 8. Powers to promote regulatory uniformity, simplicity and interstate cooperation. The commission is hereby empowered to:

(1) Investigate or provide for investigations or research projects designed to review the existing laws and regulations of the participating states, to consider their administration and costs, to measure their impact on the production and marketing of milk and their effects on the shipment of milk and milk products within the region.

(2) Prepare and transmit to the participating states model dairy laws and regulations dealing with the inspection of farms and plants, sanitary codes, labels for dairy products and their imitations, standards for dairy products, license standards, producer security programs, and fair trade laws.

(3) Study and recommend to the participating states joint or cooperative programs for the administration of the dairy laws and regulations and to prepare estimates of cost savings and benefits of such programs.

(4) Encourage the harmonious relationships between the various elements in the industry for the solution of their material problems. Conduct symposiums or conferences designed to improve industry relations, or a better understanding of problems.

(5) Prepare and release periodic reports on activities and results of the commissions efforts to the participating states.

(6) Review the existing marketing system for milk and milk products and recommend changes in the existing structure for assembly and distribution of milk which may assist, improve, or promote more efficient assembly and distribution of milk.

(7) Investigate costs and charges for producing, hauling, handling, processing, distributing, selling and for all other services performed with respect to milk.

(8) Examine current economic forces affecting producers, probable trends in production and consumption, the level of dairy farm prices in relation to costs, the financial conditions of dairy farmers, and the need for an emergency order to relieve critical conditions on dairy farms.

Section 9. Equitable farm prices.

(a) The power granted in this section and §10 shall apply only to the establishment of a compact over-order price, so long as federal milk marketing orders remain in effect in the region. In the event that any or all such orders are terminated, this article shall authorize the commission to establish one (1) or more commission marketing orders, as herein provided, in the region or parts thereof as defined in the order.

(b) A compact over-order price established pursuant to this section shall apply only to class I milk. Such over-order price shall not exceed one dollar fifty cents ($1.50) per gallon. Beginning in 1990, and using that year as a base, the foregoing one dollar fifty cents ($1.50) per gallon maximum shall be adjusted annually by the rate of change in the consumer price index as reported by the bureau of labor statistics of the United States department of labor. For purposes of the pooling and equalization of an over-order price, the value of milk used in other use classifications shall be calculated at the appropriate class price established pursuant to the applicable federal order or state dairy regulation and the value of unregulated milk shall be calculated in relation to the nearest prevailing class price in accordance with and subject to such adjustments as the commission may prescribe in regulations.

(c) A commission marketing order shall apply to all classes and uses of milk.

(d) The commission is hereby empowered to establish the minimum price for milk to be paid by pool plants, partially regulated plants and all other handlers receiving milk from producers located in a regulated area. This price shall be established either as a compact over-order price or by one (1) or more commission marketing orders. Whenever such a price has been established by either type of regulation, the legal obligation to pay such price shall be determined solely by the terms and purpose of the regulation without regard to the situs of the transfer of title, possession or any other factors not related to the purposes of the regulation and this compact. Producer-handlers as defined in an applicable federal milk marketing order shall not be subject to a compact over-order price. The commission shall provide for similar treatment of producer-handlers under commission marketing orders.

(e) In determining the price, the commission shall consider the balance between production and consumption of milk and milk products in the regulated area, the costs of production including, but not limited to the price of feed, the cost of labor including the reasonable value of the producers own labor and management, machinery expense, and interest expense, the prevailing price for milk outside the regulated area, the purchasing power of the public and the price necessary to yield a reasonable return to the producer and distributor.

(f) When establishing a compact over-order price, the commission shall take such action as necessary and feasible to ensure that the over-order price does not create an incentive for producers to generate additional supplies of milk.

(g) The commission shall whenever possible enter into agreements with state or federal agencies for exchange of information or services for the purpose of reducing regulatory burden and cost of administering the compact. The commission may reimburse other agencies for the reasonable cost of providing these services.

Section 10. Optional provisions for pricing order. Regulations establishing a compact over-order price or a commission marketing order may contain, but shall not be limited to, any of the following:

(1) Provisions classifying milk in accordance with the form in which or purpose for which it is used, or creating a flat pricing program.

(2) With respect to a commission marketing order only, provisions establishing or providing a method for establishing separate minimum prices for each use classification prescribed by the commission, or a single minimum price for milk purchased from producers or associations of producers.

(3) With respect to an over-order minimum price, provisions establishing or providing a method for establishing such minimum price for class I milk.

(4) Provisions for establishing either an over-order price or a commission marketing order may make use of any reasonable method for establishing such price or prices including flat pricing and formula pricing. Provision may also be made for location adjustments, zone differentials and for competitive credits with respect to regulated handlers who market outside the regulated area.

(5) Provisions for the payment to all producers and associations of producers delivering milk to all handlers of uniform prices for all milk so delivered, irrespective of the uses made of such milk by the individual handler to whom it is delivered, or for the payment of producers delivering milk to the same handler of uniform prices for all milk delivered by them.

(A) With respect to regulations establishing a compact over-order price, the commission may establish one (1) equalization pool within the regulated area for the sole purpose of equalizing returns to producers throughout the regulated area.

(B) With respect to any commission marketing order, as defined in §2, which replaces one (1) or more terminated federal orders or state dairy regulation, the marketing area of now separate state or federal orders shall not be merged without the affirmative consent of each state, voting through its delegation, which is partly or wholly included within any such new marketing area.

(6) Provisions, requiring persons who bring class I milk into the regulated area to make compensatory payments with respect to all such milk to the extent necessary to equalize the cost of milk purchased by handlers subject to a compact over-order price or commission marketing order. No such provisions shall discriminate against milk producers outside the regulated area. The provisions for compensatory payments may require payment of the difference between the Class I price paid to producers for such milk in the state of production by a federal milk marketing order or state dairy regulation and the Class I price established by the compact over-order price or commission marketing order.

(7) Provisions specially governing the pricing and pooling of milk handled by partially regulated plants.

(8) Provisions requiring that the account of any person regulated under a compact over-order price shall be adjusted for any payments made to or received by such persons with respect to a producer settlement fund of any federal or state milk marketing order or other state dairy regulation within the regulated area.

(9) Provisions requiring the payment by handlers of an assessment to cover the costs of the administration and enforcement of such order pursuant to article VII, §18(a).

(10) Provision for reimbursement to participants of the Women, Infants and Children Special Supplemental Food Program of the United States Child Nutrition Act of 1966 [42 U.S.C. §1771 et seq.].

(11) Other provisions and requirements as the commission may find are necessary or appropriate to effectuate the purposes of this compact and to provide for the payment of fair and equitable minimum prices to producers.

ARTICLE V

RULEMAKING PROCEDURE

Section 11. Rulemaking procedure. Before promulgation of any regulations establishing a compact over-order price or commission marketing order, including any provision with respect to milk supply under §9(f) or amendment thereof, as provided in article IV, the commission shall conduct an informal rulemaking proceeding to provide interested persons with an opportunity to present data and views. Such rulemaking proceeding shall be governed by §4 of the federal administrative procedures act, as amended (5 U.S.C. §553). In addition, the commission shall, to the extent practicable, publish notice of rulemaking proceedings in the official register of each participating state. Before the initial adoption of regulations establishing a compact over-order price or a commission marketing order and thereafter before any amendment with regard to prices or assessments, the commission shall hold a public hearing. The commission may commence a rulemaking proceeding on its own initiative or may in its sole discretion act upon the petition of any person including individual milk producers, any organization of milk producers or handlers, general farm organizations, consumer or public interest groups, and local, state or federal officials.

Section 12. Findings and referendum.

(a) In addition to the concise general statement of basis and purpose required by §4(b) of the federal administrative procedures act, as amended (5 U.S.C. §553(c)), the commission shall make findings of fact with respect to:

(1) Whether the public interest will be served by the establishment of minimum milk prices to dairy farmers under article IV.

(2) What level of prices will assure that producers receive a price sufficient to cover their costs of production and will elicit an adequate supply of milk for the inhabitants of the regulated area and for manufacturing purposes.

(3) Whether the major provisions of the order, other than those fixing minimum milk prices, are in the public interest and are reasonably designed to achieve the purposes of the order.

(4) Whether the terms of the proposed regional order or amendment are approved by producers as provided in §13.

Section 13. Producer referendum.

(a) For the purpose of ascertaining whether the issuance or amendment of regulations establishing a compact over-order price or a commission marketing order, including any provision with respect to milk supply under §9(f) is approved by producers, the commission shall conduct a referendum among producers. The referendum shall be held in a timely manner, as determined by regulation of the commission. The terms and conditions of the proposed order or amendment shall be described by the commission in the ballot used in the conduct of the referendum, but the nature, content, or extent of such description shall not be a basis for attacking the legality of the order or any action relating thereto.

(b) An order or amendment shall be deemed approved by producers if the commission determines that it is approved by at least two-thirds ( ) of the voting producers who, during a representative period determined by the commission, have been engaged in the production of milk the price of which would be regulated under the proposed order or amendment.

(c) For purposes of any referendum, the commission shall consider the approval or disapproval by any cooperative association of producers, qualified under the provisions of the Act of Congress of February 18, 1922, as amended, known as the Capper-Volstead Act [U.S.C. §§291 and 292], bona fide engaged in marketing milk, or in rendering services for or advancing the interests of producers of such commodity, as the approval or disapproval of the producers who are members or stockholders in, or under contract with, such cooperative association of producers, except as provided in subdivision (1) hereof and subject to the provisions of subdivisions (2) through (5) hereof.

(1) No cooperative which has been formed to act as a common marketing agency for both cooperatives and individual producers shall be qualified to block vote for either.

(2) Any cooperative which is qualified to block vote shall, before submitting its approval or disapproval in any referendum, give prior written notice to each of its members as to whether and how it intends to cast its vote. The notice shall be given in a timely manner, as established, and in the form prescribed, by the commission.

(3) Any producer may obtain a ballot from the commission in order to register approval or disapproval of the proposed order.

(4) A producer who is a member of a cooperative which has provided notice of its intent to approve or not to approve a proposed order, and who obtains a ballot and with such ballot expresses his or her approval or disapproval of the proposed order, shall notify the commission as to the name of the cooperative of which he or she is a member, and the commission shall remove such producers name from the list certified by such cooperative with its corporate vote.

(5) In order to insure that all milk producers are informed regarding a proposed order, the commission shall notify all milk producers that an order is being considered and that each producer may register his or her approval or disapproval with the commission either directly or through his or her cooperative.

Section 14. Termination of over-order price or marketing order.

(a) The commission shall terminate any regulations establishing an over-order price or commission marketing order issued under this article whenever it finds that such order or price obstructs or does not tend to effectuate the declared policy of this compact.

(b) The commission shall terminate any regulations establishing an over-order price or a commission marketing order issued under this article whenever it finds that such termination is favored by a majority of the producers who, during a representative period determined by the commission, have been engaged in the production of milk the price of which is regulated by such order; but such termination shall be effective only if announced on or before such date as may be specified in such marketing agreement or order.

(c) The termination or suspension of any order or provision thereof, shall not be considered an order within the meaning of this article and shall require no hearing, but shall comply with the requirements for informal rulemaking prescribed by §4 of the Federal Administrative Procedure Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. §553.)

ARTICLE VI

ENFORCEMENT

Section 15. Records, reports, access to premises.

(a) The commission may by rule and regulation prescribe record keeping and reporting requirements for all regulated persons. For purposes of the administration and enforcement of this compact, the commission is authorized to examine the books and records of any regulated person relating to his or her milk business and for that purpose, the commissions properly designated officers, employees, or agents shall have full access during normal business hours to the premises and records of all regulated persons.

(b) Information furnished to or acquired by the commission officers, employees, or its agents pursuant to this section shall be confidential and not subject to disclosure except to the extent that the commission deems disclosure to be necessary in any administrative or judicial proceeding involving the administration or enforcement of this compact, an over-order price, a compact marketing order, or other regulations of the commission. The commission may promulgate regulations further defining the confidentiality of information pursuant to this section. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to prohibit (i) the issuance of general statements based upon the reports of a number of handlers, which do not identify the information furnished by any person, or (ii) the publication by direction of the commission of the name of any person violating any regulation of the commission, together with a statement of the particular provisions violated by such person.

(c) No officer, employee, or agent of the commission shall intentionally disclose information, by inference or otherwise, which is made confidential pursuant to this section. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall upon conviction be subject to a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) or to imprisonment for not more than one year, or to both, and shall be removed from office. The commission shall refer any allegation of a violation of this section to the appropriate state enforcement authority or United States Attorney.

Section 16. Subpoena, hearings and judicial review.

(a) The commission is hereby authorized and empowered by its members and its properly designated officers to administer oaths and issue subpoenas through out all signatory states to compel the attendance of witnesses and the giving of testimony and the production of other evidence.

(b) Any handler subject to an order may file a written petition with the commission stating that any such order or any provision of any such order or any obligation imposed in connection therewith is not in accordance with law and praying for a modification thereof or to be exempted therefrom. He or she shall thereupon be given an opportunity for a hearing upon such petition, in accordance with regulations made by the commission. After such hearing, the commission shall make a ruling upon the prayer of such petition which shall be final, if in accordance with law.

(c) The district courts of the United States in any district in which such handler is an inhabitant, or has his or her principal place of business, are hereby vested with jurisdiction in equity to review such ruling, provided a bill in equity for that purpose is filed within thirty (30) days from the date of entry of such ruling. Service of process in such proceedings may be had upon the commission by delivering to it a copy of the bill of complaint. If the court determines that such ruling is not in accordance with law, it shall remand such proceedings to the commission with directions either (1) to make such ruling as the court shall determine to be in accordance with law, or (2) to take such further proceedings as, in its opinion, the law requires. The pendency of proceedings instituted pursuant to this subsection shall not impede, hinder, or delay the commission from obtaining relief pursuant to subsection 18. Any proceedings brought pursuant to §18 (except where brought by way of counterclaim in proceedings instituted pursuant to this section) shall abate whenever a final decree has been rendered in proceedings between the same parties, and covering the same subject matter, instituted pursuant to this section.

Section 17. Enforcement with respect to handlers.

(a) Any violation by a handler of the provisions of regulations establishing an over-order price or a commission marketing order, or other regulations adopted pursuant to this compact shall:

(1) Constitute a violation of the laws of each of the signatory states. Such violation shall render the violator subject to a civil penalty in an amount as may be prescribed by the laws of each of the participating states, recoverable in any state or federal court of competent jurisdiction. Each day such violation continues shall constitute a separate violation.

(2) Constitute grounds for the revocation of license or permit to engage in the milk business under the applicable laws of the participating states.

(b) With respect to handlers, the commission shall enforce the provisions of this compact, regulations establishing an over-order price, a commission marketing order or other regulations adopted hereunder by:

(1) Commencing an action for legal or equitable relief brought in the name of the commission in any state or federal court of competent jurisdiction; or

(2) With the agreement of the appropriate state agency of a participating state, by referral to the state agency for enforcement by judicial or administrative remedy.

(c) With respect to handlers, the commission may bring an action for injunction to enforce the provisions of this compact or the order or regulations adopted thereunder without being compelled to allege or prove that an adequate remedy of law does not exist.

ARTICLE VII

FINANCE

Section 18. Finance of start-up and regular costs.

(a) To provide for its start-up costs, the commission may borrow money pursuant to its general power under §6 (d)(4). In order to finance the costs of administration and enforcement of this compact, including pay back of start-up costs, the commission is hereby empowered to collect an assessment from each handler who purchases milk from producers within the region. The initial assessment may apply to the projected purchases of handlers for the two (2) month period following the date the commission convenes. If imposed, this assessment shall be collected on a monthly basis for up to one (1) year from the date the commission convenes, in an amount not to exceed one-tenth of one percent (0.1%) of the applicable federal milk marketing order blend price per hundred weight of milk purchased from producers during the period of the assessment. In addition, if regulations establishing an over-order price or a compact marketing order are adopted, they may include an assessment for the specific purpose of their administration. These regulations shall provide for establishment of a reserve for the commissions ongoing operating expenses.

(b) The commission shall not pledge the credit of any participating state or of the United States. Notes issued by the commission and all other financial obligations incurred by it, shall be its sole responsibility and no participating state or the United States shall be liable therefor.

Section 19. Audit and accounts.

(a) The commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements, which shall be subject to the audit and accounting procedures established under its rules. In addition, all receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the commission shall be audited yearly by a qualified public accountant and the report of the audit shall be included in and become part of the annual report of the commission.

(b) The accounts of the commission shall be open at any reasonable time for inspection by duly constituted officers of the participating states and by any persons authorized by the commission.

(c) Nothing contained in this article shall be construed to prevent commission compliance with laws relating to audit or inspection of accounts by or on behalf of any participating state or of the United States.

ARTICLE VIII

ENTRY INTO FORCE  ADDITIONAL MEMBERS AND WITHDRAWAL

Section 20. Entry into force  Additional members. The compact shall enter into force effective when enacted into law by any three (3) states of the group of states composed of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia, and when the consent of congress has been obtained. This compact shall also be open to states which are contiguous to any of the named states and open to states which are contiguous to participating states.

Section 22. Withdrawal from compact. Any participating state may withdraw from this compact by enacting a statute repealing the same, but no such withdrawal shall take effect until one (1) year after notice in writing of the withdrawal is given to the commission and the governors of all other participating states. No withdrawal shall affect any liability already incurred by or chargeable to a party state prior to the time of such withdrawal.

Section 23. Severability. If any part or provision of this compact is adjudged invalid by any court, such judgment shall be confined in its operation to the part or provision directly involved in the controversy in which such judgment shall have been rendered and shall not affect or impair the validity of the remainder of this compact.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-6-7 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-6 / Section 2-6-7
§ 2-6-7. Duties and authority of the director of the department of environmental management.
Status: repealed

(a) The duty of enforcing this chapter and carrying out its provisions and requirements is vested in the director of the department of environmental management. It is the duty of that officer, who may act through his or her authorized agents:

(1) To sample, inspect, make analysis of, and test agricultural and vegetable seeds transported, sold, or offered or exposed for sale within the state for sowing purposes, at any time and place and to any extent as he or she may deem necessary to determine whether those agricultural or vegetable seeds are in compliance with the provisions of this chapter; and to notify promptly the person who transported, sold, offered, or exposed the seed for sale, of any violation;

(2) To prescribe and, after a public hearing following public notice, to adopt rules and regulations governing the method of sampling, inspecting, analyzing, testing, and examining agricultural and vegetable seed and the tolerances to be followed in the administration of this chapter, which shall be in general accord with officially prescribed practice in interstate commerce and any other rules and regulations that may be necessary to secure efficient enforcement of this chapter;

(3) To prescribe and, after a public hearing following public notice, establish, add to, or subtract from by regulations a prohibited and restricted noxious weed list; and

(4) To prescribe and, after a public hearing following public notice, to adopt rules and regulations establishing reasonable standards of germination for vegetable seeds.

(b) For the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this chapter, the director, individually or through his or her authorized agents, is authorized:

(1) To enter upon any public or private premises during regular business hours in order to have access to seeds and the records connected with the premises subject to this chapter and rules and regulations under this chapter, and any truck or other conveyor by land, water, or air at any time when the conveyor is accessible, for the same purpose;

(2) To issue and enforce a written or printed stop sale order to the owner or custodian of any lot of agricultural or vegetable seed that the director finds is in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter or rules and regulations promulgated under this chapter. That order shall prohibit further sale, processing, and movement of the seed, except on approval of the director, until the director has evidence that the law has been complied with and the director has issued a release from the stop sale order of the seed; provided, that in respect to seed that has been denied sale, processing, and movement as provided in this paragraph, the owner or custodian of the seed has the right to appeal from the order to a court of competent jurisdiction in the locality in which the seeds are found, praying for a judgment as to the justification of the order and for the discharge of the seeds from the order prohibiting the sale, processing, and movement in accordance with the findings of the court. The provisions of this paragraph shall not be construed as limiting the right of the director to proceed as authorized by other sections of this chapter;

(3) To establish and maintain or make provisions for seed-testing facilities; to employ qualified persons; and to incur any expenses that may be necessary to comply with these provisions;

(4) To make or provide for making purity and germination tests of seed for farmers and dealers on request; to prescribe rules and regulations governing that testing; and to fix and collect charges for the tests made. Fees shall be accounted for in any manner that the state legislature may prescribe; and

(5) To cooperate with the United States Department of Agriculture and other agencies in seed law enforcement.

(c) Jurisdiction in all matters pertaining to the cultivation, harvesting, production, processing, certification, labeling, inspection, analyzing, testing, sampling, classification, designation, advertising, marketing, sale, storage, transportation, distribution, possession, notification of use, planting, and other use of agricultural and vegetable seeds is, by this chapter, vested exclusively in the director, to the exclusion of all local ordinances or regulations.

(1) All acts or parts of acts, whether general, special, or local, inconsistent with this section are expressly repealed, declared to be invalid, and of no effect.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-3-2 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-3 / Section 2-3-2
§ 2-3-2. Cooperative extension district associations.
Status: in_force

There shall be three (3) cooperative extension district associations: (1) The southern Rhode Island cooperative extension service comprising Washington and Kent counties; (2) The eastern Rhode Island cooperative extension service comprising Newport and Bristol counties; and (3) The northern Rhode Island cooperative extension service comprising Providence county.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-20-8 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-20 / Section 2-20-8
§ 2-20-8. Surveyors for Newport  Election  Bonds.
Status: in_force

The council of the city of Newport shall annually, in the month of February, elect one or more surveyors and measurers of boards, planks, timber, joist and scantling, removable at the pleasure of the city council, who shall each give bond, with surety, in the sum of one thousand dollars ($1,000), to the city treasurer, for the faithful discharge of the duties of that office.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-5-4 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-5 / Section 2-5-4
§ 2-5-4. Acceptance and use of federal funds.
Status: in_force

Upon the acceptance of each plan by the secretary of agriculture and his or her approval of each plan, the department is authorized and empowered to accept and receive all grants of money made pursuant to the soil conservation and domestic allotment act, for the purpose of enabling the state to carry out the provisions of that plan. All those moneys, together with any moneys which may be appropriated by the state, shall be paid into a special fund in the state treasury to be known as the agricultural soil conservation program fund. That fund is established, and is available to the department for expenditures necessary in carrying out the plan, including administration expenses, expenditures in connection with educational programs and research programs in aid of the plan, and for benefit payments.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-11-6 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-11 / Section 2-11-6
§ 2-11-6. Payments to local fire companies and districts.
Status: in_force

Of the money required for all payments for the property used, and services rendered in extinguishing forest fires, fifty percent (50%) shall be paid by the state to the local fire company or fire district. The payment for work done in preventing and extinguishing forest fires shall not be made until an itemized account of all the labor performed and materials used is submitted by the local fire chief of the forest fire district or jurisdiction in which the work is done or the assistance rendered, and is approved for payment by the local fire chief of the forest fire district or jurisdiction, who shall, within sixty (60) days from the date of any fire, transmit a copy of the itemized account and order for payment to the director of the department of environmental management for the directors approval and when the itemized account and order for payment is approved the director shall transmit the account and order to the state controller who shall draw his or her order upon the general treasurer for the payment of fifty percent (50%) of the money to the local fire company or fire district.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-20-18 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-20 / Section 2-20-18
§ 2-20-18. Grading of other hard woods.
Status: in_force

In the survey of ash, maple and other hardwood boards, planks, joists and timber, there are two (2) sorts: The first sort is denominated merchantable and shall include all boards, planks, joists and timber that are sound and free from bad knots and free from shakes and rot; the second sort is denominated refuse, and shall include all other descriptions, with allowance for rot.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-7-7 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-7 / Section 2-7-7
§ 2-7-7. Inspection, sampling, analysis.
Status: in_force

(a) It is the duty of the director, who may act through his or her authorized agent, to sample, inspect, make analysis of, and test commercial fertilizers distributed within this state at any time and place and to the extent the director deems necessary to determine whether commercial fertilizers are in compliance with the provisions of this chapter. The director, individually or through his or her agent, is authorized to enter upon any public or private premises or carriers during regular business hours in order to have access to commercial fertilizers subject to the provisions of this chapter and the rules and regulations pertaining to this chapter, and to the records relating to their distribution.

(b) The methods of analysis and sampling are those adopted by the fertilizer quality testing laboratory in consultation with the director from sources such as the journal of the association of official analytical chemists.

(c) The director, in determining for administrative purposes whether any commercial fertilizer is deficient in plant food, shall be guided solely by the official sample as defined in § 2-7-3(13) and obtained and analyzed as provided for in subsection (a).

(d) The results of official analysis of commercial fertilizers and portions of official samples shall be distributed upon request by the dean of the college of resource development at the University of Rhode Island as provided in the regulations.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-4-7 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-4 / Section 2-4-7
§ 2-4-7. Establishment of conservation districts.
Status: in_force

There are established, three (3) conservation districts as follows:

(1) All that portion known as Washington County and Kent County is incorporated into a district to be called the southern Rhode Island conservation district;

(2) All that portion known as Providence County is incorporated into a district to be called the northern Rhode Island conservation district;

(3) All that portion known as Newport County and Bristol County is incorporated into a district to be called the eastern Rhode Island conservation district.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-26-10 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-26 / Section 2-26-10
§ 2-26-10. Enforcement of violations of chapter.
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, if the chairperson of the commission, or the chairpersons designee, has cause to believe that a violation of any provision of this chapter or any regulations promulgated hereunder has occurred by a licensee who or that is under the commissions jurisdiction pursuant to this chapter, or that any person or entity is conducting any activities requiring licensure by the commission under this chapter or the regulations promulgated hereunder without such licensure, the chairperson, or the chairpersons designee, may, in accordance with the requirements of the administrative procedures act, chapter 35 of title 42:

(1) Revoke or suspend a license;

(2) Levy an administrative penalty in an amount established pursuant to regulations promulgated by the commission;

(3) Order the violator to cease and desist such actions;

(4) Require a licensee or person or entity conducting any activities requiring licensure under this chapter to take such actions as are necessary to comply with this chapter and the regulations promulgated thereunder; or

(5) Any combination of the above penalties.

(b) If the chairperson of the commission finds that public health, safety, or welfare requires emergency action, and incorporates a finding to that effect in his or her order, summary suspension of license and/or cease and desist may be ordered pending proceedings for revocation or other action.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-14-12 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-14 / Section 2-14-12
§ 2-14-12. Application to West Greenwich.
Status: in_force

The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to the tree warden of the town of West Greenwich who was appointed prior to July 1, 1986 and has served continuously as the tree warden since that date.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-16-2 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-16 / Section 2-16-2
§ 2-16-2. Definitions.
Status: in_force

(a) For the purpose of this chapter:

(1) Director means the director of the department of environmental management for the state of Rhode Island and his or her authorized agents.

(2) Person means any individual, association, partnership, society, or combination of individuals, or any institution, park, or other public agency administered by the state or by any city or town.

(3) Plant parts and plant products means all vegetative and propagative structures constituting parts of the plant body or produced by plants, whether intact or subdivided, and whether or not still attached to the plant, when existing in a crude or natural state, or which have not been processed in a manner adequate to free them of plant pests or to cause them to be incapable of harboring, vectoring, being, transmitting, or transporting those plant pests.

(4) Plant pest means any insect, nematode, protozoan, crustacean, or any other invertebrate animal, and any virus, bacterium, fungus, or other member of the plant kingdom, in any stage of development, known to be or suspected of being capable of causing serious injury or damage to, or of inciting serious diseases in, plants or parts and products of plants, whether in the field, in storage, or in markets and any animal, plant, plant part or product, or inanimate object constituting a source of danger to plants, plant parts and products, by reason of a capacity to constitute a vector, reservoir, alternate host, place of breeding, hibernation refuge, or vehicle of distribution, for any of the types of organisms mentioned in this subsection.

(5) Viruses: All viruses shall be considered to be animate.

(b) Terms or words as used in this chapter are construed to import either singular or plural form, and either masculine or feminine gender.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-26-5 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-26 / Section 2-26-5
§ 2-26-5. Authority over licensing and sales.
Status: in_force

(a) The commission shall prescribe rules and regulations for the licensing and regulation of hemp growers, handlers, licensed CBD distributors, and licensed CBD retailers and persons employed by the applicant not inconsistent with law, to carry into effect the provisions of this chapter and shall be responsible for the enforcement of the licensing.

(b) All growers, handlers, licensed CBD distributors, and licensed CBD retailers must have a hemp license issued by the commission. All production, distribution, and retail sale of hemp-derived consumable CBD products must be consistent with any applicable state or local food processing and safety regulations, and the applicant shall be responsible to ensure its compliance with the regulations and any applicable food safety licensing requirements, including, but not limited to, those promulgated by the department of health.

(c) The application for a hemp license shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(1)(i) The name and address of the applicant who will supervise, manage, or direct the growing and handling of hemp and the names and addresses of any person or entity partnering or providing consulting services regarding the growing or handling of hemp; and

(ii) The name and address of the applicant who will supervise, manage, or direct the distribution or sale of hemp-derived consumable CBD products, and names and addresses of any person or entity partnering or providing consulting services regarding the distribution or sale of hemp-derived CBD products.

(2) A certificate of analysis that the seeds or plants obtained for cultivation are of a type and variety that do not exceed the maximum concentration of delta-9 THC, as set forth in § 2-26-3; any seeds that are obtained from a federal agency are presumed not to exceed the maximum concentration and do not require a certificate of analysis.

(3)(i) The location of the facility, including the Global Positioning System location, and other field reference information as may be required by the commission with a tracking program and security layout to ensure that all hemp grown is tracked and monitored from seed to distribution outlets; and

(ii) The location of the facility and other information as may be required by the commission as to where the distribution or sale of hemp-derived consumable CBD products will occur.

(4) An explanation of the seed-to-sale tracking, cultivation method, extraction method, and certificate of analysis or certificate of analysis for the standard hemp seeds or hemp product if required by the commission.

(5) Verification, prior to planting any seed, that the plant to be grown is of a type and variety of hemp that will produce a delta-9 THC concentration of no more than three-tenths of one percent (0.3%) on a dry-weight basis.

(6) Documentation that the licensee and/or its agents have entered into a purchase agreement with a hemp handler, processor, distributor, or retailer.

(7) All applicants:

(i) Shall apply to the state police, attorney general, or local law enforcement for a National Criminal Identification records check that shall include fingerprints submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Upon the discovery of a disqualifying conviction defined in subsections (c)(7)(iv) and (c)(7)(v), and in accordance with the rules promulgated by the commission, the state police shall inform the applicant, in writing, of the nature of the conviction, and the state police shall notify the commission, in writing, without disclosing the nature of the conviction, that a conviction has been found;

(ii) In those situations in which no conviction has been found, the state police shall inform the applicant and the commission, in writing, of this fact;

(iii) All applicants shall be responsible for any expense associated with the criminal background check with fingerprints.

(iv) Any applicant who has been convicted of any felony offense under chapter 28 of title 21, or any person who has been convicted of murder; manslaughter; first-degree sexual assault; second-degree sexual assault; first-degree child molestation; second-degree child molestation; kidnapping; first-degree arson; second-degree arson; mayhem; robbery; burglary; breaking and entering; assault with a dangerous weapon; or any assault and battery punishable as a felony or assault with intent to commit any offense punishable as a felony, shall, subject to § 28-5.1-14, be disqualified from holding any license or permit under this chapter. The commission shall notify any applicant, in writing, of a denial of a license pursuant to this subsection.

(v) For purposes of this section, conviction means, in addition to judgments of conviction entered by a court subsequent to a finding of guilty, or plea of guilty, those instances where the defendant has entered a plea of nolo contendere and has received a jail sentence or a suspended jail sentence, or those instances wherein the defendant has entered into a deferred sentence agreement with the Rhode Island attorney general and the period of deferment has not been completed.

(8) Any other information as set forth in rules and regulations as required by the commission.

(d) [Deleted by P.L. 2019, ch. 88, art. 15, § 1.]

(e) The commission shall issue a hemp license to the grower or handler applicant if he, she, or it meets the requirements of this chapter, upon the applicant paying a licensure fee of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500). The license shall be renewed every two (2) years upon payment of a two thousand five hundred dollar ($2,500) renewal fee. Any licensee convicted of any disqualifying offense described in subsection (c)(7)(iv) shall, subject to § 28-5.1-14, have their license revoked. All license fees shall be directed to the commission to help defray the cost of enforcement. The commission shall collect a nonrefundable application fee of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) for each application to obtain a license.

(f) Any grower or handler license applicant or license holder may also apply for and be issued one (1) CBD distributor and/or one (1) CBD retailer license at no additional cost, provided their grower or handler license is issued or renewed. CBD distributor and CBD retailer licenses shall be renewed each year at no additional fee provided the applicant also holds or renews a grower and/or handler license.

(g) For applicants who do not hold, renew, or receive a grower or handler license, CBD distributor and CBD retailer licenses shall have a licensure fee of five hundred dollars ($500). The licenses shall be renewed each year upon approval by the commission and payment of a five hundred dollar ($500) renewal fee.

(h) The commission shall have the authority to temporarily suspend hemp applications and issuance of new hemp licenses for a defined period if the commission determines that such action is necessary to:

(1) Conduct a study or evaluation of market conditions, supply and demand dynamics, or regulatory impacts;

(2) Ensure adequate oversight and compliance with existing licensees; and

(3) Address any identified risks to public health, safety, or environmental welfare.

(i) During a suspension period, the commission may continue to process renewal applications of existing licensees.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-21-3 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-21 / Section 2-21-3
§ 2-21-3. Definitions.
Status: in_force

When used in this chapter:

(1) Agricultural liming materials means a product whose calcium and magnesium compounds are capable of neutralizing soil acidity.

(2) Brand means the term, designation, trademark, product name or other specific designation under which individual agricultural liming material is offered for sale.

(3) Bulk means in nonpackaged form.

(4) Burnt lime means a material made from limestone which consists essentially of calcium oxide or a combination of calcium oxide with magnesium oxide.

(5) Calcium carbonate equivalent means the acid neutralizing capacity of an agricultural liming material expressed as weight percentage of calcium carbonate.

(6) Fineness means the percentage by weight of the material which will pass U. S. standard sieves of specific sizes. The director shall promulgate regulations relating to fineness and shall be guided by the American society for testing and materials (ASTM) specification for sieve sizes.

(7) Hydrated lime means a material, made from burnt lime, which consists essentially of calcium hydroxide or a combination of calcium hydroxide with magnesium oxide and/or magnesium hydroxide.

(8) Industrial byproduct means any industrial waste or byproduct containing calcium or calcium and magnesium in forms that will neutralize soil acidity.

(9) Label means any written or printed matter on or attached to the package or on the delivery ticket which accompanies bulk shipments.

(10) Limestone means a material consisting essentially of calcium carbonate or a combination of calcium carbonate with magnesium carbonate capable of neutralizing soil acidity.

(11) Marl means a granular or loosely consolidated earthy material composed largely of sea shell fragments and calcium carbonate.

(12) Percent or Percentage means by weight.

(13) Person means individual, partnership, association, firm or corporation.

(14) Ton means a net weight of two thousand (2,000) pounds avoirdupois.

(15) Weight means the weight of undried material as offered for sale.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-21-4 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-21 / Section 2-21-4
§ 2-21-4. Labeling.
Status: in_force

(a) Agricultural liming materials sold, offered or exposed for sale in the state shall have affixed to each package in a conspicuous manner on their outside, a plainly printed, stamped or otherwise marked label, tag or statement, or in the case of bulk sales, a delivery slip, setting forth at least the following information:

(1) The name and principal office address of the manufacturer or distributor;

(2) The brand or trade name of the material;

(3) The identification of the product as to the type of the agricultural liming material;

(4) The net weight of the agricultural liming material;

(5) The minimum percentage of calcium oxide and magnesium oxide. Additional guarantees for calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate are allowed;

(6) Calcium carbonate equivalent as determined by methods prescribed by the association of official analytical chemists. Minimum calcium carbonate equivalents as prescribed by regulation; and

(7) The minimum percent by weight passing through U. S. standard sieves as prescribed by regulations.

(b) No information or statement shall appear on any package, label, delivery slip or advertising matter which is false or misleading to the purchaser as to the quality, analysis, type or composition of the agricultural liming material.

(c) In the case of any material which has been adulterated subsequent to packaging, labeling or loading of the material and before delivery to the consumer, a plainly marked notice to that effect shall be affixed by the vendor to the package or delivery slip to identify the kind and degree of the adulteration in the material.

(d) At every site from which agricultural liming materials delivered in bulk and at every place where consumer orders for bulk deliveries are placed, there shall be conspicuously posted a copy of the statement required by this section for each brand of material.

(e) When the director finds, after a public hearing following due notice, that the requirement for expressing the calcium and magnesium in elemental form would not impose an economic hardship on distributors and users of agricultural liming material by reason of conflicting labeling requirements among the state he or she may require by regulation that the minimum percentage of calcium oxide and magnesium oxide and/or calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate shall be expressed in the following form:

Provided that the effective date of the regulation is be not less than six (6) months following the issuance of the regulation, and that for a period of two (2) years following the effective date of the regulation the equivalent of calcium and magnesium may also be shown in the form of calcium oxide and magnesium oxide and/or calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-16-5 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-16 / Section 2-16-5
§ 2-16-5. Concealment of plants from inspection.
Status: in_force

No person shall cause any concealment of any plants or plant parts from inspection by the director or his or her authorized agents.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-21-1 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-21 / Section 2-21-1
§ 2-21-1. Title.
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be known as the Rhode Island agricultural liming materials law.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-21-5 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-21 / Section 2-21-5
§ 2-21-5. Prohibited acts.
Status: in_force

(a) No agricultural liming material shall be sold or offered for sale in this state unless it complies with provisions of this chapter or regulations.

(b) No agricultural liming material shall be sold or offered for sale in this state which contains toxic materials in quantities injurious to plants or animals.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-4-3 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-4 / Section 2-4-3
§ 2-4-3. State conservation committee.
Status: in_force

(a) There is established, within the department of environmental management to serve as an agency of the state and to perform the functions conferred upon it by this chapter, the state conservation committee. The following shall serve as members of the committee: the director of the department of environmental management, or his or her designee, and four (4) members of the public appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate. At least one member shall be appointed from each of the states conservation districts and, in making appointments under this section, the governor shall give due consideration to recommendations made by the states conservation district directors.

(b) Members of the committee as of the effective date of this act [April 20, 2006] shall continue to serve for the balance of their current terms. Thereafter, members shall be appointed to terms of three (3) years. Members shall hold office until a successor has been selected. Vacancies shall be filled for any unexpired terms. The selection of successors to fill an unexpired term or for a full term shall be in the same manner in which the respective state committee member had been selected.

(c) [Deleted by P.L. 2006, ch. 22, § 1 and P.L. 2006, ch. 27, § 1].

(d) Gubernatorial appointments made under this section after the effective date of this act [April 20, 2006] shall be subject to the advice and consent of the senate. All persons appointed to the committee after the effective date of this act [April 20, 2006] shall be residents of the state.

(e) The committee shall invite the director of the cooperative extension service and agricultural experiment station, chief of the office of state planning, director of transportation, the president of the Rhode Island association of conservation districts, the state conservationist of the USDA soil conservation service, the state executive director of the USDA agricultural stabilization and conservation service, the chairperson of the water resources board, and the executive director of the coastal resources management council, and any other agency representatives necessary to carry out the intent of this chapter to serve as advisors to the state committee.

(f) The committee shall keep a record of its official actions, and may perform any acts, hold any public hearings, and promulgate any rules and regulations that may be necessary for the execution of its functions under this chapter.

(g) The director of the department of environmental management shall direct staff to support the committee within the constraints of available resources.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-7-19 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-7 / Section 2-7-19
§ 2-7-19. Exchanges between manufacturers.
Status: in_force

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to restrict or avoid sales or exchanges of commercial fertilizers to each other by importers, manufacturers, or manipulators who mix fertilizer materials for sale or as preventing the free and unrestricted shipments of commercial fertilizer to manufacturers or manipulators who have registered their brands as required by the provisions of this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-6-4 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-6 / Section 2-6-4
§ 2-6-4. Prohibitions.
Status: in_force

(a) It is unlawful for any person to sell, offer for sale, expose for sale, or transport for sale any agricultural or vegetable seed within this state:

(1) Unless the test to determine the percentage of germination required by § 2-6-3 has been completed within a nine (9) month period exclusive of the calendar month in which the test was completed, immediately prior to sale, exposure for sale, or offering for sale or transportation, except that seeds packaged in hermetically-sealed containers under the conditions defined in rules and regulations promulgated under the provisions of this chapter may be sold, exposed for sale or offered for sale or transportation for a period of thirty-six (36) months after the last day of the month that the seeds were tested for germination prior to packaging. If seeds in hermetically-sealed containers are sold, exposed for sale, or offered for sale or transportation more than thirty-six (36) months after the last day of the month in which they were tested prior to packaging, they must have been retested for germination within the nine (9)-month period, exclusive of the calendar month in which the retest was completed, immediately prior to sale, exposure for sale, or offering for sale or transportation;

(2) Not labeled in accordance with the provisions of this chapter or having a false or misleading labeling;

(3) Pertaining to which there has been false or misleading advertisement;

(4) Consisting of or containing prohibited noxious weed seeds, subject to recognized tolerances;

(5) Consisting of or containing restricted noxious weed seeds per pound in excess of the number prescribed by rules and regulations promulgated under this chapter, or in excess of the number declared on the label attached to the container of the seed or associated with the seed;

(6) Containing more than two and one-half percent (2Â½%) by weight of all weed seeds;

(7) If any labeling, advertising, or other representations subject to this chapter represents the seed to be certified or registered seed unless:

(i) It has been determined by a seed certifying agency that the seed was produced, processed, and packaged, and conforms to standards of purity as to kind or variety, in compliance with rules and regulations of the agency pertaining to the seed; and

(ii) The seed bears an official label issued for the seed by a seed certifying agency stating that the seed is certified or registered.

(b) It is unlawful for any person within this state:

(1) To detach, alter, deface, or destroy any label provided for in this chapter or the rules and regulations made and promulgated under this chapter, or to alter or substitute seed in a manner that may defeat the purpose of this chapter;

(2) To disseminate any false or misleading advertisements concerning agricultural or vegetable seeds in any manner or by any means;

(3) To hinder or obstruct in any way, any authorized person in the performance of his or her duties under this chapter;

(4) To fail to comply with a stop sale order or to move or otherwise handle or dispose of any lot of seed held under a stop sale order or tags attached to the lot of seed, except with the express permission of the director and for the purpose specified by the director.

(5) To use the word trace as a substitute for any statement which is required.

(6) To use the word type in any labeling in connection with the name of any agricultural seed variety.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-12-5 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-12 / Section 2-12-5
§ 2-12-5. Rules and regulations.
Status: in_force

The director of the department of environmental management may make any rules and regulations, not inconsistent with law, that in his or her judgment may be helpful in carrying out the provisions of this chapter and of preventing and suppressing forest fires.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-11-2 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-11 / Section 2-11-2
§ 2-11-2. Designation of fire chief, senior officer, and forest fire district.
Status: in_force

The local chief shall be elected, appointed, or designated by the procedure established and within the framework spelled out in the fire company or fire district, city or town charter, by-laws, constitution, or any other existing format for appointment of a fire chief. The fire chiefs term of office is recognized as that which is spelled out in the fire company or fire district, city or town charter, by-laws, constitution, or any other existing format for such term of appointment. The fire chief elected, appointed, or designated shall forthwith notify the director of the department of environmental management of the election, appointment, or designation and shall further notify the director of his or her specific forest fire district and jurisdiction. The director may then enter into agreements with each fire chief and fire company to provide assistance and to accept assistance in the prevention and control of forest fires and enforcement of forest fire laws that may include training of personnel. It is the responsibility of the city or town council to appoint a qualified resident to forest fire chief and to designate a forest fire company for any portion of the city or town not protected by an existing fire chief and fire company. If the city or town council of any city or town shall fail to appoint a fire chief as required by this section, the director of the department of environmental management shall appoint some qualified resident of the city or town to act as fire chief until an appointment shall be made by the city or town council as provided in this section. In any fire company or fire district, the fire chief shall establish and define his or her forest fire district and jurisdiction and shall designate a qualified resident of each district to serve as authorized senior officer. Any designated senior officer shall serve at the pleasure of the fire chief by whom he or she was designated. A fire chief shall notify the director of the department of environmental management of each authorized senior officer designated by him or her, and of each removal from designation by him or her, forthwith upon the designation or removal.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-20-13 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-20 / Section 2-20-13
§ 2-20-13. Planks and joists.
Status: in_force

All planks and joists shall be surveyed as to quality and numbers the same as boards and their contents measured and marked in board measure.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-15-15 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-15 / Section 2-15-15
§ 2-15-15. Arrest and prosecution of violators.
Status: in_force

Any police officer, sheriff or any employee of the department of environmental management having police powers may arrest a violator or violators of §§ 2-15-12  2-15-17 and cause him or her or them to be prosecuted before the proper court.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-19-4.2 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-19 / Section 2-19-4.2
§ 2-19-4.2. Nuisance actions against arboriculture operations or mulching operations.
Status: in_force

(a) No arboriculture operation or mulching operation, as defined in this chapter may be found to be a public or private nuisance, due to alleged objectionable:

(1) Noise from equipment used in normal, generally accepted arboriculture or mulching operations;

(2) Dust created from normal, generally accepted arboriculture or mulching operations;

(3) Use of pesticides, rodenticides, insecticides, herbicides, or fungicides.

This provision pertains only to nuisance actions under chapter 1 of title 10.

(b) No rule or regulation of the department of transportation shall be enforced against any arboriculture operation or mulching operation to prevent it from placing a seasonal directional sign or display on the states right-of-way, on the condition that said sign or display conforms with the local zoning ordinance, and that sign or display is promptly removed by the arboriculture operation or mulching operation upon the conclusion of the season for which said sign or display was placed.

(c) The provisions of this section do not apply to arboriculture operations or mulching operations that operate in a malicious or negligent manner, or that conduct operations in violation of federal or state law.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-4-2 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-4 / Section 2-4-2
§ 2-4-2. Definitions.
Status: in_force

(1) Associate Director means a designated representative of any community who serves to advise and consult with the board of directors of a district.

(2) Committee or state conservation committee means the agency created in § 2-4-3. All references in this chapter to state conservation committee, state committee, or committee shall be deemed to be references to state conservation committee.

(3) Conservation includes conservation, improvement, maintenance, preservation, protection and use, and the control and prevention of floodwater and sediment damages, and the safe disposal of water.

(4) Director means one of the members of the governing body of a district, appointed or elected in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

(5) District or conservation district means a subdivision of the state conservation committee, and a quasi public corporation organized in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, for the purposes, with the powers, and subject to the restrictions set forth. All districts created under this chapter shall be known as conservation districts and shall have all the powers and duties set out in this chapter. All references in this chapter to districts shall be deemed to be references to conservation districts.

(6) Land occupier or occupier of land includes any person, firm or corporation holding title to, or in possession of, any lands lying within a district organized under the provisions of this chapter, whether as owner, renter, lessee, tenant, town, municipality or otherwise.

(7) Renewable natural resources, natural resources, or resources includes land, soil, water, vegetation, trees, fish, wildlife, streams, rivers, natural beauty, scenery, and open space.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-10-2 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-10 / Section 2-10-2
§ 2-10-2. Use of property.
Status: in_force

Property accepted pursuant to § 2-10-1 shall be used by the department of environmental management under the supervision of the director, for any forest demonstration and experimentation purposes that they deem best designed to promote the science and practice of forestry in this state.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-20-5 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-20 / Section 2-20-5
§ 2-20-5. Deputy surveyors for Providence.
Status: in_force

The Providence surveyor may appoint, subject to the approval of the city council of the city, a number of deputy surveyors, not less than six (6), that he or she judges sufficient, for whose official conduct he or she shall be answerable.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-10-4 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-10 / Section 2-10-4
§ 2-10-4. State forest areas acquired from United States.
Status: in_force

(a) For the purpose of cooperating with the United States government in the proper utilization of lands in this state suitable for the maintenance of forest areas, the director of environmental management is authorized and empowered, with the approval of the governor and irrespective of any other provision of law, to acquire, without expense to the state except a nominal consideration, by deed or lease from, or by agreement with, the United States or any authorized agency of the United States, lands or interests in lands in this state which in the judgment of the director and the governor are suitable for use for the purpose of, or in connection with, the establishment or maintenance of state forests or forest areas, and to use those lands or interests in lands so acquired, or to cause them to be used, for general forest demonstration and experimental purposes and in any other ways that in the judgment of the director and the governor will be most suitable for state forests or forest areas and will best promote the public good.

(b)(1) The director is authorized and empowered to sell or otherwise dispose of products from state forests or forest areas, and to make any rules and regulations that may be necessary in connection with the land.

(2)(i) Revenues received from state forests and forest areas shall be turned over to the general treasurer and placed in a fund to be known as the state forestry fund.

(ii) A special record shall be kept as to those revenues when there is an obligation in connection with those revenues to reimburse the United States, and payment shall be made to the United States in accordance with the terms of the agreement entered into between the director and the United States.

(3) When the purchase price, which shall not exceed the amount expended by the United States in the acquisition of the lands, has been repaid, title to the lands shall be taken in the name of the state.

(4) Revenues received from state forests or forest areas beyond those required to reimburse the United States shall be expended for the maintenance and development of state forests and forest areas whenever the agreement between the director and the United States requires it.

(c) Obligations for the acquisition of lands under the authority of this chapter shall be paid solely from revenues derived from those lands, and shall not impose any liability on the general credit and taxing power of the state. Revenues received from state forests and forest areas, where there is no obligation to reimburse the United States, shall be deposited in a fund known as the state forestry fund.

(d) All deeds, contracts and other agreements in connection with the transfer of state forests or forest areas shall be approved as to form by the attorney general.

(e) All civil and criminal processes issued under the authority of this state or of any department or officer of this state may be served and executed on state forests or forest areas and in any buildings or structures in state forests or forest areas.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-12-17 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-12 / Section 2-12-17
§ 2-12-17. Right of fire fighters and officials to enter land.
Status: in_force

No action of trespass shall lie against any person crossing or working upon the land of another to extinguish fire or to the director of environmental management or his or her representatives from crossing or working upon lands of another to investigate fire.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-22-8 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-22 / Section 2-22-8
§ 2-22-8. Misbranding.
Status: in_force

No person shall distribute a misbranded soil amendment. A soil amendment is deemed to be misbranded if:

(a) Its labeling is false or misleading in any particular;

(b) It is distributed under the name of another soil amendment;

(c) It is not labeled as required in §§ 2-22-4 and 2-22-5 and in accordance with regulations prescribed under this chapter;

(d) It purports to be or is represented as a soil amendment, unless that soil amendment conforms to the definitions of identity, if any, prescribed by regulation of the director of environmental management; in the adopting of those regulations, the director shall give due regard to commonly accepted definitions and official terms such as those issued by the association of American plant food control officials; or

(e) It does not conform to ingredient form, minimums, labeling and investigational allowances in the regulations adopted by the director.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-12-8 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-12 / Section 2-12-8
§ 2-12-8. Enforcement.
Status: in_force

The director of environmental management or any employee of the department authorized by him or her has the powers and is subject to the duties and obligations specified in chapter 7 of title 12 in dealing with any violations of the provisions of chapters 9, 10, 11, 12 and 15 of title 2.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-16-6 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-16 / Section 2-16-6
§ 2-16-6. Order to destroy or treat infected plants.
Status: in_force

If the director or his or her authorized agent finds on examination any nursery, greenhouse, field or farm crop, forest, small fruit plantation, cemetery, storehouse or elevator, conveyance, or any other private or public premises, or any plant or article on or in the premises to be infected or infested with any seriously injurious insects or plant diseases that would be likely, in the opinion of the director, to endanger adjacent property or the welfare of the agricultural economy of the state, the director may declare the premises, plants, or articles to be a public nuisance, and shall notify the owner or person having charge of the premises, plants, or articles to that effect, in writing, and the owner or person in charge upon receipt of the written notification, shall within a period of time that shall be specified on the written notification by the director, cause the removal and sanitary destruction of all plants, plant products, or articles declared if they cannot be successfully treated, otherwise the owner or person in charge shall cause them to be treated or apply any other remedial measures for the disinfestation, disinfection, control or retardment of the pest on the premises, plant, plant products, or articles as the director may direct. Preventive measures shall be required, and shall be enforced in the same manner on any additional premises in the vicinity of the premises where the plant pest was found as seems necessary in accordance with the judgment of the director.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-20-17 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-20 / Section 2-20-17
§ 2-20-17. Grading of mahogany, cedar, and cherry.
Status: in_force

In the survey and measurement of mahogany, cedar and cherry-tree boards, planks and joists and other ornamental wood and lumber, that are sound and free from bad knots and shakes shall be denominated merchantable, all others shall be denominated refuse, and allowance shall be made for rot and shakes.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-15-6 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-15 / Section 2-15-6
§ 2-15-6. Injuries to trees and shrubs prohibited.
Status: in_force

(a) Except as provided for in chapter 34 of title 39, no person shall, without the consent of the tree warden, the department of transportation, the department of environmental management, or the park commission of any town or city use climbing spurs for the purpose of climbing ornamental or shade trees, and no person or agent of a firm or corporation shall remove, cut down, prune, wilfully injure, or deface any shrub or tree within the limits of any public way or grounds without the written permission of the tree warden, or the department of transportation, or the department of environmental management, or the park commission of any town or city.

(b) Any person, firm, or corporation removing or cutting down a tree located along a state or municipal highway shall replace the tree with a hardy young tree of a similar kind in the same general location of the tree cut down or removed.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-12-7 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-12 / Section 2-12-7
§ 2-12-7. Exemption of attended fires.
Status: in_force

The provisions of § 2-12-6 do not apply to fires set or maintained in accordance with regulations approved by the director of the department of environmental management or his or her duly authorized representative, or to any act that may be done under authority given to any incorporated fire district or under the supervision of a fire chief or senior officer in which case the person requesting supervision shall pay for the actual time required for the supervision, to the city or town fire chief or senior officer, the prevailing rate per hour customarily paid to supervisory employees on construction work in the area or to burning in attended incinerators, fireplaces or rubbish burners, provided that time of burning and location of the incinerator, fireplace or rubbish burner is such that fires from any incinerator, fireplace or rubbish burner will not endanger any forest and pasture, brush, sprout, waste or cutover woodland or buildings. The provisions of § 2-12-6 shall not apply to fire chiefs and senior officers, the director of environmental management or any member of the department of environmental management authorized by him or her, when engaged in the discharge of their duties under this chapter, or to any incorporated volunteer fire company authorized in writing by the director of environmental management while engaged in prevention burning. Whoever sets or maintains any attended fire shall totally extinguish the attended fire before leaving it and failure to do so shall make the person, upon conviction, liable to a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100) or less than ten dollars ($10.00) or to imprisonment not exceeding thirty (30) days nor less than ten (10) days or both, and further they shall be liable in a civil action for the payment to the state or fire company for the expenses incurred by the fire chief or senior officer or any other authorized forest fire official in attending or suppressing fire or fires as result from that burning.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-13-3 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-13 / Section 2-13-3
§ 2-13-3. Filing of notices of ratification and consent.
Status: in_force

The original notice of ratification received from the governor or other authorized official of any state or province joining in the compact shall be filed with the official copy of the compact in the office of the secretary of state of this state, and the notice, if any, as may be received from the president or the congress of the United States, signifying the consent of the congress to the compact, shall be filed in the same manner.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-4-1 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-4 / Section 2-4-1
§ 2-4-1. Legislative determinations and declaration of policy.
Status: in_force

In recognition of the ever increasing environmental problems resulting from demands on the land and renewable resources of the state and of the need to preserve, protect and develop these resources of the state at a rate and level of quality to meet the needs of the people of the state, and the need for environmental balance, it is hereby declared to be the policy of the state to provide for the conservation of the land and renewable natural resources using those measures that best meet these objectives, including, but not limited to, the control and prevention of erosion, control of floods, the conservation and development of water resources and the improvement of water quality; assistance in the conservation of coastal land and water resources, the prevention of impairment of dams and reservoirs by sediment, the protection of wildlife, and preservation of natural beauty, and to protect and promote the health, safety and general welfare of the people of this state. It is further the policy of the general assembly to authorize conservation districts established under this chapter to serve as a local unit of the state conservation committee responsible for the conservation of the renewable natural resources of this state, and competent to administer, in close cooperation with landowners and occupiers, with local governmental units, and with agencies of the government of this state and of the United States, projects, programs and activities suitable for carrying out the policy of this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-23-3 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-23 / Section 2-23-3
§ 2-23-3. Declaration of policy.
Status: in_force

The general assembly declares that it is the policy of the state to promote an environment in which agricultural operations are safeguarded against nuisance actions arising out of conflicts between agricultural operations and urban land uses.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-20-35 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-20 / Section 2-20-35
§ 2-20-35. State lumber exempt.
Status: in_force

This chapter shall not be construed to require the survey or measurement of any lumber made in any city or town in this state.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-25-8 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-25 / Section 2-25-8
§ 2-25-8. Accountability and oversight.
Status: in_force

(a) On an annual basis, the department shall prepare a report that details the performance of the local agriculture and seafood small grants and technical assistance program, and the disbursements made during the prior year from the local agriculture and seafood small grants and technical assistance fund and other sources, and how the department plans to allocate and use funds provided through the local agriculture and seafood small grants and technical assistance fund during the next year. The report shall include any additional, relevant information relating to the administration of the program, and the status of any state-based agricultural assessments and local food production assessments.

(b) The department shall annually schedule and conduct one or more public meetings to solicit input from the general public on whether the program is meeting its intended purposes, and to solicit recommendations for modifying the program.

(c) The department shall annually submit the report, including an addendum summarizing the feedback provided at the public meeting(s) referenced in § 2-25-9, to the general assembly.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-26-8 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-26 / Section 2-26-8
§ 2-26-8. Methods of extraction.
Status: in_force

(a) The commission shall adopt rules regarding permissible methods of extraction.

(b) No butane method of extraction shall be permitted by the commission.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-21-6 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-21 / Section 2-21-6
§ 2-21-6. Registration.
Status: in_force

(a) Each separately identified product shall be registered before being distributed in this state. The application for registration shall be submitted to the director on forms furnished by the director and shall be accompanied by a fee of twenty dollars ($20.00) per product. Upon approval by the director, a copy of the registration shall be furnished to the applicant. All registrations expire on December 31 of each year.

(b) A distributor is not required to register any brand of agricultural liming material that is already registered under this chapter by another person, providing the label does not differ in any respect.

(c) The director may require that the registration and fees required by this section be paid electronically.

(d) In addition to the registration fees, the director may charge a processing fee. The department shall set the amount of such fees through rules and regulations, with processing fees not to exceed five percent (5%) of the registration surcharge per application.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-18-9 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-18 / Section 2-18-9
§ 2-18-9. Abatement of plant diseases as nuisance  Liability for cost.
Status: in_force

The chief entomologist and the director of environmental management, or either of them, may personally or through his or her deputies inspect any orchard, garden, field or roadside in public or private grounds which he or she knows, or has reason to suspect, is infested with any seriously injurious insect pests or plant diseases when, in his or her judgment, the presence of those pests or plant diseases are a nuisance to adjoining owners and shall give any instructions and directions that may be necessary in order that the nuisance may be abated. If the owner or person in charge of the trees or other plants constituting the nuisance fails within a reasonable time to follow the directions of the chief entomologist and the director of environmental management, and abate the nuisance, the chief entomologist and the director of environmental management may cause the necessary work to be done and the cost of that work shall be charged to that owner or person in charge of the trees or other plants, and the actual cost of the work shall be recovered in an action of the case to be brought by the general treasurer and the money received paid into the treasury of the state to be added to the regular annual appropriation of the department of environmental management.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-9-4 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-9 / Section 2-9-4
§ 2-9-4. Employees  Records  Annual report.
Status: in_force

The director of environmental management shall determine the duties of all employees, remove them in the manner provided by chapter 4 of title 36, and make all reasonable rules and regulations concerning them. The maps, plans, documents, records, books, papers, and accounts of the department are subject to public inspection at any times that the director may determine. The director shall make an annual report to the general assembly together with a full statement of the receipts and disbursements of the department.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-12-18 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-12 / Section 2-12-18
§ 2-12-18. Disposition of fines  Limitation of prosecutions.
Status: in_force

All fines recovered by virtue of this chapter and chapter 11 of this title shall be equally divided between the complainant and the forest fire district in which the offense was committed, and all prosecutions shall be commenced within three (3) years after the commission of the offense and not afterwards.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-10-3.1 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-10 / Section 2-10-3.1
§ 2-10-3.1. Assessment of fees for forestry services.
Status: in_force

The director of the department of environmental management shall promulgate regulations for the purposes of assessing fees for services provided by the division of forest environment as outlined in chapters 15 and 19 of this title, as well as for services provided by the division of forest environment for the protection, enhancement, and management of this states forest resources and these funds shall be deposited within the state forestry fund as provided for in § 2-10-3.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-20-19 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-20 / Section 2-20-19
§ 2-20-19. Marking of measure.
Status: in_force

In the survey of all boards, planks, joists and timber, the contents of this lumber in board measure shall be marked on this lumber in plain and durable numbers, and all other marks, if not correct, shall be erased. In marking the contents of any lumber, the board measure marks commonly used in marking boards shall only be used.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-14-7 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-14 / Section 2-14-7
§ 2-14-7. Powers and duties of wardens.
Status: in_force

The tree warden shall expend all sums which are appropriated for the setting out, care and maintenance of trees and shrubs on roads and public places under his or her control. He or she shall enforce all provisions of law for the preservation of those trees and shrubs and may make suitable regulations governing the care and preservation of those trees and shrubs as he or she may deem expedient, and those regulations are subject to the approval of the town or city council.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-3-7 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-3 / Section 2-3-7
§ 2-3-7. Cooperation in 4-H youth development activities.
Status: in_force

The director of cooperative extension at the Land Grant College (the University of Rhode Island) is authorized to provide support in cooperation with the district associations for annual 4-H activities and events, including fairs, demonstrating the work of 4-H members, and for contests, competitions, premiums and awards, and when deemed essential, for representation by carefully chosen Rhode Island 4-H members at 4-H conferences or exhibitions throughout the United States.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-7-8 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-7 / Section 2-7-8
§ 2-7-8. Plant food deficiency.
Status: in_force

(a) Penalty for nitrogen, available phosphoric acid or phosphorus and potash or potassium. If the analysis shows that a commercial fertilizer is deficient:

(1) In one or more of its guaranteed primary plant foods (NPK) beyond the investigational allowances as established by regulation; or

(2) If the overall index value of the fertilizer is below the level established by regulations, a penalty of three (3) times the commercial value of the deficiency or deficiencies shall be assessed

When a commercial fertilizer is subject to a penalty under both subdivisions (1) and (2), the larger penalty shall apply.

(b) Penalty for other deficiencies. Deficiencies beyond the investigational allowances as established by regulation in any other constituent(s) covered under §2-7-3(8)(i)(B), (C) and (D), which the registrant is required to or may guarantee, shall be evaluated and penalties prescribed for these deficiencies by the director.

(c) Nothing contained in this section shall prevent any person from appealing to a court of competent jurisdiction praying for judgment as to the justification of any penalties assessed under this section.

(d) All penalties assessed under this section shall be paid to the consumer of the lot of commercial fertilizer, one ton minimum, represented by the sample analyzed within three (3) months after the date of notice from the director to the registrant, receipts taken for the penalties assessed and promptly forwarded to the consumer. If the consumers cannot be found, or the consumer was in possession of less than one ton of commercial fertilizer represented by the sample analyzed, the amount of penalty shall be deposited into the fertilizer quality testing fund.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-12-6 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-12 / Section 2-12-6
§ 2-12-6. Restrictions on open air fires.
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, no person shall burn any flammable material on or adjacent to forest land without a written permit from the director of the department of environmental management or, his or her authorized representative, on forms prepared and under rules and regulations approved by the director, provided whoever sets or maintains a permit fire shall totally extinguish the permit fire before leaving it and the director, or his or her authorized representative, may cancel or suspend any or all permits, if, in his or her opinion, public necessity requires it. Any person doing any burning on or adjacent to forest land prior to burning operations, and at all times during the continuance of these operations, shall do that work in and around the area in which the burning is done as may be required by the director by rules and regulations promulgated under the authority granted in § 2-12-5. Whoever violates the provisions of this section shall, upon conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100) nor less than ten dollars ($10.00) or to imprisonment not exceeding thirty (30) days nor less than ten (10) days or both.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-12-12 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-12 / Section 2-12-12
§ 2-12-12. Posting of statutory provisions.
Status: in_force

Notices containing a statement of §§ 2-12-6, 2-12-8, 2-12-10  2-12-12, and § 2-12-19, furnished by the director of the department of environmental management, shall be posted in suitable places by the fire chief.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-5-5 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-5 / Section 2-5-5
§ 2-5-5. Administrative powers of department.
Status: in_force

In carrying out the provisions of this chapter and of each plan, the department has the power to designate administrative areas; to provide for the selection or election of local and community committees of persons participating or co-operating in the plan; to employ any agents or agencies and to establish any agencies that it may find to be necessary; to co-operate with local and state agencies and with agencies of other states and of the federal government; to conduct or arrange with the University of Rhode Island for the conduct of any research and educational activities in connection with the formulation and operation of the plan as may appear advisable; to enter into agreements with producers and to provide by other voluntary methods for adjustment in the utilization of land and in farming practices, and for payments in connection with these agreements or voluntary methods, in amounts which the department determines to be fair and reasonable. In carrying out the plan, the department and the director are authorized to delegate any of the powers conferred in this section to the agency as may be designated by the director and approved by the secretary of agriculture.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-3-6 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-3 / Section 2-3-6
§ 2-3-6. Raising of local funds  Amount of state contributions  Local matching funds.
Status: in_force

(a) Each district association shall raise funds for the purposes provided in this chapter. Each city or town within its respective district is authorized to appropriate and turn over to the treasurer of the association serving that district any sums that the city or town may approve.

(b) For the purpose of paying the states share of the annual expenses of the cooperative educational work provided for in §§ 2-3-1  2-3-6, the general assembly shall annually appropriate any sum that it deems necessary. Any district association not raising within the district covered by the district association, exclusive of funds received from any agency of the United States, an amount equal to the sum appropriated by the state for use by that district association shall draw from the state appropriation during the fiscal year only a sum equal to the amount raised by that district association, exclusive of funds received from any agency of the United States, and expended during the fiscal year as shown by a certificate filed in the office of the state controller, sworn to by the president and treasurer of the district association. The state controller is authorized and directed to draw orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of any sums authorized upon the presentation of the certificates and vouchers signed respectively by the president and treasurer of the district association.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-14-6 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-14 / Section 2-14-6
§ 2-14-6. Town or city forest areas  Supervision by department of environmental management.
Status: in_force

The tree warden has charge of and is responsible for the management of all town or city forest areas, including the setting out of trees and the care and protection of the trees, except those areas specifically exempted in § 2-14-5. When the town or city council requests the department of environmental management to give general supervision over its town or city forests, the tree warden shall follow those recommendations and cooperate closely with the department.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-10-9 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-10 / Section 2-10-9
§ 2-10-9. Receipts from land condemned by United States.
Status: in_force

Any sums received by the state as the proceeds resulting from the condemnation by the federal government, or any agency or agent of the federal government, of any lands, under the jurisdiction of the department of environmental management shall be deposited in the general fund.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-21-8 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-21 / Section 2-21-8
§ 2-21-8. Inspection, sampling, analysis.
Status: in_force

(a) It is the duty of the director, who may act through his or her authorized agent, to sample, inspect, make analyses, and test agricultural liming materials distributed within this state as he or she deems necessary to determine whether those agricultural liming materials are in compliance with the provisions of this chapter. The director, individually or through his or her agent, is authorized to enter upon any public or private premises or carriers during regular business hours in order to have access to agricultural liming material subject to the provisions of this chapter and regulations pertaining to agricultural liming material, and to the records relating to their distribution.

(b) The methods of analysis and sampling are those approved by the director, and shall be guided by association of official analytical chemists procedures.

(c) The results of official analysis of agricultural liming materials and portions of official samples shall be distributed, upon request, by the director as provided in the regulations at least annually.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-4-11 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-4 / Section 2-4-11
§ 2-4-11. Consultation with municipal representatives.
Status: in_force

The directors may invite the legislative body of any municipality within the district to designate a representative to serve as an associate director to advise and consult with them on all questions of programs and policy which may affect the property, water supply or other interest of the municipality. The board of directors may appoint, as they deem necessary, advisory committees to assure the availability of appropriate channels of communications to the board of directors, to persons affected by district operations, and to local, federal, state, regional and interstate special-purpose districts and agencies responsible for community planning, conservation commissions, zoning or resource development activities. The district shall keep the advisory committees informed of its work, and the advisory committees shall submit recommendations from time to time to the board of directors.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-22-14 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-22 / Section 2-22-14
§ 2-22-14. Constitutionality.
Status: in_force

If any clause, sentence, paragraph, or part of this chapter is for any reason judged invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, that judgment shall not affect, impair or invalidate the remainder of this chapter but shall be confined in its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph or part of this chapter directly involved in the controversy in which such judgment shall have been rendered.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-25-6 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-25 / Section 2-25-6
§ 2-25-6. Local agriculture and seafood small grants and technical assistance fund established and solicitation of funding.
Status: in_force

(a) For the purpose of paying the costs to the department of environmental management of administering the local agriculture and seafood small grants and technical assistance program and for the purpose of carrying out the purposes of the program as stated in subdivisions 2-25-5(3) and 2-25-5(4) a restricted receipt account is hereby created and known as the local agriculture and seafood small grants and technical assistance fund.

(b) The program shall be empowered to apply for and receive from any federal, state, or local agency, private foundation, or individual, any grants, appropriations, or gifts in order to carry out the purposes of the program established in § 2-25-5.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-27-7 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-27 / Section 2-27-7
§ 2-27-7. Severability.
Status: in_force

If any provisions of this chapter or of any rule, regulation, or order made under this chapter, or the application of this chapter to any person or circumstances, is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this chapter, rule, regulation, or order, and the application of that provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected. The invalidity of any section or sections or parts of any section or sections of this chapter shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this chapter, and it is declared to be the legislative intent that this chapter would have been enacted if those invalid parts had not been included in this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-12-20 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-12 / Section 2-12-20
§ 2-12-20. Civil liability of dump operator.
Status: in_force

Every person, firm, corporation or public agency who maintains a dump on owned, rented or leased property is liable in a civil action for the payment to the state or fire company for the expenses incurred by the fire chief or senior officer, or any other authorized forest fire official, in attending or suppressing forest fire as a result of burning in that dump and shall further be liable in civil action for any damage to anothers property by fire as a result of burning in that dump.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-20-24 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-20 / Section 2-20-24
§ 2-20-24. Survey on land.
Status: in_force

No lumber shall be surveyed on board a vessel when the lumber can be conveniently landed for the inspection of the surveyors.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-20-23 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-20 / Section 2-20-23
§ 2-20-23. Fees retained by surveyor.
Status: in_force

There shall be paid to the surveyor, of the fees provided for in this chapter, for his or her own use, three cents (3Â¢) on every one thousand feet (1,000²) of pine, spruce, hemlock and juniper boards, planks, joists and sawed timber, four cents (4Â¢) on every ton of oak and other ship timber, six cents (6Â¢) on every one thousand feet (1,000²) board measure of mahogany, cedar and other ornamental lumber, ash, maple, birch and other hard wood.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-22-15 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-22 / Section 2-22-15
§ 2-22-15. Annual reports.
Status: in_force

The registrant is required to submit an annual report of sales to the director. The composter shall submit payment to the director as follows:

(1) Eight cents ($.08) per ton for class 1 general use;

(2) Fifteen cents ($.15) per ton for class 2 use;

(3) Twenty cents ($.20) per ton for class 3 use; and

(4) Twenty-five cents ($.25) per ton for class 4 limited use.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-4-15 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-4 / Section 2-4-15
§ 2-4-15. Cooperation between districts.
Status: in_force

(a) Any two (2) or more districts may engage in joint activities by agreement between or among them in planning, financing, constructing, operating, maintaining and administering any program or project concerning the conservation of renewable natural resources. The districts concerned may make available for purposes of the agreement any funds, property, personnel, equipment or services available to them under this chapter.

(b) Any district may, with the concurrence of the state committee, enter into agreements with a district, districts or responsible agency in adjoining states to carry out those purposes if the law in those states permits the district and agencies in those states to enter into agreements. The committee has the authority to propose, guide and facilitate the establishment and carrying out of any agreements.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-10-11 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-10 / Section 2-10-11
§ 2-10-11. Purchase and sale of seedlings.
Status: in_force

For the purpose of encouraging reforestation, the director of environmental management is authorized and empowered to purchase, and resell at cost to the owners of any farm or woodlands in this state, tree seedlings to be planted on those farms or land. Nothing in this section authorizes the director to incur any obligation for the payment of any sum by the state nor to charge any fee or profit for his or her services under this section.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-5-3 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-5 / Section 2-5-3
§ 2-5-3. Formulation of plans  Purposes and contents.
Status: in_force

The department is authorized, empowered, and directed to formulate and submit to the secretary of agriculture in conformity with the provisions of the soil conservation and domestic allotment act, a state plan. It shall be the purpose of each plan and each plan shall be designed to promote any utilization of land and any farming practices that the department finds will tend, in conjunction with the operation of any other plans that may be approved for other states by the secretary of agriculture, to preserve and improve soil fertility; to promote the economic use and conservation of land; to diminish exploitation and wasteful and unscientific use of natural soil resources; to protect rivers and waterways against the results of soil erosion and aid in flood control; and to perform any other functions as may be defined in subsection (a) of § 7 of the soil conservation and domestic allotment act, 16 U.S.C. § 590g. Each plan shall provide for adjustments and utilization of land, and in farming practices through agreements with producers or through other voluntary methods, and for benefit payments in connection with these agreements or voluntary methods, and for any reports the secretary of agriculture finds necessary for the effective administration of the plan, and for ascertaining whether the plan is being carried out according to its terms.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-7-2 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-7 / Section 2-7-2
§ 2-7-2. Responsibility for administration.
Status: in_force

This chapter is administered by the director of the department of environmental management, referred to as the director.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-22-16 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-22 / Section 2-22-16
§ 2-22-16. Quality assurance funds.
Status: in_force

All funds received by the department under this chapter shall be deposited into the feed and fertilizer quality testing fund established under § 2-7-6(a) and used for the express purpose of testing and assuring the soil amendment.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-4-5 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-4 / Section 2-4-5
§ 2-4-5. Chairperson of the committee  Quorum  Expenses  Surety bonds  Records  Audit.
Status: in_force

The chairperson of the state committee shall be elected annually by the committee. The committee may elect from among its members such other officers as they deem necessary. A majority of the committee constitutes a quorum, and all actions of the committee shall be by a majority vote of the members present and voting at a meeting at which a quorum is present. The chairperson and members of the committee receive no compensation for their services on the committee, but are entitled to expenses or per diem, including traveling expenses, necessarily incurred in the discharge of their duties on the committee. The committee shall provide for the execution of surety bonds for all employees entrusted with funds or property; shall provide for the keeping of a full and accurate record of all proceedings and of all resolutions, regulations, and orders issued or adopted; and shall provide for a periodic audit of the accounts of receipts and disbursements. Members of the committee and the subcommittee shall be removable by the governor pursuant to § 36-1-7 of the general laws and for cause only, and removal solely for partisan or personal reasons unrelated to capacity or fitness for the office shall be unlawful.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-19-4.1 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-19 / Section 2-19-4.1
§ 2-19-4.1. Arboriculture and mulching operations defined.
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this chapter:

(1) Arboriculture means the business or practice of pruning, trimming, spraying or repairing fruit, shade and ornamental trees, and includes any lines of work that are commonly included under the terms tree surgery, tree dentistry, tree spraying, tree pruning, and the work of foresters and entomologists as applied to the care of fruit, shade, forest and ornamental trees and shrubs.

(2) Mulch means any type of forest material, vegetative matter resulting from landscaping maintenance or land clearing operations and includes materials such as tree and shrub trimmings, tree and shrub roots, tree trunks, branches, leaves and tree stumps, that is produced for the purpose of spreading or application over the surface of the soil as a protective cover, to retain moisture, reduce erosion, provide nutrients, and suppress weed growth, seed germination and for general landscaping purposes.

(3) Mulching operation means any commercial enterprise operating on at least five (5) contiguous acres or larger, which is owned or operated by a licensed arborist pursuant to this chapter, and has as its primary purpose the production or storage of mulch.

(4) Arboriculture operations means any commercial enterprise operating on at least five (5) contiguous acres or larger, which is owned or operated by a licensed arborist pursuant to this chapter, and has as its primary purpose arboriculture.

(b) Arboriculture operations and mulching operations shall be subject to the requirements of chapter 2-15.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-14-11 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-14 / Section 2-14-11
§ 2-14-11. Application to Providence.
Status: in_force

The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to the city of Providence, and this chapter shall in no way affect the provisions of chapter 1479 of the public laws, 1907, entitled An act providing for the care and preservation of shade trees, and for other purposes, in the city of Providence, as amended by chapter 693 of the public laws, 1925. The appointment of a tree warden for the city of Providence is approved by the director of environmental management, as provided in § 2-14-2.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-18-11 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-18 / Section 2-18-11
§ 2-18-11. Rules and regulations  Revocation of license by director.
Status: in_force

The director of environmental management has the power to prescribe any general rules and regulations, not contrary to law, that may in his or her opinion facilitate the carrying out of the provisions of this chapter, and may revoke any certificate or license issued by the director, if in his or her opinion that action is necessary.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-25-3 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-25 / Section 2-25-3
§ 2-25-3. Legislative intent.
Status: in_force

The general assembly intends:

(1) To support and develop more robust and self-sustaining agricultural and seafood sectors that also promotes emerging agricultural industries;

(2) That policies and programs of the state will support and promote the Rhode Island agriculture and seafood industries as a vital component of the states economy and essential steward of our land and coastal waters;

(3) That current policies and programs pertaining to the viability of Rhode Islands agricultural and seafood industries be reviewed and confirmed or changed in order to assure the long-term economic prosperity of the industries; and

(4) That Rhode Island will promote processing and consumption of agricultural and seafood products from within Rhode Island.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-11-9 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-11 / Section 2-11-9
§ 2-11-9. Enforcement powers of fire chiefs.
Status: in_force

The fire chiefs shall enforce all laws relating to forest fires, and shall not be required to give surety for costs upon any complaint made by him or her. The fire chiefs shall have the power to arrest without a warrant any person detected in the act of setting or maintaining fire unlawfully.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-26-6 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-26 / Section 2-26-6
§ 2-26-6. Rulemaking authority.
Status: in_force

(a) The commission shall adopt rules to provide for the implementation of this chapter, which shall include rules to require hemp to be tested during growth for THC levels and to require inspection of hemp during sowing, growing season, harvest, storage, and processing. Included in these rules should be a system requiring the licensee to submit crop samples to an approved testing facility, as determined by the commission for testing and verification of compliance with the limits on delta-9 THC concentration.

(b) The commission shall prescribe rules and regulations for all operational requirements for licensed growers, handlers, CBD distributors, and retailers, and to ensure consistency in manufactured products and appropriate packaging, labeling, and placement with respect to retail sales not inconsistent with law, to carry in effect the provisions of this chapter.

(c) The commission shall not adopt, under this or any other section, a rule that would prohibit a person or entity to grow, distribute, or sell hemp based solely on the legal status of hemp under federal law.

(d) The commission may adopt rules and regulations based on federal law provided those rules and regulations are designed to comply with federal guidance and mitigate federal enforcement against the licenses issued under this chapter.

(e) [Deleted by P.L. 2020, ch. 1, § 2 and P.L. 2020, ch. 2, § 2.]
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-27-5 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-27 / Section 2-27-5
§ 2-27-5. Duties of the commission.
Status: in_force

The commission shall:

(1) Develop the criteria necessary for defining the most important forest land under this chapter;

(2) Make a reasonably accurate inventory of all land in the state that meets the definition of forest land;

(3) Inform the public, public officials, and other citizens and interested persons of the provisions of this chapter; and

(4) Make recommendations to the director of the department of environmental management regarding disbursements from the forest land conservation fund.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-18-12 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-18 / Section 2-18-12
§ 2-18-12. Appeals from chief entomologist to director.
Status: in_force

Any person aggrieved by any order made by the chief entomologist may appeal to the director of environmental management. The person may file with the director of environmental management, within five (5) days after the order is made or issued by the chief entomologist, a claim of appeal from the order, the appeal to be in writing.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-14-10 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-14 / Section 2-14-10
§ 2-14-10. Local appropriations.
Status: in_force

Each town or city may appropriate annually sums of money to be expended by the tree warden of a town or city in the planting, trimming, spraying, care, and preservation of shrubs or ornamental or shade trees within the limits of any public highway or grounds under his or her control and, at the discretion of the tree warden with the written consent of the owner, upon land adjoining any public highway or grounds, if not more than twenty (20) feet from the highway or grounds, for the purpose of shading or ornamenting highway or grounds.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-26-3 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-26 / Section 2-26-3
§ 2-26-3. Definitions.
Status: in_force

When used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(1) Applicant means any person, firm, corporation, or other legal entity who or that, on his, her, or its own behalf, or on behalf of another, has applied for permission to engage in any act or activity that is regulated under the provisions of this chapter.

(2) Cannabidiol or CBD means cannabidiol (CBD) derived from a hemp plant as defined in § 2-26-3, not including products derived from exempt cannabis plant material as defined in 21 C.F.R. § 1308.35.

(3) Cannabis means all parts of the plant of the genus marijuana, also known as marijuana sativa L. whether growing or not; the seeds thereof; the resin extracted from any part of the plant; and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the plant, its seeds, or resin regardless of cannabinoid content or cannabinoid potency including marijuana and industrial hemp or industrial hemp products which satisfy the requirements of this chapter.

(4) Cannabis control commission or commission means the Rhode Island cannabis control commission established by § 21-28.11-4.

(5) Cannabis office or office means the cannabis office established by § 21-28.11-18.1.

(6) Division means the division of agriculture in the department of environmental management.

(7) Grower means a person or entity who or that produces hemp for commercial purposes.

(8) Handler means a person or entity who or that produces or processes hemp or agricultural hemp seed into commodities or who manufactures hemp products.

(9) Hemp or industrial hemp means the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than three-tenths percent (0.3%) on a dry weight or per volume basis regardless of moisture content, and which satisfies the requirements of this chapter.

(10) Hemp-derived consumable CBD product means any product meant for ingestion, including, but not limited to, concentrates, extracts, and cannabis-infused foods and products, which contains cannabidiol derived from a hemp plant as defined in this section, which shall only be sold to persons age twenty-one (21) or older, and which shall not include products derived from exempt cannabis plant material as defined in 21 C.F.R. § 1308.35.

(11) Hemp products or industrial hemp products means all products made from the plants, including, but not limited to, concentrated oil, cloth, cordage, fiber, food, fuel, hemp-derived consumable CBD products, paint, paper, construction materials, plastics, seed, seed meal, seed oil, and seed certified for cultivation, which satisfy the requirements of this chapter.

(12) Licensed CBD distributor means a person licensed to distribute hemp-derived consumable CBD products pursuant to this chapter.

(13) Licensed CBD retailer means a person licensed to sell hemp-derived consumable CBD products pursuant to this chapter.

(14) THC means tetrahydrocannabinol, the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis.

(15) THCA means tetrahydrocannabinol acid.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-10-3 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-10 / Section 2-10-3
§ 2-10-3. State forestry fund.
Status: in_force

Whenever appropriate receipts, monetary gifts, or securities are received, the director of environmental management shall give the funds to the general treasurer until he or she desires to use the funds for forest demonstration and experimentation purposes and the general treasurer shall keep those funds in a special account known as the state forestry fund, and he or she shall invest and reinvest the funds in those securities that by law the sinking fund commission is authorized to invest in. Whenever the director desires to convert any of those investments into cash to be used to promote the science and practice of forestry in this state, the director shall notify the general treasurer in writing who shall forthwith proceed to carry out his or her request. The state controller is authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment from those investments of any of those sums upon receipt by him or her of proper vouchers approved by the director.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-7-13 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-7 / Section 2-7-13
§ 2-7-13. Rules and regulations.
Status: in_force

The director is authorized to prescribe and, after a public hearing following public notice, to enforce any rules and regulations relating to investigational allowances, definitions, records, and the distribution of commercial fertilizers that may be necessary to carry into effect the full intent and meaning of this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-7-20 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-7 / Section 2-7-20
§ 2-7-20. Constitutionality.
Status: in_force

If any clause, sentence, paragraph, or part of this chapter shall for any reason be judged invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, the judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder of this chapter but shall be confined in its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph, or part directly involved in the controversy in which the judgment has been rendered.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-9-6 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-9 / Section 2-9-6
§ 2-9-6. Publication of information.
Status: in_force

It is the duty of the director of environmental management to obtain and publish information concerning the extent and condition of the forest lands in the state and the means of protecting the forests from fire and other depredation, and to diffuse as widely as possible, by public addresses and personal communication, a knowledge of practical forestry and methods of replanting deforested areas.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-26-2 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-26 / Section 2-26-2
§ 2-26-2. Legislative findings.
Status: in_force

The general assembly finds and declares as follows:

(1) The cannabis sativa plant used for the production of hemp is separate and distinct from forms of cannabis used to produce marijuana.

(2) Hemp is used for products such as building materials, cloth, cordage, fiber, food, floor coverings, fuel, industrial chemicals, paint, paper, particle board, plastics, seed meal, seed oil, and yarn.

(3) Industrial hemp production has remained legal throughout most of the world and hemp has the capacity to grow in a multitude of different climates, altitudes, soils, and weather conditions.

(4) Currently, it is legal to import industrial hemp into the United States.

(5) Although federal law currently prohibits the cultivation of hemp, the laws of California, Colorado, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia permit commercial hemp programs.

(6) Currently, the United States is the largest importer of hemp products, the largest portion of which is imported from China.

(7) States are not required to enforce federal law or prosecute people for engaging in activities prohibited by federal law. Therefore, compliance with this chapter does not put the state of Rhode Island in violation of federal law.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-22-11 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-22 / Section 2-22-11
§ 2-22-11. Rules and regulations.
Status: in_force

The director of environmental management is authorized pursuant to publication and notice to adopt and enforce rules and regulations relating to sampling, analytical methods, form, minimum percentages, soil amending ingredients, exempted materials, investigational allowances, definitions, records, labels, labeling, liability bond, misbranding, mislabeling, and the distribution of soil amendments as may be necessary to carry into effect the full intent and meaning of this chapter. The director of environmental management is authorized and empowered to adopt and enforce rules and regulations to waive registration and fee requirements for agricultural, municipal and other compost facilities based upon the size of operation, volume and composition of material being composted.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-4-3.1 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-4 / Section 2-4-3.1
§ 2-4-3.1. Rhode Island farm, forest and open space land value subcommittee.
Status: in_force

(a) There is hereby authorized, created and established the Rhode Island Farm, Forest, and Open Space Land Value Subcommittee (the subcommittee) to recommend the methodology and values for the assessment of land for property taxation on the basis of current use for farm, forest, and open space lands, as established by chapter 27 of title 44 and § 44-5-12. The values recommended by the subcommittee, upon review and approval by the state conservation committee, shall be made available to local tax assessors and such value shall be the recommended maximum current use value per acre at which such land classifications can be assessed.

(b) The subcommittee shall consist of the following twelve (12) members: the chair of the state conservation committee, or designee; three (3) local tax assessors appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the senate; the director of the department of administration, or designee, who shall be a subordinate within the department of administration; the chief of the department of environmental managements division of agriculture, or designee, who shall be a subordinate within the division who shall serve as a nonvoting ex officio member; the chief of the department of environmental managements division of forest environment, or designee, who shall be a subordinate within the division who shall serve as a nonvoting ex officio member; the dean of the University of Rhode Islands College of Natural Resources, or designee, who shall be a subordinate within the college who shall serve as a nonvoting ex officio member; the executive director of the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns, or his or her designee, who shall serve as a nonvoting member of the subcommittee; the chairperson of the Rhode Island Agricultural Council, or his or her designee, who shall serve as a nonvoting member of the subcommittee; and two (2) public members appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate, one of whom shall be a landowner currently enrolled under the forest land provision of chapter 27 of title 44, one of whom shall be a member of a land trust. Each appointed member of the subcommittee shall serve for a term of three (3) years, and shall serve until his or her successor has been appointed and qualified. Any vacancy which may occur in the subcommittee of the members appointed by the governor shall be filled by the governor for the remainder of the unexpired term in the same manner as the predecessor as prescribed in this section. The members of the subcommittee shall be eligible to succeed themselves. No one shall be eligible for appointment unless he or she is a resident of this state. Those members of the subcommittee as of the effective date of this act [April 20, 2006] who were appointed by the speaker of the house and the president of the senate shall cease to be members of the subcommittee on the effective date of this act [April 20, 2006], and the governor shall thereupon appoint four (4) members as prescribed in this section, each of whom shall serve for the balance of the unexpired term of his or her predecessor.

(c) The state conservation committee shall provide the subcommittees list of current use values for farm, forest, and open space land to each tax assessor, through the department of administration, on or before February 15 of each year in which the subcommittee is required to determine such figures.

(d) The subcommittee shall abide by the rules governing the state conservation committee, as provided in § 2-4-5. Five (5) voting members of the subcommittee shall constitute a quorum. A majority vote of those present shall be required for action.

(e) The subcommittee shall meet at the call of the chair. All meetings shall be held consistent with chapter 46 of title 42.

(f) The subcommittee shall conduct a training course for newly appointed and qualified members and new designees of ex officio members within six (6) months of their qualification or designation. The course shall be developed by the chair of the subcommittee, approved by the subcommittee and conducted by the chair of the subcommittee. The subcommittee may approve the use of any subcommittee or staff members or other individuals to assist with training. The training course shall include instruction in the following areas: chapters 44-27, 44-5, 2-4, 42-46, 36-14 and 38-2; and the subcommittees rules. The director of the department of administration shall, within ninety (90) days of the effective date of this act [April 20, 2006], prepare and disseminate training materials relating to the provisions of chapters 42-46, 36-14 and 38-2.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-14-3 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-14 / Section 2-14-3
§ 2-14-3. Term of office  Vacancies.
Status: in_force

A tree warden whose appointment is approved by the director of environmental management holds office until the first day of March in the year following his or her appointment and until his or her successor is appointed and approved as provided in § 2-14-2. Any vacancy that may occur in the office of the tree warden of any city or town, from any cause, shall be filled by the town council of the town or by the mayor of any city, as the case may be, by the appointment of some person to serve as tree warden for the remainder of the term, and the appointment is subject to the approval of the director. If the town council of any town, or the mayor of any city, fails within sixty (60) days to appoint a tree warden as required by § 2-14-2 and this section, the director shall appoint some resident of the town or city to act as tree warden until an appointment is made by the town council or the mayor, as the case may be, and approved by the director as provided in § 2-14-2.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-15-14 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-15 / Section 2-15-14
§ 2-15-14. Plants as prima facie evidence of violations.
Status: in_force

The presence in transit upon a public highway, or in the possession of a common carrier, of plants or parts of plants mentioned in § 2-15-12, not accompanied by a proper and valid permit is prima facie evidence of the violation of the provisions of §§ 2-15-12  2-15-17 by the possessor, or if in the hands of a common carrier or other transporting agent, by the consignor of those plants or parts of plants.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-11-5 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-11 / Section 2-11-5
§ 2-11-5. Reports of fires.
Status: in_force

Within two (2) weeks after any forest fire, the local fire chief of the local fire district in which the fire occurs shall mail a report of the fire to the director of the department of environmental management using the printed form furnished for that purpose. In case any local fire chief fails to make the report as required by this section, or the local fire chief fails to transmit a copy of the itemized account as provided in § 2-11-6, the fire department or fire district shall not receive from the state the payment due under § 2-11-6 for extinguishing the fire.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-9-3 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-9 / Section 2-9-3
§ 2-9-3. Leases and concessions on reservations.
Status: in_force

The department of environmental management may let, rent or lease any parts of the reservations under its control or any building on the reservation and may grant any concessions on or about those reservations, as in the opinion of the director of environmental management may seem necessary or advisable, but not for periods in excess of five (5) years.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-5-2 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-5 / Section 2-5-2
§ 2-5-2. Agency to administer state plan.
Status: in_force

In order to carry out the purposes of the soil conservation and domestic allotment act enacted by the congress of the United States, the Rhode Island department of environmental management, referred to as the department, is designated as the agency of the state of Rhode Island to administer any state plan authorized by this chapter which shall be approved by the secretary of agriculture of the United States, referred to as the secretary of agriculture, for the state of Rhode Island pursuant to the provisions of the soil conservation and domestic allotment act.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-20-7 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-20 / Section 2-20-7
§ 2-20-7. Returns by Providence surveyor.
Status: in_force

The Providence surveyor shall make return to the city council of the city of Providence, on the first Monday in February annually, of all lumber surveyed by himself or herself or his or her deputies, specifying the various kinds and qualities and by whom surveyed, and the amount of all fees received by him or her and his or her deputies pursuant to this chapter; and the city council shall cause those returns to be published in one of the newspapers published in the city.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-6-5 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-6 / Section 2-6-5
§ 2-6-5. Records.
Status: in_force

Each person whose name appears on the label as handling agricultural or vegetable seeds subject to this chapter shall keep for a period of two (2) years complete records of each lot of agricultural or vegetable seed handled and keep for one year a file sample of each lot of seed after final disposition of the lot. All records and samples pertaining to the shipment or shipments involved are accessible for inspection by the director or his or her agent during customary business hours.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-20-1 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-20 / Section 2-20-1
§ 2-20-1. Appointment of city and town surveyors and measurers.
Status: in_force

The city and town councils of all cities and towns where boards, plank, timber, joist and scantling are imported for sale shall annually, on or before the first day of March, appoint one or more surveyors and measurers of boards, plank, timber, joist and scantling, who are removable at the pleasure of the council. Each surveyor shall give bond, with two (2) securities, in the sum of five hundred dollars ($500), to the city or town treasurer for the faithful discharge of the duties of the office.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-15-5 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-15 / Section 2-15-5
§ 2-15-5. Removal of injurious plants.
Status: in_force

The tree warden, the department of transportation, the department of environmental management or the park commission of any town or city or any state agency, may cause to be removed any trees or other plants within the limits of public highways or grounds under their respective jurisdiction, that are injurious plants or are obnoxious as hosts of insects or fungus pests. Any tree removed for any reason except for interference with public health or safety, within the limits of public highways shall be replaced by the state agency removing the tree as soon as weather conditions permit.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-20-9 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-20 / Section 2-20-9
§ 2-20-9. Records of surveys.
Status: in_force

Every surveyor and measurer shall keep a true and faithful record of all surveys of lumber made by him or her, together with all figures made by him in taking an account of those surveys, and that record shall be open to the inspection of all persons.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-16-1 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-16 / Section 2-16-1
§ 2-16-1. Short title.
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be known by the short title of the Rhode Island general plant pest act.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-7-17 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-7 / Section 2-7-17
§ 2-7-17. Seizure, condemnation, and sale.
Status: in_force

Any lot of commercial fertilizer not in compliance with the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to seizure on complaint of the director to a court of competent jurisdiction in the area in which the commercial fertilizer is located. In the event the court finds the commercial fertilizer to be in violation of this chapter and orders the condemnation of the commercial fertilizer, it shall be disposed of in any manner consistent with the quality of the commercial fertilizer and the laws of the state: provided, that in no instance shall the disposition of the commercial fertilizer be ordered by the court without first giving the claimant an opportunity to apply to the court for release of the commercial fertilizer or for permission to process or relabel the commercial fertilizer to bring it into compliance with this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-26-1 — RI Code / Title 2 / Chapter 2-26 / Section 2-26-1
§ 2-26-1. Short title.
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the Industrial Hemp Growth Act.