R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-10-16 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-10 / Section 45-10-16
§ 45-10-16. Advisory council on municipal finances.
Status: in_force

(a) In order to strengthen the fiscal accountability of cities, towns and municipalities in Rhode Island an advisory council on municipal finances is hereby formed. The council is composed of five (5) members as follows:

(1) The auditor general of the state of Rhode Island or his or her designee;

(2) The executive director of the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns or his or her designee;

(3) The executive director of the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns shall appoint a representative of the Government Finance Officers Association;

(4) The director of the department of revenue or his or her designee;

(5) The state controller or his or her designee.

The auditor general or his or her designee shall serve as chair of the council.

(b) The council shall develop recommendations for a uniform system of accounting, including a chart of accounts for all cities, towns and municipalities. These recommendations shall take into consideration the work of the advisory council on school finances pursuant to the requirements of §16-2-9.3. The council shall recommend changes in accounting procedures to be adopted by cities, towns and municipalities. In addition, the council shall apprise municipal business officials, city and town councils, and other municipal leaders about sound fiscal practices and current state and federal rules and regulations regarding municipal finance. All recommendations of the council shall be advisory in nature.

(c) The council shall meet at least one time each year. The council shall report its activities and recommendations to the chairs of the house and senate committees on finance, the senate committee on housing and municipal government, the house committee on municipal government, and the office of the governor. The councils initial recommendations shall be submitted by July 1, 2009.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-19-14 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-19 / Section 45-19-14
§ 45-19-14. Appropriations by towns to dependents of deceased police officers and fire fighters.
Status: in_force

The several cities and towns are authorized and empowered to make a special appropriation to surviving widows or widowers or domestic partners, or other surviving dependents, of a deceased fire fighter or police officer who has been in the service of a city or town for a period of at least two (2) years and has lost his or her life, or received injuries resulting in permanent disability, or incurred illness resulting in death, while in the line of duty as a fire fighter or police officer. This appropriation may be in addition to any service pension granted to the widows or widowers or domestic partners of any fire fighters or police officers under the provisions of any law or any ordinance of any city or town; provided, that the appropriation does not exceed the sum of five thousand dollars ($5,000) for any one person.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-47-3 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-47 / Section 45-47-3
§ 45-47-3. Placement of proceeds in escrow account.
Status: in_force

Upon certification by the designated taxing jurisdiction official that a lien has arisen, or upon the failure of the insured to obtain a certificate within thirty (30) days of the filing of the insureds proof of loss, the loss proceeds of the policy equal to the amount of the lien or the entire loss proceeds of the policy, if the insured has not submitted the certificate pursuant to § 45-47-2, shall be placed in an interest-bearing escrow account, and the taxing jurisdiction and the insured shall be so notified. Provided, that if the insured demonstrates that he or she has requested by certified mail a certificate, and the designated taxing jurisdiction official has not provided the certificate within fifteen (15) days of the request, all proceeds shall, if otherwise appropriate, be released to the insured, as soon as practicable.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-31-9 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-31 / Section 45-31-9
§ 45-31-9. Agencies created.
Status: in_force

(a) There is created in each community a redevelopment agency to be known as the redevelopment agency of the community.

(b) Redevelopment agencies may also be created by public law for the purposes of exercising the powers set forth in chapters 31-33 of this title, provided an ordinance of the legislative body of the community authorizes the exercise of the provisions of the public law for the purposes of these chapters. The provisions of §§ 45-31-12, 45-31-13, 45-31-14, 45-31-15, and 45-31-21 that are inconsistent with such a public law shall be deemed to be superseded by the public law and not applicable to the redevelopment agency thereby created, upon adoption ordinance putting into effect the purposes of the public law. Where authorized by such a special act, the term blighted area and substandard area shall be deemed to include areas where the presence of hazardous materials, as defined in § 23-19.14-2, impairs the use, reuse, or redevelopment of impacted sites.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-36-1 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-36 / Section 45-36-1
§ 45-36-1. Open space defined.
Status: in_force

When used in this chapter open space means any space or area, the preservation or restriction of the use of which would:

(1) Maintain or enhance the conservation of natural or scenic resources,

(2) Protect natural streams or water supply,

(3) Promote conservation of soils, wetlands, beaches, or tidal marshes,

(4) Enhance the value to the public of abutting or neighboring parks, forests, wildlife preserves, nature reservations or sanctuaries, or other open areas and open spaces,

(5) Afford or enhance public recreation opportunities,

(6) Preserve historic sites,

(7) Implement the recreation and open space plan adopted by the planning commission of the city or town, or

(8) Promote orderly urban or suburban development.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-24-75 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-24 / Section 45-24-75
§ 45-24-75. Accessory dwelling units which may be counted towards low- and moderate-income housing.
Status: in_force

(a) Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) may be counted towards meeting a municipalitys affordable housing goals pursuant to chapter 53 of this title, and may be counted towards the ten percent (10%) of the year-round housing units reported in the census as required by § 45-53-4, if the tenant of the unit has a one-year lease and the following conditions are met:

(1) The ADU is occupied by a household whose income does not exceed eighty percent (80%) of the area median income (AMI), adjusted for family size, as determined and certified by the selected approved monitoring agent; or

(2) The ADU is leased to a household utilizing a publicly subsidized rental assistance voucher that limits income to no more than eighty percent (80%) of the AMI, evidence of which is provided to the selected approved monitoring agent; and

(3) The cost of rent, heat, and utilities other than telephone, cable, and internet, based on the number of the bedrooms in the unit does not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the gross annual household income for a household with eighty percent (80%) or less of area median income, adjusted for family size as certified by the selected approved monitoring agent.

(b) Accessory dwelling units eligible to be counted toward a communitys affordable housing goal under this section shall be counted as one-half (0.5) units each in every year for which documentation required to establish eligibility under subsection (a) of this section is provided annually to Rhode Island housing by the selected approved monitoring agent.

(c) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, an accessory dwelling unit may not be counted toward meeting a municipalitys affordable housing goal if the tenant is a claimed dependent on another individuals most recent tax filing unless one or more of the following applies:

(1) The claimed individual is an adult dependent receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Income; or

(2) The claimed individual has documentation from a licensed medical professional certifying to the claimed individuals disability status; or

(3) The claimed individual is a person with a developmental disability as defined in § 40.1-1-8.1.

(d) ADUs serving eligible households as described in subsection (a) or (b) of this section shall be included in the next annual count of low- and moderate-income units following submittal of eligibility documentation to Rhode Island housing at one-half (0.5) units each.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-6-3 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-6 / Section 45-6-3
§ 45-6-3. Ordinances to punish indecent intoxication.
Status: in_force

The several towns and cities in this state are authorized and empowered to make and ordain any ordinances, not repugnant to the constitution and laws of this state or of the United States, that they deem necessary to prevent and punish indecent intoxication in those towns and cities; and may impose penalties for the violation of those ordinances and regulations, not exceeding twenty dollars ($20.00), or imprisonment not exceeding ten (10) days in some jail or house of correction, for any one offense, to be prosecuted by some officer appointed for that purpose and to be recovered to the use of the town or city.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-33-16 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-33 / Section 45-33-16
§ 45-33-16. Financial assistance by other public agencies.
Status: in_force

In addition to the powers conferred upon an agency by other provisions of chapters 31  33 of this title, an agency is empowered to borrow money or accept financial or other assistance, from the federal or state government or any state public body, for or in aid of any redevelopment project, and to those ends the agency is empowered to comply with any conditions attached, not inconsistent with the purposes of these chapters.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-32-18 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-32 / Section 45-32-18
§ 45-32-18. Provisions for control of uses.
Status: in_force

No plan shall be approved unless it provides for the retention of controls and the establishment of any restrictions or covenants which may run with the real property sold, leased, or otherwise disposed of for private or public use for those periods of time and under conditions that in the judgment of the legislative body are necessary to effectuate the purposes of chapters 31  33 of this title.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-67-15 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-67 / Section 45-67-15
§ 45-67-15. Reversion upon dissolution or termination.
Status: in_force

Upon dissolution or termination of the utility district, the assets of the utility district that remain after payment, or making provision for payment, of all bonds, notes, and other obligations of the utility district shall be distributed to the town of New Shoreham or as ordered by a court of proper jurisdiction.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-23-51 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-23 / Section 45-23-51
§ 45-23-51. Local regulations  Authority to create and administer regulations.
Status: in_force

The city or town council shall empower, by ordinance, the planning board to adopt, modify and amend regulations and rules governing land development and subdivision projects within that municipality and to control land development and subdivision projects pursuant to those regulations and rules.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-23-74 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-23 / Section 45-23-74
§ 45-23-74. Severability.
Status: in_force

If any provision of this chapter or of any rule, regulation or determination made under this chapter, or the application of the provisions to any person, agency or circumstances, is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of the chapter, rule, regulation, or determination and the application of the provisions to other persons, agencies, or circumstances shall not be affected by the invalidity. The invalidity of any section or sections of this chapter shall not affect the validity of the remainder of the chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-15-5 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-15 / Section 45-15-5
§ 45-15-5. Presentment to council of claim or demand against town.
Status: in_force

Every person who has any money due him or her from any town or city, or any claim or demand against any town or city, for any matter, cause, or thing whatsoever, shall take the following method to obtain what is due: The person shall present to the town council of the town, or to the city council of the city, a particular account of that persons claim, debt, damages, or demand, and how incurred or contracted; which being done, in case just and due satisfaction is not made to him or her by the town or city treasurer of the town or city within forty (40) days after the presentment of the claim, debt, damages, or demand, the person may commence his or her action against the treasurer for the recovery of the complaint.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-5-6 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-5 / Section 45-5-6
§ 45-5-6. Filling of vacancies in office.
Status: in_force

In case of vacancy in the office of any officer whom a town or town council is authorized to elect, the town council may elect a suitable person to fill the vacancy.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-19-2 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-19 / Section 45-19-2
§ 45-19-2. Board of police officers relief.
Status: in_force

Within the department of labor and training there is a board of police officers relief consisting of seven (7) members which administers the fund for the relief of police officers as provided by law. Five (5) members of the board appointed by the director of labor and training; provided, that four (4) of the five (5) members must be actually occupied and working as full-time police officers in the police force of some municipality in this state. These four (4) full-time police are selected, two (2) each, from a list of six (6) candidates submitted by the Rhode Island State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police and the International Brotherhood of Police Officers. The sixth member is appointed by the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association as a representative of the conference on the board. The seventh member is appointed by the Providence Retired Police and Fire Association, and must be a retired Providence police officer; provided, further, that all financial powers and duties concerning the board of police officers relief are administered by the general treasurer.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-12-7 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-12 / Section 45-12-7
§ 45-12-7. Sinking fund provisions construed as additions to general sinking fund.
Status: in_force

Whenever in any general law, public law, act, or resolution of the general assembly, authority has been given to a city or town for the issuance of bonds, and provision has been made for the establishment of a sinking fund to extinguish the debt at its maturity, that provision shall be construed to mean an addition to the general sinking fund of the city or town for the redemption of the bonds of the respective city or town at their maturities as provided in this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-12-31 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-12 / Section 45-12-31
§ 45-12-31. Extinguishment of authorizations.
Status: in_force

All or any portion of the authority to issue bonds pursuant to a resolution or ordinance passed by a city or town council or pursuant to a special act passed by the general assembly may be extinguished by ordinance of the city or town council, without further action by the general assembly, after seven (7) years have passed from the date the resolution, ordinance or special act was passed.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-47-2 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-47 / Section 45-47-2
§ 45-47-2. Certificate required for payment of claim.
Status: in_force

(a) No insurance company shall pay any claim for more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000), as may be adjusted yearly for inflation by the insurance department, for damages arising out of a claim under an insurance policy caused by fire or explosion, without having first obtained from the insured a certificate stating:

(1) That no lien, as defined in § 45-47-1, in favor of the taxing jurisdiction exists, or

(2) The amount of any lien.

(b) The certificate shall be in the form and from the taxing jurisdiction official, as approved and designated by the insurance commissioner pursuant to regulations promulgated under this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-16-4 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-16 / Section 45-16-4
§ 45-16-4. Service of process in county.
Status: in_force

Town sergeants shall serve and execute in any town of the county to which they belong, all writs, summons, and other processes to them directed and which by law may or ought to be served and executed by town sergeants, unless otherwise specially provided.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-4-19 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-4 / Section 45-4-19
§ 45-4-19. Combination of voting districts for special city council election in the city of Pawtucket.
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding any provision of the general or public laws to the contrary, the Pawtucket board of canvassers shall combine councilmatic voting districts for a special primary election and special election in 2018 to fill a vacancy on the Pawtucket city council. The districts shall be combined so that there shall be at least one voting district in each of the six (6) council wards in the city.

(b) Once the voting districts are combined as provided in subsection (a), the local board must advertise the combination of districts in a newspaper of general circulation in the city no less than seven (7) days before the special primary election and again no less than seven (7) days prior to the special election.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-3-25 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-3 / Section 45-3-25
§ 45-3-25. Voting machines for municipal budget referenda.
Status: in_force

(a) At the request of the council of a city or town, the board of elections shall furnish a sufficient number of voting machines for use in connection with votes taken at any municipal budget referenda. Any request shall be made to the board of elections not later than fifteen (15) days prior to the date of the municipal budget referenda.

(b) Nothing in this section makes the provisions of title 17 applicable to municipal budget referenda.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-57-5 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-57 / Section 45-57-5
§ 45-57-5. Powers of the board of directors.
Status: in_force

The board of directors of the Winnisimet Farm Road District, in addition to any other powers conferred by this chapter, have the power:

(a) To conduct the business and affairs of the district as approved at annual meetings by a majority vote of electors in attendance;

(b) To adopt and amend budgets for revenues, and reserves, and to collect assessments;

(c) To make contracts and incur liabilities on behalf of the district;

(d) To regulate the use, maintenance, repair, replacement, and modification of common elements;

(e) To file liens on lots of record for nonpayment of assessments;

(f) To approve curb cuts for new construction within the district;

(g) Subject to the provisions of this chapter, to expend and disperse monies as needed to accomplish the purpose of this chapter and of the district;

(h) Subject to the provisions of this chapter, to acquire by purchase, lease, gift, devise real or personal property required for any district purpose;

(i) Subject to provisions of this chapter, to lease or convey any real property owned by the district or to grant an easement or license with respect to such property, on such terms and conditions as the board may determine;

(j) To maintain premises and to provide supervision, control and maintenance thereof;

(k) To accept gifts of money and personalty;

(l) To hire whatever employees, advisors and consultants which are deemed required from time to time to accomplish the district purposes;

(m) To manage and control the property of the district and to insure that property against loss or damage from any risk whatsoever;

(n) To place upon the ballot at any annual or special election any proposition which must be approved by the electors pursuant to § 45-57-6 of this chapter;

(o) To purchase and maintain insurance to indemnify officers of the district; provided, however, that any officer shall be indemnified only if the officer, at the time the claim or cause of action arose or damages were sustained, was acting in the discharge of or within the scope of his or her authorized duties and that the claim or cause of action or damages sustained did not result from the intentional wrongdoing or gross negligence of that officer.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-12-27 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-12 / Section 45-12-27
§ 45-12-27. Conflict between bond referendum provisions and bond expenditure provisions.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law with respect to the issuance of bonds or the expenditure of money by a city or town which provided that it became effective only upon approval by the majority of electors voting on these provisions, wherever the provision relating to the expenditure of the proceeds derived from the sale of the bonds is in conflict with the provision relating to the submission of the general or special law to the electors of the city or town, the provision relating to the submission of the general or special law to the electors of the city or town shall prevail, and the proceeds derived from the sale of the bonds may be expended for the purposes set forth in the provision relating to the submission of the general or special law to the electors of the city or town.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-55-11 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-55 / Section 45-55-11
§ 45-55-11. Responsibilities of bidders and offerors.
Status: in_force

(a) A written determination of responsibility of a bidder or offeror shall be made in accordance with regulations issued by the municipality.

(b) A reasonable inquiry to determine the responsibility of a bidder or offeror may be conducted. The failure of a bidder or offeror to promptly supply information in connection with a reasonable inquiry may be grounds for a determination of nonresponsibility with respect to a bidder or offeror.

(c) Except as otherwise provided, by law, information furnished by a bidder or offeror pursuant to this section may not be disclosed outside of the purchasing department administering the contract without prior written consent of the bidder or offeror.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-3-16 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-3 / Section 45-3-16
§ 45-3-16. Term of moderator and clerk.
Status: in_force

The term of office of the elected moderator and clerk commences at the first regular meeting held for the election of officers, and continues until their successors are elected and qualified, unless otherwise provided by law.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-52-1 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-52 / Section 45-52-1
§ 45-52-1. Creation  Corporate powers.
Status: in_force

(a) All that part of the town of Charlestown County of Washington and state of Rhode Island, commencing at a point being the northeast corner thereof on the westerly line of West Beach road, being the northeasterly corner of lot 84 as shown on plat entitled Quonochontaug Highlands, Property of Charlestown Estates, Inc., Charlestown, R.I. Scale 1 = 50 ft. August 1940, Rossi & Lewis, Engineers; then in a general westerly direction to the shore line of Quonochontaug Pond, along the northerly boundary of lots shown and delineated on the plat; then southerly along the easterly shore line of Quonochontaug Pond to a stone wall at land formerly of the Heirs of George S. Baxter as shown on the plat; then southeasterly along the stone wall as shown on the plat to the northerly line of a highway as shown on the plat; then easterly along the northerly line of the highway to the westerly line of the West Beach Road; and then northerly along the westerly line of West Beach Road to the point of beginning.

(b) And also all that part of the town of Charlestown beginning at a point on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean in the town of Charlestown, where the land formerly of Howard E. Thorp & Nelson H. Thorp and land formerly of Donald J. Bunce meet, the point also being the southeasterly corner of the jurisdictional bounds of Quonochontaug Central Beach Fire District; then running in a general northerly direction bounded westerly by the easterly boundary of Quonochontaug Central Beach Fire District to the northerly line of Sea Breeze Ave.; then westerly along the northerly line of Sea Breeze Avenue to land of Quonochontaug Central Beach Fire District; then in a general northerly direction bounded westerly by land of Quonochontaug Central Beach Fire District to the southerly point of land formerly of the Heirs of Mary E. Briggs; then continuing northwesterly bounded southwesterly by the land of the Heirs of Mary E. Briggs a distance of three hundred feet (300²), more or less, to an angle at other land formerly of Mary E. Briggs; then turning and running a distance of eight hundred twenty feet (820²), more or less, in a general northeasterly direction bounded northwesterly by land formerly of the Heirs of Mary E. Briggs as shown on a plat entitled Plat of Land at Quonochontaug, R.I. consisting of Charlestown Estates, Inc., Central Beach Quonochontaug Highlands, Scale 1 = 200 ft. January 1st, 1940, H.E. Thorp & Son, Agents Dixon Square Bldg., Westerly, R.I.; then turning and running in a general northerly direction four hundred eleven feet (411²), more or less, bounded westerly by the Briggs land to land now or formerly of Asa Hoxsie as shown on the plat dated January 1st, 1940 to a point; then turning and running in a general easterly direction one thousand two hundred fifty feet (1250²), more or less, to a wall intersection at the northwesterly corner of land of Hazard H. Burdick as shown on the plat dated January 1st, 1940, the wall intersection being three hundred twenty-seven feet (327²), more or less, from the westerly line of East Beach Road as measured along an extension easterly of the last described course; then turning and running in a general northerly direction to the southwesterly corner of land now or formerly of Lloyd E. Cook, et ux, and the northwesterly corner of land now or formerly of Lillian H. Richardson; then turning and running in a general easterly direction bounded northerly by the Cook land to the westerly line of the East Beach Road; then easterly crossing East Beach Road to the east side thereof; then northerly along the east side of East Beach Road to the southerly line of land of Sun Rise Acres Condominium; then easterly one hundred seventy feet (170²), more or less, bounded northerly by the Sun Rise Acres Condominium land; then turning and running southerly bounded easterly in part by land of Sun Rise Acres Condominium, and in part by lot numbered 54 as shown and delineated on plat entitled, Sun Rise Acres, property of Charlestown Estates, Inc., Quonochontaug, Charlestown, R.I., Scale 1" = 80 ft. November, 1948, Rossi & Lewis Engineers, which plat is on file in the town clerks office of the town of Charlestown, to the northerly line of Peabody Road; then westerly along the northerly line of Peabody Road to the easterly line of East Beach Road; then southerly along the easterly line of East Beach Road to the southerly line of Peabody Road; then easterly on the southerly line of Peabody Road to the northeasterly corner of lot no. 46 as shown on the Sun Rise Acres plat dated 1948; then turning and running southerly bounded easterly by lot 44 as shown and delineated on the Sun Rise Acres plat dated 1948 to the southwesterly corner of lot 44 as shown on the plat dated 1948; then turning and running in a general easterly direction to the southeast corner of lot 42 as shown on the plat dated 1948 and then southerly to the northerly line of a street known as Moulton Place bounded easterly by lots shown and delineated on the plat dated 1948; then turning and running westerly along the northerly line of Moulton Place to the easterly line of East Beach Road; then southerly bounded westerly by East Beach Road to the southerly line of Moulton Place; then turning and running easterly along the southerly line of Moulton Place to the west shore line of Ninigret Pond; then southerly along the west shore line of Ninigret Pond to the northerly line of South Street, so-called; then westerly along the northerly line of South Street to the easterly line of East Beach Road; then southerly along the easterly line of East Beach Road to an intersection with an extension easterly of the northerly line of land now or formerly of Margaret I. Ferretti; then westerly across the extension and bounded southerly by the Ferretti land to the northwesterly corner thereof; then southerly, bounded easterly by the Ferretti land, to the shore line of the Atlantic Ocean; then westerly along the shore line of the Atlantic Ocean to the point and place of beginning are incorporated into a district to be called the Quonochontaug East Beach water district.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-63-2 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-63 / Section 45-63-2
§ 45-63-2. Authorization.
Status: in_force

(a) Subject to approval of the Rhode Island department of environmental management, where required by law or regulation, and where appropriate, to the approval of such other state and federal agencies having jurisdiction over the subject matter, the town of Middletown, is authorized and empowered to design, plan, permit, layout and construct, maintain and operate a stormwater control system facility inclusive, but not limited to, pipes, connections, catch basins, manholes, retention and/or detention basins, water quality ponds, swales, channels, pumps, holding tanks and such other facilities as may be reasonably necessary for the collection, treatment, storage and disposal of stormwater and for such purposes to take by eminent domain or otherwise acquire any lands, rights-of-way, or easements, public or private in said town necessary for accomplishing the purposes set forth in this chapter.

(b) The design, permit, layout and construction of said stormwater control system shall be vested in the town council, subject to approval of the Rhode Island department of environmental management. The members of the town council and their duly authorized agents may enter upon property within the town to examine, inspect and survey same whenever necessary for the performance of their duties hereunder.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-25-32 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-25 / Section 45-25-32
§ 45-25-32. Dissolution of authority.
Status: in_force

An authority or the city may apply, to the superior court in any county in which the city or any part of it is located, for an order dissolving the authority. The court shall hold a hearing in open court after giving notice of hearing as the court may require. Upon a showing to the satisfaction of the court that provision has been made for the payment or satisfaction of all of the outstanding obligations of the authority and for the necessary expenses for its liquidation, the court may order that the authority be dissolved. Upon dissolution the property of the authority becomes the property of the city.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-40-3 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-40 / Section 45-40-3
§ 45-40-3. Studies with others.
Status: in_force

Subject to the approval of the city or town council, the commission may join in research and studies with others, and may receive gifts of funds to conduct the studies or to further its aims and purpose.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-24-64 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-24 / Section 45-24-64
§ 45-24-64. Appeals  Appeals to zoning board of review.
Status: in_force

An appeal to the zoning board of review from a decision of any other zoning enforcement agency or officer may be taken by an aggrieved party. The appeal shall be taken within a reasonable time of the date of the recording of the decision by the zoning enforcement officer or agency by filing with the officer or agency from whom the appeal is taken and with the zoning board of review a notice of appeal specifying the ground of the appeal. The officer or agency from whom the appeal is taken shall immediately transmit to the zoning board of review all the papers constituting the record upon which the action appealed from was taken. Notice of the appeal shall also be transmitted to the planning board or commission.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-2-35.1 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-2 / Section 45-2-35.1
§ 45-2-35.1. City of Newport  Landing and boarding fees.
Status: in_force

(a) The city of Newport is authorized to charge, assess, or otherwise collect from every cruise vessel landing in the city of Newport a landing fee of ten dollars ($10.00) per passenger and from every cruise vessel embarking from Newport, a boarding fee of ten dollars ($10.00) per passenger. For the purposes of this section, the term cruise vessel does not include ferries and water carriers of persons and/or property doing business as common carriers operating upon waters between termini within the state.

(b) The city council of the City of Newport shall promulgate rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this section.

(c) The city of Newport is authorized to impose a penalty on any delinquency in the payment of any fee imposed under this section, at a rate equal to that assessed by the city on tax delinquencies.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-63-4 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-63 / Section 45-63-4
§ 45-63-4. Exemptions from special assessment.
Status: in_force

The town council may, by ordinance, exempt from the payment of any and all assessments for the construction of stormwater control facilities hereunder, the land of any religious corporation on which are located buildings used solely for holding of religious services therein and all land in the town held by cemetery corporations and used solely for cemetery purposes.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-31-22 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-31 / Section 45-31-22
§ 45-31-22. Periodical reports.
Status: in_force

Each agency transacting any business and exercising any powers shall file with the legislative body a detailed report of all its transactions, including a statement of all revenues and expenditures, at monthly, quarterly, or annual intervals as the legislative body may prescribe.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-67-2 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-67 / Section 45-67-2
§ 45-67-2. Definitions.
Status: in_force

Terms used in this chapter shall be construed as follows, unless another meaning is expressed or is clearly apparent from the language or context:

(1) BIPCo means the Block Island Power Company.

(2) BIPCo assets means that real property, personal property, rights in any real and personal property, facilities, equipment, contract rights, statutory rights and privileges, franchises and other tangible or intangible property of any kind owned by BIPCo.

(3) BIPCo contractual obligations means the obligations represented by and inherent in any contract entered into between BIPCo and another utility or other party, which obligations remain outstanding in any part as of the date when BIPCo ceases to be an electric utility pursuant to § 45-67-8(1).

(4) BIPCo debt obligations means the obligations represented by and inherent in any debt incurred by BIPCo for the purpose of financing any aspect of its electric system or operations, which obligations remain outstanding in any part as of the date when BIPCo ceases to be an electric utility pursuant to § 45-67-8(1).

(5) Qualified elector means any person whose name appears on an active account with the utility district and who is designated by the account holder to be the qualified elector. No active account shall have more than one qualified elector and no qualified elector shall have more than one vote.

(6) Utility district means the Block Island utility district, a quasi-municipal corporation, having a distinct legal existence from the state, established and empowered by this chapter to:

(i) Fulfill electric utility functions, powers, rights, and obligations;

(ii) Exercise certain powers as an electric distribution company and power producer; and

(iii) Provide additional utility services not inconsistent with the duties, powers and obligations of the utility district as defined in this section.

(7) Utility service area means that geographic area comprising New Shoreham, Rhode Island.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-52-10 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-52 / Section 45-52-10
§ 45-52-10. District council.
Status: in_force

(a) The moderator, the treasurer, the district clerk, the chairperson of the finance committee and the chairperson of the public works committee, constitute a district council. It is the duty of the district council to:

(1) Supervise and coordinate the activities of all of the officers, commissions, and committees of the district;

(2) Fill vacancies in offices as provided in § 45-52-6(b);

(3) Prepare, or have prepared, ordinances relative to the district and its activities, and present the ordinances to either the annual or special meeting of the district for action; and

(4) Develop for, and present to, the annual or a special meeting called for the purpose, plans for the improvement and development of the district.

(b) The council also has the care, management, and control of all property and equipment owned by the district, subject to any ordinances, bylaws, and regulations which the district may make with respect to them. Three (3) members of the council constitute a quorum. Notice of the time and place of the meeting shall be given by the member calling the meeting by mailing written notice of the meeting at least five (5) days prior to the meeting to each of the members of the council.

(c) The district council shall, at least twenty (20) days before each and every annual meeting, sit in open meeting to receive requests for funds to defray the cost of the activities of the district, and to receive suggestions for expenditures to improve the property of the district, extend the usefulness of the district to residents, and for all other purposes, and shall report thereon to the annual meeting with its recommendations.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-2-51.1 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-2 / Section 45-2-51.1
§ 45-2-51.1. Town of Lincoln  Municipal court  Municipal housing court.
Status: in_force

(a) The town council of the town of Lincoln may establish a municipal court and confer upon the court original jurisdiction, notwithstanding any other provisions of the general laws, to hear and determine causes involving the violations of the town of Lincoln charter, or code of ordinances; provided, however, that any defendant found guilty of any offense, excluding violation of the minimum housing ordinances or chapter 24.3 of this title, may within seven (7) days of conviction, file an appeal from the conviction to the superior court for Providence county and be entitled in the latter court to a trial de novo.

(b) The town council of the town of Lincoln may establish a municipal housing court and confer upon the court original jurisdiction, notwithstanding any other provisions of the general laws, to hear and determine causes involving the violation of the zoning ordinances of the town and any violation of the provisions of chapter 24 of this title (the Rhode Island zoning enabling act of 1991); any violation of chapter 24.1 of this title (the historical zoning act); any violation of chapter 24.2 of this title (minimum housing standards act); any violation of chapter 24.3 of this title (housing maintenance and occupancy code); any violation of chapter 23 of this title (subdivision and land development act); any violation of any local Lincoln ordinance or regulation enacted pursuant to these chapters; and any violation of the provisions of chapter 27.3 of title 23 (the Rhode Island state building code); and any violation of the provisions of those regulations promulgated by the state building code commission entitled SBC-1 Rhode Island state building code; SBC-2 Rhode Island state one- and two-family (2) dwelling code; SBC-3 Rhode Island state plumbing code; SBC-4 Rhode Island state mechanical code; SBC-5 Rhode Island state electrical code; SBC-6 state property maintenance code; SBC-8 Rhode Island state energy conservation code; and SBC-20 Rhode Island state fuel and gas code; and provided, further, that any party aggrieved by a final judgment, decree, or order of the Lincoln housing court may, within twenty (20) days after entry of this judgment, decree, or order, file an appeal to the superior court and be entitled in the latter court to a trial de novo.

(c) With respect to violations falling under the jurisdiction of the Lincoln housing court, as outlined in subsection (b) of this section, the town council may also confer upon the housing court, in furtherance of the courts jurisdiction, the power to proceed according to equity:

(1) To restrain, prevent, enjoin, abate, or correct a violation;

(2) To order the repair, vacation, or demolition of any dwelling existing in violation;

(3) To otherwise compel compliance with all of the provisions of those ordinances, regulations, and statutes; and

(4) To order a dwelling into receivership and to order the removal of any cloud on the title to the building or property that shall be binding upon all those claiming by, through, under, or by virtue of any inferior liens or encumbrances pursuant to chapter 44 of title 34.

(d) The municipal court shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the Rhode Island traffic tribunal to hear and adjudicate those violations conferred upon the municipal court and enumerated in § 8-18-3. Adjudication of summons by the municipal court shall be in conformance with § 8-18-4. The municipal court shall hear and decide traffic matters in a manner consistent with the procedures of the traffic tribunal, and subject to review by the chief magistrate of the traffic tribunal in accordance with § 8-18-11. Any person desiring to appeal from an adverse decision of the municipal court for violations enumerated in § 8-18-3, may seek review thereof pursuant to the procedures set forth in § 31-41.1-8.

(e) The town council of the town of Lincoln is authorized and empowered to appoint a judge and clerk of the municipal court. The town council of the town of Lincoln is also authorized to appoint a judge and clerk of the housing court, who may be, but is not required to be, the same person(s) holding the judgeship and clerk position in the municipal court. The town council of the town of Lincoln is authorized and empowered to enact ordinances governing the personnel, operation, and procedure to be followed in the court and to establish a schedule of fees and costs, and to otherwise provide for the operation and management of these courts. The municipal and housing courts may impose a sentence not to exceed thirty (30) days in jail and impose a fine not in excess of five hundred dollars ($500), or both. The courts are empowered to administer oaths, compel the attendance of witnesses and punish persons for contempt and to execute search warrants to the extent the warrants could be executed by a judge of the district court.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-48-4 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-48 / Section 45-48-4
§ 45-48-4. Officers constituting administrative board  Powers  Bylaws  Elections.
Status: in_force

(a) The electors of the district shall at each annual meeting elect officers to serve until the next succeeding first Tuesday in June and until their successors are elected and qualified, and the offices shall consist of a moderator, clerk, treasurer, three (3) assessors, and a collector of taxes, whose duties and powers are within the district, as like officers proper for a district. The officers constitute the administrative board, and the duties of the board are prescribed in this chapter, and are defined by the bylaws of the district. Any vacancy that may occur in any of the aforenamed offices between annual meetings shall be filled by some person to be chosen by the other members of the administrative board to hold the office until the next annual meeting. The electors of the district may, at any meeting, adopt and ordain bylaws, and, from time to time, rescind or amend the bylaws, as they deem necessary and proper for the purposes of this chapter and not repugnant to it and not inconsistent with any other law; provided, that no greater penalty is inflicted by the board than is prescribed in § 45-48-10; and provided, further, that the electors may appoint committees they deem necessary, and may fix the compensation of all officers, agents, employees, and committees of the district.

(b) For a person to become a candidate at any election under this section, that person must secure the signatures of at least five (5) registered voters in the district. The Nasonville water district petition must be filed in the office of the clerk of the district not later than 4:00 p.m. on the tenth day prior to the election, and the clerk shall certify as to whether a sufficient number of signers have affixed their signatures to the petition.

(c) The general election laws shall govern elections under this section so far as applicable and consistent with the provisions of this chapter. Paper ballots may be used for the elections and the elections shall be at the expense of the district. The ballots shall contain no designation of party or political principle and there shall be no primaries or other preliminary election.

(d) Whenever several offices having the same title and term are to be filled at the same election, there shall be a single contest for the offices and the candidates receiving the highest numbers of votes shall be elected. All elections shall be at large. Immediately after May 7, 1987, and after each annual district election, the assessors shall choose one of their number as chairperson of the assessors and the administrative board shall choose one member of the board as chairperson of the district. The chairpersons of both bodies may be the same person. All persons presently serving the district in any capacity shall remain in their positions until replaced at the next election held pursuant to this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-21-43 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-21 / Section 45-21-43
§ 45-21-43. Accounts and records  Reserve accounts.
Status: in_force

(a) An adequate system of accounts and records is established and maintained for the system that fully reflects the requirements of this chapter. All assets of the system are credited according to the purposes for which they are held in the following designated reserve accounts:

(1) Members contribution reserve. (i) The amounts contributed by the members are credited to this reserve. An individual account is maintained for each member. Member contributions made pursuant to § 45-21-41.1 are credited to a separate fund within a members individual account so that the amounts contributed prior to the effective date for the pickup of member contributions may be distinguished from the amount contributed on or after the date on which the municipality begins to pick up member contributions. (ii) Upon the granting of a retirement allowance, the total accumulated contributions of the member concerned are transferred from this reserve to the retirement reserve. Refunds and death benefit payments representing members contributions are charged to this reserve.

(2) Employers accumulation reserve. (i) The amounts contributed by the municipalities for the various purposes of this section are credited to this reserve. Upon the granting of a retirement allowance, annuity, or benefit, an amount representing the excess of the actuarial value over the total contributions of the member is transferred from this reserve to the retirement reserve. That portion of the death benefit provided from municipality contributions is charged to this reserve. (ii) Upon request by a municipality, to transfer monies from this reserve to any one or more of the municipalitys other retirement units within the municipal employee retirement system which has unfunded liability, the retirement board shall request a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service and upon receipt of a favorable ruling, shall transfer the funds consistent with the private letter ruling.

(3) Retirement reserve. Upon the granting of a retirement allowance, the accumulated contributions of the member and an amount representing the excess of the actuarial value of the allowance over the accumulated contributions, are transferred to this reserve from the members contribution reserve and the employers accumulation reserve, respectively.

(b) All payments on account of any retirement allowance or any benefit to a beneficiary of a member are charged to this reserve.

(c) Any excess amount in this reserve, over the actuarial liabilities of the reserve, as determined by actuarial valuation, is transferred at the close of each year to the employers accumulation reserve to be used to reduce the municipalitys contribution upon a rate redetermination as established by the periodic actuarial valuation provided in this section. Any deficiency in this reserve is removed by a transfer from the employers accumulation reserve.

(d) All income from investments, including gains from investment transactions, is credited to this reserve. All losses on investments are charged to this reserve.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-40-4 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-40 / Section 45-40-4
§ 45-40-4. Meetings  Records.
Status: in_force

All meetings of the commission are open to the public, and any person or his or her constituted representative, is entitled to appear and be heard on any matter before the commission before it reaches its decision. All records of its proceedings, resolutions, and actions are open to public view.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-29-30 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-29 / Section 45-29-30
§ 45-29-30. Conveyance to authority of property condemned by city.
Status: in_force

The city shall transfer and convey to the authority all real property acquired by the city by condemnation for the authority, upon the authority paying to the city the amount agreed upon by the city and authority, or in the absence of an agreement, then upon paying all sums expended by the city in the acquisition of the property to be conveyed to the authority.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-21-11 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-21 / Section 45-21-11
§ 45-21-11. Cessation of membership.
Status: in_force

Should the service of any member in any period of six (6) consecutive years after last becoming a member amount to a total of less than three (3) years, or should the member withdraw his or her deposited contributions, or should the member become a beneficiary or die, he or she shall then cease to be a member.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-25-17 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-25 / Section 45-25-17
§ 45-25-17. Low rent policy.
Status: in_force

It is declared to be the policy of this state that each housing authority manage and operate its housing projects in an efficient manner so as to enable it to fix the rentals for dwelling accommodations at the lowest possible rates consistent with its providing decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling accommodations, and that no housing authority constructs or operates any project for profit, or as a source of revenue to the city. To this end the authority shall fix the rentals for dwellings in its projects at no higher rates than it finds to be necessary in order to produce revenues (together with all other available moneys, revenues, income, and receipts of the authority from whatever sources derived) sufficient to:

(1) Pay, as it becomes due, the principal and interest on the bonds of the authority;

(2) Meet the cost of, and provide for, maintaining and operating the projects (including the cost of any insurance) and the administrative expenses of the authority; and

(3) Create (during not less than the six (6) years immediately succeeding its issuance of any bonds) a reserve sufficient to meet the largest principal and interest payments which will be due on the bonds in any one year following and to maintain the reserve.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-25-22 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-25 / Section 45-25-22
§ 45-25-22. Cooperation between authorities.
Status: in_force

Any two (2) or more authorities may cooperate with one another in the exercise of any or all of the powers conferred hereby for the purpose of financing, planning, constructing, or operating a housing project or projects located partly within the boundaries of each of the authorities.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-30-3 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-30 / Section 45-30-3
§ 45-30-3. Powers of authority in development and administration of defense housing  Law applicable.
Status: in_force

Any housing authority may undertake the development or administration of projects to assure the availability of safe and sanitary dwellings for persons engaged in national defense activities; provided, that a housing authority shall not initiate the development of that project pursuant to this chapter except during a national defense period as defined in § 45-30-2; and, provided, further, that a housing authority shall not administer, pursuant to this chapter, any project the construction and equipment of which was completed prior to December 16, 1950, and admission to which as of that date was limited to persons or families of low income. In the ownership, development, or administration of those projects, a housing authority shall have all the rights, powers, privileges, and immunities that the authority has under any provisions of law relating to the ownership, development, or administration of slum clearance and housing projects for persons of low income, in the same manner as though all the provisions of law applicable to slum clearance and housing projects for persons of low income were applicable to projects developed or administered to assure the availability of safe and sanitary dwellings for persons engaged in national defense activities as provided in this chapter, and housing projects developed or administered under this chapter shall constitute housing projects under the Housing Authorities Law, chapters 25  27 of this title, as that term is used therein; provided, that during the national defense period any project developed or administered by the housing authority (or by any housing authority cooperating with it) in that area, pursuant to this chapter, shall not be subject to the provisions of the Housing Authorities Law or of any other law except provisions enacted expressly referring to this section relating to rentals of, preferences or eligibility for admission to, occupancy of, eviction from, payments in lieu of taxes with respect to, or equivalent elimination of substandard dwellings in connection with the provision of, those dwellings. During the national defense period, a housing authority may make payments, in amounts it finds necessary or desirable, in lieu of taxes, and for any services, facilities, works, privileges, or improvements furnished for or in connection with those projects. During periods other than national defense periods, any projects owned by a housing authority shall be administered in accordance with the provisions of the Housing Authorities Law or other applicable federal or state laws and in accordance with any contracts with the federal government or with state public bodies relating to those projects, and any projects owned by the federal government may be administered in accordance with federal law.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-48-14 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-48 / Section 45-48-14
§ 45-48-14. Severability.
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be construed in all respects to meet all constitutional requirements. In carrying out the purposes and provisions of this chapter, all steps shall be taken which are necessary to meet constitutional or other legal requirements whether or not these steps are expressly required by statute. If, after the application of the provisions of this section, any of the provisions of this chapter, or its application to any circumstances, shall be held unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, that decision shall not affect or impair the validity of the application of those provisions to other circumstances or the validity of any of the other provisions of this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-25-23 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-25 / Section 45-25-23
§ 45-25-23. Acquisition of land for government project.
Status: in_force

The authority may acquire by purchase any property, real or personal, for any housing project being constructed or operated by a government. The authority, upon terms and conditions, with or without consideration, that it determines, may convey title or deliver possession of the property so acquired or purchased to the government for use in connection with the housing project.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-3-3.1 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-3 / Section 45-3-3.1
§ 45-3-3.1. Adjournment of the Barrington town meeting to an indoor facility located outside the town of Barrington.
Status: in_force

(a) If at the stated time and day of the town meeting in the town of Barrington, there is insufficient room to accommodate, seat, assemble, and hear, all the qualified electors present at the town meeting, and if after review by the town moderator and town clerk it is determined there is no indoor facility in the town large enough to accommodate the electors reasonably expected at the continuation of the town meeting, then the town of Barrington may hold its town meeting at an indoor facility located a reasonable distance outside the town of Barrington.

(b) Notice of the meeting shall be given pursuant to § 45-3-8 of this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-32-40 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-32 / Section 45-32-40
§ 45-32-40. Taxation of real property acquired.
Status: in_force

All real property acquired by an agency for redevelopment purposes is subject to taxation in the same manner and at the same rate as other real property in the community unless the real property is located in the city of Providence, the city of Central Falls, or the city of Pawtucket and is exempted by an ordinance enacted by the city council.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-33-12 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-33 / Section 45-33-12
§ 45-33-12. Remedies of obligees.
Status: in_force

An obligee of an agency has the right, in addition to all other rights which may be conferred on the obligee, subject only to any contractual restrictions binding upon the obligee:

(1) By mandamus, suit, action, or proceeding at law or in equity, to compel the agency and its members, officers, agents, or employees to perform each and every term, provision, and covenant contained in any contract of the agency with or for the benefit of the obligee, and to require the carrying out of any or all covenants and agreements of the agency and the fulfillment of all duties imposed upon the agency by chapters 31  33 of this title.

(2) By suit, action, or proceeding in equity, to enjoin any acts or things which may be unlawful, or the violation of any of the rights of an obligee of the agency.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-12-18 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-12 / Section 45-12-18
§ 45-12-18. Bond anticipation notes.
Status: in_force

A city or town, acting by resolution of its city council or town council, after approval of the issue of bonds by vote of the qualified electors of the city or town if approval is required, may authorize the issue from time to time of notes in anticipation of the issue of bonds authorized under § 45-12-2 or § 45-12-2.1. Notes issued under this section shall be payable within five (5) years from their respective dates, but the principal of and interest on notes issued for a shorter period may be renewed or paid from time to time by the issue of other notes under this section, provided the period from the date of an original note to the maturity of any note issued to renew or pay the same debt or the interest on that debt shall not exceed five (5) years. When debt is incurred under this section, the period within which the annual payments of principal of bonds must be made under § 45-12-5 shall be measured from the date of the original note or notes representing the debt, but the annual payments need not commence earlier than one year after the date of the bonds. The town or city may pay the principal of and interest on notes in full from other than the issuance of refunding notes prior to the issuance of bonds. In such case, the towns or citys authority to issue bonds or notes in anticipation of bonds under this act shall continue, provided that:

(1) The town council or city council passes a resolution evidencing the towns or citys intent to pay off the notes without extinguishing the authority to issue bonds or notes; and

(2) That the period from the date of an original note to other note shall not exceed five (5) years.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-16-10 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-16 / Section 45-16-10
§ 45-16-10. Employment of special town constables by steamboat companies and railroads.
Status: in_force

A special town constable shall also, at the request of any railroad company, or any proper officer or agent of these companies, and upon being paid the sum of thirty cents ($.30) for each hour of service required, attend at any regular steamboat wharf or landing, and any regular railroad passenger station, for the purpose of preventing the assembling, crowding, and remaining at those places of all idle, noisy, and disorderly persons to the obstruction, annoyance, and inconvenience of the common and public travel, going and returning by the way of those stations, and may arrest without warrant and detain not exceeding six (6) hours, any idle and noisy persons found by the town constable in the act of willfully and idly intruding at those places, and there remaining when commanded to depart by the constable.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-5-21 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-5 / Section 45-5-21
§ 45-5-21. Power of city and town councils to appropriate funds granted by the federal government.
Status: in_force

In addition to the powers granted by charter or the public laws of the state especially relating to city and town councils, all city and town councils are authorized, through passage of an ordinance, to appropriate and obligate funds received by the city or town from the federal government under the provisions of title II, Anti-Recession Provisions, Local Public Works Act of 1976, 42 U.S.C. § 6721 et seq.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-12-28 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-12 / Section 45-12-28
§ 45-12-28. Permitted temporary investments for bond proceeds.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any contrary provision of general or special law, towns and cities may invest proceeds of any bond or note available during the period before those proceeds are needed for the purpose for which the bonds or notes were issued, in investments described in § 35-10-11. A city council or town council may adopt an ordinance or resolution limiting the permitted investments under § 35-10-11 to investments meeting specified standards of creditworthiness.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-58-7 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-58 / Section 45-58-7
§ 45-58-7. Compensation of the board  Employees of the utility district.
Status: in_force

(a) Each member of the board of utility commissioners shall be entitled to receive compensation of not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per year for attendance at scheduled and special meetings of the board of utility commissioners, and shall be entitled to reimbursement of the actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of his or her official duties. The salaries, compensation and expenses of all members and officers of the board, and all employees and agents of the utility district, shall be paid solely out of funds of the utility district. No part of the earnings of the utility district shall inure to the benefit of any private person.

(b) The board shall appoint general managers and may enter into employment contracts with its executive employees. The board shall have the authority to approve employee benefit plans, including fringe benefits such as but not limited to pension and health and disability and other insurances.

(c) No member of the board of utility commissioners shall directly or indirectly engage or participate in the proceeds of any contract or agreement to supply anything of value or receive anything of value from the utility district. The prohibition set forth in the subsection may be waived by a vote of five (5) members of the board of utility commissioners, if and only if the board of utility commissioners shall have first obtained an opinion of the attorney general and/or the Rhode Island ethics commission based on full disclosure of all relevant facts that the waiver does not contravene state law and is otherwise in the best interests of the consumers served by the utility district.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-13-8 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-13 / Section 45-13-8
§ 45-13-8. Reports.
Status: in_force

(a) The department of revenue in consultation and cooperation with towns and cities shall maintain:

(1) An identification of state mandates created by statute since January 1, 1970;

(2) Specific identification of all state mandates established since July 1, 1979 which are subject to reimbursement in accordance with § 45-13-9, and the cost of each of these mandates to each city and town.

(b) The department of revenue shall annually by January 1 issue a report identifying the states mandates established during the preceding July 1  June 30 period and stating the cost by city and town of all state mandates established after January 1, 1979, for the next preceding July 1  June 30 period. The department of revenue shall annually issue to cities and towns a comprehensive listing of all state mandates established after January 1, 1979.

(c)(1) Statutes and regulations containing state mandates shall include items eligible for reimbursement; however, failure to include these items shall not exempt any state mandates not otherwise exempted from the provisions of §§ 45-13-7  45-13-10.

(2) Cities and towns shall submit to the department of revenue in any form that may be established by the department, a report of the cost of each state mandate established after January 1, 1979, to the city or town. The reports shall be submitted by April 1 each year and shall state costs incurred by the city or town during the preceding July 1  June 30 period.

(3) The reports of cities and towns requesting reimbursement for state mandates are subject to audit procedures established under § 45-10-5.1.

(d) The department of revenue shall issue by January 1, 1988 and by January 1 of each fourth (4th) year thereafter, a report to the governor and the general assembly recommending the modification or repeal of existing state mandates which are deemed to be inappropriate or obsolete and citing the reason for the recommendation on the fourth (4th) year anniversary of those state mandates. This report shall be prepared by the Rhode Island division of property valuation and municipal finance within the department of revenue in consultation and cooperation with the affected state agencies and the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns and the Rhode Island Association of School Committees.

(e) All reports issued by the department of revenue in accordance with this subsection shall be adopted by rule as provided for in chapter 35 of title 42.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-19-4.3 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-19 / Section 45-19-4.3
§ 45-19-4.3. One time death benefit  Death benefits to family of deceased police officers, correctional officers, and firefighters.
Status: in_force

(a) If an active or retired police officer, capitol police officer, correctional officer, firefighter, crash rescue crew person, fire marshal, or deputy fire marshal of any city, town, fire district, or the state of Rhode Island or deputy sheriff or a correctional officer or member of a volunteer auxiliary fire force or volunteer crash rescue or ambulance corps is killed or dies from injuries received while in the performance of his or her duties, there shall be paid a killed-in-line-of-duty benefit to be administered by the board of police officers and firefighters relief. The benefit shall be in the sum of forty percent (40%) of the federal death benefits for law enforcement officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty. The benefit shall be paid as follows:

(1) If there is no surviving child of such officer, to the surviving spouse or domestic partner of such officer;

(2) If there is a surviving child or children and a surviving spouse or domestic partner, one-half (Â½) to the surviving child or children of such officer in equal shares and one-half (Â½) to the surviving spouse or domestic partner;

(3) If there is no surviving spouse or domestic partner, to the child or children of said officer in equal shares;

(4) If there is no surviving spouse, domestic partner, or surviving child, to the individual designated by such officer as beneficiary under such officers most recently executed life insurance policy; provided, that such individual survived such officer; or

(5) If none of the above, to the parent or parents of such officer in equal shares.

(b) Domestic partners shall certify by affidavit to the board of police officers and firefighters relief that the: (1) partners are at least eighteen (18) years of age and mentally competent to contract; (2) partners are not married to anyone; (3) partners are not related by blood to a degree which would prohibit marriage in the state of Rhode Island; (4) partners reside together and have resided together for at least one year; (5) partners are financially interdependent as evidenced by at least two (2) of the following: (i) domestic partnership agreement or relationship contract; (ii) joint mortgage or joint ownership of primary residence; (iii) two (2) of: (A) joint ownership of motor vehicle; (B) joint checking account; (C) joint credit account; (D) joint lease; and/or (iv) the domestic partner has been designated as a beneficiary for the deceaseds will, retirement contract or life insurance.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-21-58 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-21 / Section 45-21-58
§ 45-21-58. Credits for layoffs.
Status: in_force

(a) Members who are laid off for any reason and are not on leave without pay may purchase up to one years credit for retirement purposes; provided, that the member did not withdraw his or her retirement contributions while on layoff, and returns to active membership; provided, further, that the member purchases the credit upon his or her return to service from being laid off and pays into the retirement system, in a lump sum, the amount he or she would have contributed to the system but for the layoff plus regular interest. Effective July 1, 2012, any purchase under this paragraph shall be at full actuarial cost.

(b) The retirement board shall fix and determine rules and regulations to govern the provisions of this section.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-54-2 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-54 / Section 45-54-2
§ 45-54-2. Legislative findings.
Status: in_force

(a) It has been widely reported that the United States has need for a detention facility to be located within the state of Rhode Island.

(b) It is declared that a need for economic development projects exists within the state and that the development of a detention facility would help to meet the need for economic development and address the detention facility needs of the United States.

(c) It is further declared that the most efficient and effective method to further the public policy of the state to encourage the development and construction of a detention facility and other authorized projects is to permit the establishment of public corporations in each of the cities and towns of the state with the power to acquire, construct, erect, maintain, operate, manage, and lease land, buildings, and improvements to be used for a detention facility and other authorized projects.

(d) Any corporation created under this chapter is subject to the provisions of chapter 2 of title 38 and chapter 46 of title 42 and, in addition, the directors of the corporation are subject to the provisions of chapter 14 of title 36.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-40-1 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-40 / Section 45-40-1
§ 45-40-1. Authority to create commission  Purpose.
Status: in_force

(a) City or town councils have the authority to create a commission, to be called the interlocal cooperation commission, the purpose of which is to cooperate with other localities on a basis of mutual advantage, and to provide services and facilities in a manner and pursuant to forms of governmental organization that will accord best with geographic, economic, population, and other factors influencing the needs and development of local communities.

(b) The commission shall conduct researches into the local governmental functions of its own and local communities. It may recommend to its council or any political subdivision of this state or another state, and to any agency of the state government or of the United States, programs to accomplish its purpose. It shall keep accurate records of its meetings and actions and file an annual report. It has power to appoint, subject to any personnel procurement program ordained by the city or town, any clerks and other employees that it may from time to time require.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-26-11 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-26 / Section 45-26-11
§ 45-26-11. Retirement of employees of town housing authorities.
Status: in_force

Any housing authority, as defined by the provisions of this chapter, may elect to accept the provisions of chapter 21 of this title entitled Retirement of Municipal Employees by resolution adopted by the commissioners of the authority, the acceptance to be forwarded to the retirement board by the authority in the same manner as provided in § 45-21-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-65-4 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-65 / Section 45-65-4
§ 45-65-4. Definitions.
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(1) Actuarial experience study means a report provided by an actuary that includes a recent discussion of plan experience, recommendations for actuarial assumptions and methods, and information about the actuarial impact of these recommendations on the liabilities and other key actuarial measures.

(2) Annual actuarial valuation study means a valuation of a locally administered plan completed by an actuary, and a certification based on that valuation indicating whether such plan is or is not in critical status, on an annual basis.

(3) Critical status means that, as determined by its actuary, as of the beginning of the plan year, a plans funded percentage for such plan year is less than sixty percent (60%).

(4) Locally administered plan or plan means any defined benefit pension plan established by a municipality for its employees, other than: (a) A plan that is part of the Employees Retirement System of Rhode Island as defined in chapter 8 of title 36 or the Municipal Employees Retirement System of Rhode Island as defined in chapter 21 of this title; or (b) A plan established by a municipality that has filed for bankruptcy protection pursuant to chapter 9 of title 11 of the United States Code, a plan established by a municipality for which a receiver has been appointed pursuant to chapter 9 of this title or a plan established by a municipality for which a fiscal overseer has been appointed pursuant to chapter 9 of this title.

(5) Municipality means any town or city in the State of Rhode Island, any city or town housing authority, fire, water, sewer district, regional school district or public building authority as established by chapter 14 of title 37.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-32-48 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-32 / Section 45-32-48
§ 45-32-48. Authorized acquisition, relocation, and improvement expenses.
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding any provisions of chapters 31  33 of this title, any redevelopment agency functioning pursuant to § 45-31-10 or 45-31-17, in connection with its undertaking or carrying out a redevelopment project or formulating a redevelopment plan is authorized to:

(1) Acquire real property in any area designated a redevelopment area pursuant to the provisions of § 45-32-4, demolish or remove the structures on the property, provide for relocation of occupants, including the payment of sums for relocation expenses to the occupants of the property that are permitted by the federal government (notwithstanding the limitation in amount imposed by § 45-31-27), and to clear and improve the property, regardless of the stage of development of the redevelopment project or plan or any modification of the plan for that area or any portions of it, whether it is before or after the approval of the plan or its modification by the legislative body, and

(2) Dispose of the property acquired under this section without regard to the provisions of chapters 31  33 of this title, for the disposition of property in a project area.

(b) Any sale or lease of the property may be made without public bidding, provided that no sale or lease is made until at least ten (10) days after the legislative body of the community has received from the agency a report concerning the proposed sale or lease and has approved the report by resolution. Any agency may enter into a contract or contracts with private financial institutions and/or with the federal government for the purpose of obtaining financial or technical assistance in connection with the aforedescribed acquisition, demolition, clearance, relocation, and improvement, and may borrow, at interest rates and on other terms and conditions that it may deem proper, from those private financial institutions or the federal government, sums necessary for the acquisition of the real property and related expenses, the management of the real property, the relocation of the occupants of the real property, the demolition of the buildings or structures and the clearance of and improvement of the land and real property so acquired, and other related administrative costs and payments. Any agency may, on terms and conditions that it may deem proper, mortgage or otherwise encumber the property so acquired, or any other property owned by it for the purpose or purposes of securing the repayment of any money borrowed to carry out the aforementioned undertaking.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-32-11 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-32 / Section 45-32-11
§ 45-32-11. Notice of hearing on plan.
Status: in_force

Upon submission to the legislative body of a redevelopment plan, the legislative body or its committee to which the plan has been referred, shall set a time and fix a place for a public hearing on the adoption of the plan. The time of hearing shall not be more than sixty (60) days after receipt by the legislative body of the redevelopment plan from the agency. Notice of the hearing shall be given by publication in a newspaper in the same manner and to the same extent as provided for publication of notice in § 45-32-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-30-8 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-30 / Section 45-30-8
§ 45-30-8. Cooperation with federal government.
Status: in_force

A housing authority may exercise any or all of its powers, and may do any and all other things necessary or desirable to cooperate with or secure the financial aid of the federal government in the expeditious development or in the administration of projects to assure the availability of safe and sanitary dwellings for persons engaged in national defense activities and to house servicemen and returning veterans and their families, to act as agent or lessee for the federal government in the development or administration of those projects by the federal government, and to effectuate the purposes of this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-6-11 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-6 / Section 45-6-11
§ 45-6-11. Community restitution.
Status: in_force

The General Assembly declares that the words community service which appear throughout this chapter shall now be substituted with and referred to as community restitution.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-46-7 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-46 / Section 45-46-7
§ 45-46-7. Continuation of ordinances.
Status: in_force

All lawfully adopted soil erosion and sediment control ordinances shall be brought into conformance with this chapter by July 1, 1991. Each city and town shall review its soil erosion and sediment control ordinance and make amendments or revisions that are necessary to bring it into conformance with this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-44-1 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-44 / Section 45-44-1
§ 45-44-1. Homestead program established.
Status: in_force

The homestead program is established to become effective immediately upon approval of a city or town of this state.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-52-4 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-52 / Section 45-52-4
§ 45-52-4. Board of canvassers.
Status: in_force

(a) There shall be a board of canvassers consisting of the tax assessor and tax collector.

(b) The board of canvassers shall meet and canvass the voting list of the district on the last Monday of June in every year and shall make out a correct alphabetic list of the voters of the district, indicating those, if any, who are disqualified because of arrears in the payment of taxes, and shall certify the correctness of the list and file it with the district clerk.

(c) The board of canvassers shall hold a meeting on the day of, and immediately preceding, each annual and special meeting of the district, and shall correct the list of voters by showing which of the voters are then in arrears in the payment of taxes and by adding the name of every person qualified to vote whose name is not on the list of voters. The list of voters, so corrected, shall be certified by the board of canvassers and filed with the district clerk before the meeting is called to order.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-5-13 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-5 / Section 45-5-13
§ 45-5-13. Administration of oaths and engagements.
Status: in_force

The town council of any town, and each of the members of the town council, may administer oaths in any matter pending before the council, and may engage town officers upon their warrants or commissions, and a record shall be made, or a certificate given, of these engagements.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-27-2 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-27 / Section 45-27-2
§ 45-27-2. Liability on bonds  Statutory limitations inapplicable.
Status: in_force

Neither the commissioners of the authority nor any person executing the bonds is personally liable on the bonds by reason of their issuance. The bonds and other obligations of the authority (and the bonds and obligations shall so state on their face) are not a debt of the city, the county, the state, or any political subdivision thereof, and neither the city or the county, nor the state or any political subdivision thereof, are liable thereon, nor in any event are the bonds or obligations payable out of any funds or properties other than those of the authority. The bonds do not constitute an indebtedness within the meaning of any constitutional, statutory, or charter debt limitation or restriction. Bonds may be issued under this chapter notwithstanding any debt or other limitation prescribed by any statute.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-37-5 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-37 / Section 45-37-5
§ 45-37-5. Procedure before acquisition.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, neither the state, nor any municipality, have the power to acquire title to an industrial facility, pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, by gift, unless prior to the issuance of obligations to finance the acquisition and construction of an industrial facility by a nonbusiness corporation formed under the provisions of chapter 6 of title 7, the governor, or the governors designee, in respect of the state, or the governing body in respect of a municipality, have found, after a hearing on the acquisition and construction, that the acquisition and construction, proposed leasing, operation and use of the industrial facility and its acquisition, by the state or municipality so acquiring, serves a public use and provides a public benefit, and that the acquisition is within the policy of, and the authority conferred, by this chapter. The determination may be made by the governor, or the governors designee, or appropriate governing body if supported by documentation and information that the governor, or the governors designee, or appropriate governing body may request as a basis for the determination, and if it is found that:

(1) The acquisition and construction of the industrial facility will eliminate or prevent unemployment, either in whole or in part in the area in which the industrial facility is located;

(2) The industrial facility will consist of a building or buildings which are suitable for industrial, manufacturing, commercial, or warehousing purposes;

(3) The industrial facility will be leased to, or owned by, a financially responsible person or corporation;

(4) Adequate provision has been, or will be made, for the payment of the cost of the acquisition and construction of the industrial facility, and that under no circumstances will the state or municipality be obligated, directly or indirectly, for the payment of the principal of, or interest on, any obligations issued to finance the construction;

(5) Adequate provision has been, or will be made, in each lease relating to the industrial facility for the payment of all costs of operation, maintenance, and upkeep of the industrial facility by the lessee, sublessee, or occupant so that under no circumstances will the state or municipality be obligated, directly or indirectly, for the payment of those costs; and

(6) The acquisition and construction, proposed leasing, operation, and use of the industrial facility will aid in the development, growth, and prosperity of the state or municipality in which the industrial facility is located.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-24-34 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-24 / Section 45-24-34
§ 45-24-34. General provisions  Purpose and consistency with comprehensive plan.
Status: in_force

(a) A zoning ordinance adopted pursuant to this chapter shall provide a statement of its purposes. Those purposes shall be consistent with § 45-24-30. A zoning ordinance adopted or amended pursuant to this chapter shall include a statement that the zoning ordinance is consistent with the comprehensive plan of the city or town adopted pursuant to chapter 22.2 of this title, or as otherwise provided below and shall provide that in the instance of uncertainty in the construction or application of any section of the ordinance, the ordinance shall be construed in a manner that will further the implementation of, and not be contrary to, the goals and policies and applicable elements of the comprehensive plan.

(b) The city or town shall bring the zoning ordinance or amendment into conformance with its comprehensive plan as approved by the chief of the division of planning of the department of administration or the superior court in accordance with its implementation schedule as set forth in said plan. A zoning ordinance shall address and specify requirements for the coordination between contiguous communities, the state, and other agencies, as required by chapter 22.2 of this title.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-12-6 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-12 / Section 45-12-6
§ 45-12-6. Statutory bond authorizations construed as additional authority.
Status: in_force

All acts enacted authorizing cities or towns to issue bonds shall be construed as granting authority in addition to, and not in substitution for, authority previously granted.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-2-35.2 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-2 / Section 45-2-35.2
§ 45-2-35.2. Town of Narragansett  Landing fee.
Status: in_force

(a) The town of Narragansett is hereby authorized to charge, assess, or otherwise collect a one dollar ($1.00) landing fee on each passenger over the age of twelve (12) arriving in the Port of Galilee, Narragansett, Rhode Island, by public or private boat; provided, however, that this provision shall not apply to vessels when they are engaged in commercial fishing. All fees collected, less expenses of collection, if any, shall be utilized by the town of Narragansett to protect the health, safety, and welfare of all passengers, including, but not limited to, emergency medical services; acquisition of both personal and real property to provide support to the ferry passengers; and to establish a fund to assist the town of Narragansett in resolving problems that arise due to the impact of vessels landing passengers in the town of Narragansett. The town of Narragansett may enter into agreements with any common carriers by water operating in the town of Narragansett and any operator of a marina in the town of Narragansett authorizing the common carrier or marina operator to collect the landing fee on behalf of the town of Narragansett. The agreement shall provide for the payment of a reasonable fee, not to exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the landing fee, by the town to the common water carrier or marina operator and indemnification of the water carrier or marina operator from and against any liability to, or claim of liability by, third parties, arising from the collection of the boarding fee. All such common carriers shall collect the landing fee on behalf of the town of Narragansett, by including the amount of the fee in its rate and charge to adult passengers without the necessity of approval of the landing fee from the public utilities commission (PUC) or the division of public utilities and carriers (DPUC) under title 39. The landing fee authorized by this chapter does not apply to any persons receiving free transportation from the public utility under § 39-2-5. The town council of the town of Narragansett shall promulgate rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this section. The town of Narragansett may seek no fees from the common carriers other than those set forth in this section; provided, however, that this sentence shall not preclude the taxation of property, but not the vessels, of the common carriers pursuant to title 44.

(b) The rate relief previously authorized by the PUC for Interstate Navigation Company in 1997 (PUC Docket No. 2484) which authorized the increase of Interstate Navigation Companys rates (except the Block Island Passenger Commuter Rate) by one and four-tenths percent (1.4%) in order to pay for property taxes assessed against Interstate Navigation Companys vessels by the town of Narragansett shall continue in full force and effect until June 1, 2002. Notwithstanding the restriction placed by the PUC on the money collected by Interstate Navigation Company pursuant to this rate relief, the money shall be disposed of as follows: (1) From the monies collected as of June 30, 2001, Interstate Navigation Company shall make a one-time payment to the town of Narragansett of eighty-five thousand dollars ($85,000) and the town of Narragansett shall be authorized to retain the fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) previously paid to it by Interstate Navigation Company; (2) The balance of the funds collected as of June 30, 2001, are to be invested in equipment and facilities to serve the rate payers of Interstate Navigation Company subject to DPUC subsequent verification of that investment. If a dispute arises regarding the disposition of the funds as set forth in this section, then the DPUC or Interstate Navigation Company may petition the PUC for review, and the decision of the PUC shall be final and binding and not appealable. For purposes of this section, the use of such funds by Interstate Navigation Company for: (1) The repair and/or replacement of the bulkhead and related facilities at Interstates Block Island facility; or (2) Interstates expenses related to the construction of its new terminal facility in Galilee, including the construction of facilities for the connector road lots; and/or (3) The pre-payment of principal and related pre-payment fees on the loan outstanding for the M/V Block Island, shall be deemed to be equipment and facilities that serve the rate payers of Interstate Navigation and shall not be subject to any prior review or approval by the DPUC and/or PUC; provided that subsequent verification and approval shall remain within the purview of the DPUC and PUC for rate making purposes. Any expenditures out of the funds collected as of June 30, 2001, for any other purposes shall require the prior approval of the DPUC to assure that the proposed expenditures are in the best interest of the rate payers. If a dispute arises between Interstate Navigation Company and the DPUC as to such proposed expenditures, then the DPUC or Interstate Navigation Company may petition the PUC for review.

(c) From the funds collected between July 1, 2001, and May 31, 2002, one-third ( ) of the total shall be paid to the town of Narragansett in June, 2002, and the balance shall be retained by Interstate Navigation Company to be invested in equipment and facilities to serve the rate payers of Interstate Navigation Company. Interstate Navigation Company shall be required to obtain the prior approval of the DPUC in order to expend these funds. If a dispute arises regarding the disposition of these funds as set forth in this section, the DPUC or Interstate Navigation Company may petition the PUC for review.

(d) As to property over which the town of Narragansett has regulatory control, the town of Narragansett may not prohibit overnight parking on private property and currently existing parking lots in Galilee, and there will be no mandatory offsite parking for cars in Galilee.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-61-3 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-61 / Section 45-61-3
§ 45-61-3. Declaration of purpose.
Status: in_force

The purpose of this chapter is to authorize the cities and towns of the state to adopt ordinances creating stormwater management districts (SMD), the boundaries of which may include all or part of a city or town, as specified by such ordinance. Such ordinances shall be designated to eliminate and prevent the contamination of the states waters and to operate and maintain existing stormwater conveyance systems.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-29-19 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-29 / Section 45-29-19
§ 45-29-19. Filing of plat and statement by city  Service and publication of notice.
Status: in_force

(a) Subject to the previously stated provisions, the city shall commence proceedings to condemn by filing in the records of land evidence for the city, a description of the property to be taken and a plat of it, and a statement that the property is desired to be taken by condemnation pursuant to the provisions of §§ 45-29-13  45-29-32, and shall simultaneously file in the office of the clerk of the superior court in and for the county in which the lands or any interest in the lands are located, a like description, plat, and statement, all of which shall be signed by the mayor of the city.

(b) Notice of the taking of the property desired to be condemned shall be served upon the owners of, and persons having an estate in, and interested in the land, by the city sergeant of the city, by leaving a true and attested copy of the description and statement with each of those persons personally, or at the last and usual place of abode of those persons, respectively, in this state, with some person living there; and in case those persons are absent from this state and/or have no last and usual place of abode in this state occupied by any person, or in case the whereabouts of any person shall be unknown to the city sergeant, the copies shall be left with the persons, if any, in charge of or having possession of the property, and another copy shall be mailed by the city sergeant postpaid to absent persons, at their last known addresses, respectively, to the extent that the addresses are known to the city sergeant.

(c) Upon the filing of the description, plat, and statement, the city clerk shall cause them to be published in some newspaper published in the city, or if none, then in some newspaper published in the county, in which the lands are located, at least twice a week for three (3) successive weeks.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-3-6 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-3 / Section 45-3-6
§ 45-3-6. Call of meeting on request of electors.
Status: in_force

Whenever the town council, or whenever ten percent (10%) of the electors of any town, as provided in this section, less any fractional part that may appear in this computation thereof, shall make a request, in writing, for the calling of a town meeting to transact any business relating to the town in respect of which they shall have a right to vote, and direct the request to the town clerk, the town clerk shall cause the electors to be notified of the time when and the place where the meeting is to be held, and of the business proposed to be transacted; except as provided in § 45-3-7; provided, that the ten percent (10%) shall be computed on the total number of electors appearing on the last canvassed voting lists of the town as having a right to vote in the transaction of any business that may be presented at the meeting.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-21-27 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-21 / Section 45-21-27
§ 45-21-27. Benefit on death of retired employee.
Status: in_force

(a) Upon the death of a member after retirement, unless the member has selected any of the options provided in § 45-21-30, a benefit is payable consisting of the excess, if any, of the total contributions of the member at the date of retirement, without interest, over the aggregate amount of all retirement allowance payments received by the member prior to the members death.

(b) In addition, a benefit is payable upon the death of any retired member, regardless of the date of retirement, consisting of the continuation of the ordinary death benefit provisions of the retirement act into retirement in the full amount, accrued at the date of retirement, for the first year subsequent to the date of retirement; provided, that in each succeeding year, this amount is reduced on each retirement anniversary date by twenty-five percent (25%) until twenty-five percent (25%) of the total amount accumulated as of the date of retirement has been reached; provided, that the amount is not reduced to less than four thousand dollars ($4,000). This sum shall be continued thereafter as the sum payable on death after retirement.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-27-5 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-27 / Section 45-27-5
§ 45-27-5. Interim certificates and temporary obligations.
Status: in_force

Pending the authorization, preparation, execution, or delivery of definitive bonds, the authority may issue interim certificates, or other temporary obligations to the purchaser of those bonds. The interim certificates, or other temporary obligations, shall be in a form, contain terms, conditions and provisions, bear a date or dates, and evidence agreements relating to their discharge or payment or the delivery of definitive bonds, as the authority may by resolution, trust indenture, or mortgage determine.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-32-19 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-32 / Section 45-32-19
§ 45-32-19. Power over zoning ordinances.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the provisions of any other statute to the contrary, the legislative body has power by ordinance to revise, amend, and modify zoning ordinances affecting the area covered in a redevelopment plan in accordance with § 45-32-10.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-26-1 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-26 / Section 45-26-1
§ 45-26-1. Declaration of necessity.
Status: in_force

It is declared that the findings and declarations stated in § 45-25-2 are also applicable to towns in the state.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-31-27 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-31 / Section 45-31-27
§ 45-31-27. Payments made subject to rules and regulations.
Status: in_force

Upon presentation of evidence satisfactory to the agency of the fact of relocation, there may be paid to each individual, transient, or family, a sum of money in accordance with a schedule of payments adopted by the agency based upon the number of occupied rooms. In the case of business concerns, the sum of money to be paid is based upon the actual necessary moving expense incurred and any direct losses sustained to personal property, but not goods kept for sale, good will, or profit. These payments are made subject to rules and regulations that may be prescribed by the agency, and shall not exceed one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) in the case of each transient, individual, or family, or seven thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500) in the case of each business concern.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-51-2 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-51 / Section 45-51-2
§ 45-51-2. Conservation commission  Appointment.
Status: in_force

The mayor or town administrator of any city or town may designate the municipal conservation commission as defined in § 45-31-1 to serve as an environmental advocate, subject to approval by the city or town council, which shall perform the duties as established in this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-53-11 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-53 / Section 45-53-11
§ 45-53-11. Annual comprehensive permit report.
Status: in_force

(a) The executive office of housing (executive office) shall maintain records and shall prepare a report (report) on an annual basis to be submitted to the speaker of the house and the president of the senate. The report shall also be made available on the executive offices website for a period of at least three (3) years, and shall also be deemed to be a public record. The report shall be due on or before March 15, of each year.

(b) The report required by this section shall contain the following for the preceding twelve-month (12) calendar period covered by the report:

(1) The number of letters of eligibility issued for low- and moderate-income housing for applications made pursuant to this chapter and § 42-55-5.3, the federal, state, and municipal subsidy programs under which they were eligible, and the number of proposed subsidized units involved, by city and town, during the preceding calendar year, as provided by the Rhode Island housing corporation.

(2) The status of each comprehensive permit application for which a letter of eligibility was issued disaggregated by municipality.

(3) The number of comprehensive permit applications that have had building permits issued, including the number of market rate housing units, the number of low- and moderate-income housing units, and the AMI restrictions associated both pursuant to § 45-53-4, aggregated by the total number of such applications in the state and disaggregated by each municipality in the state.

(4) The number of comprehensive permit applications that have had certificates of occupancy issued, aggregated by the total number of such applications in the state and disaggregated by each municipality in the state.

(c) Each municipality shall annually provide to the executive office the information on comprehensive permit activity described in subsection (b) of this section by February 1.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-38-5 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-38 / Section 45-38-5
§ 45-38-5. Procedure before acquisition.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, neither the state, nor any municipality, has the power to acquire title to an educational facility, pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, by gift, unless prior to the issuance of obligations to finance the acquisition and construction of an educational facility by a nonbusiness corporation formed under the provisions of chapter 6 of title 7, the governor, or the governors designee, in respect of the state, and the governing body in respect of a municipality, have found, after a hearing, that the acquisition and construction, proposed leasing, operation, and use of the educational facility, and its acquisition by the state or municipality, will serve a public use and provide a public benefit, and that the acquisition will be within the policy of, and the authority conferred by, this chapter. The determination may be made by the governor, or the governors designee, or appropriate governing body if supported by documentation and information that the governor, or the governors designee, or appropriate governing body may request as a basis for the determination, and if it is found that:

(1) The acquisition and construction of the educational facility will enable or assist an educational institution to fulfill its obligations in providing education to the youth of this state; and

(2) The educational facility will be leased to, or owned by, a financially responsible educational institution within the state; and

(3) Adequate provision has been, or will be, made for the payment of the cost of the acquisition and construction of the educational facility, and that under no circumstances will the state or municipality be obligated, directly or indirectly, for the payment of the cost of acquisition and construction of the educational facility, or for the payment of the principal of, or interest on, any obligations issued to finance the acquisition and construction; and

(4) Adequate provision has been, or will be, made in any lease of the educational facility for the payment of all costs of operation, maintenance, and upkeep of the educational facility by the lessee, sublessee, or occupant so that under no circumstances will the state or municipality be obligated, directly or indirectly, for the payment of those costs.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-23-25 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-23 / Section 45-23-25
§ 45-23-25. Title.
Status: in_force

Sections 45-23-25  45-23-74 shall be known as the Rhode Island Land Development and Subdivision Review Enabling Act of 1992. The short title shall be the Development Review Act.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-58-3 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-58 / Section 45-58-3
§ 45-58-3. Statement of purpose.
Status: in_force

This chapter is intended to: (1) Establish the Pascoag utility district as the successor to the utility functions fulfilled prior to April 4, 2001, by the Pascoag fire district; (2) Provide for the orderly separation and transfer of those utility functions and related utility assets and utility bond obligations (without impairment thereof) from the Pascoag fire district to the utility district; (3) Provide for the retention and fulfillment of the fire protection functions and fire protection assets of the Pascoag fire district by the fire district; and (4) Authorize and enable the utility district to provide such other utility products and services as may be authorized, from time to time, by the utility districts board of utility commissioners.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-50-7 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-50 / Section 45-50-7
§ 45-50-7. Officers and quorums.
Status: in_force

The authority shall elect one of its members as chairperson and another as vice chairperson and shall also elect a secretary and a treasurer. Three (3) members of the authority constitutes a quorum and the vote of three (3) members is necessary for any action taken by the authority. No vacancy in the membership of the authority shall impair the right of a quorum to exercise all the rights and perform all the duties of the authority; provided, however, that the provisions of this section shall not apply to an authority authorized pursuant to § 45-50-3(c), in which case the public law providing for the exercise of the powers of the authority by a body corporate and politic shall apply and be considered definitive.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-21-29 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-21 / Section 45-21-29
§ 45-21-29. Repayment of refunded contributions  Reinstatement of service credit.
Status: in_force

(a) Any member who has received a refund upon withdrawal from service has the privilege of making a repayment to the system of the amount that the member received as a refund, including regular interest from the date of receipt of the refund to the date of repayment of the refund to the system.

(b) The privilege of repayment of any refund under the provisions of this section is not operative until a member has rendered at least one year of service following the members latest reentry into the service of the municipality occurring subsequent to the date of the receipt of the refund.

(c) Upon the restoration of the refund, the service credits previously forfeited by the receipt of the refund are reinstated to the account of the member.

(d) The privilege of repayment extends and applies to all refunds received by a member prior to the filing of an application under the provisions of this section and not to any individual amount, and all refunds are repayable at the same time and in a single sum.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-24-38 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-24 / Section 45-24-38
§ 45-24-38. General provisions  Substandard lots of record.
Status: in_force

(a) Any city or town adopting or amending a zoning ordinance under this chapter shall regulate the development of any single substandard lot of record or contiguous lots of record at the effective date of adoption or amendment of the zoning ordinance.

(b) Notwithstanding the failure of that lot or those lots to meet the dimensional and/or quantitative requirements, and/or road frontage or other access requirements, applicable in the district as stated in the ordinance, a substandard lot of record shall not be required to seek any zoning relief based solely on the failure to meet minimum requirements for lot size, lot frontage, lot width, or lot depth of the district in which such lot is located. For any structure proposed under this section on a substandard lot of record, the following dimensional regulations shall apply:

(1) Minimum building setbacks, lot frontage, and lot width requirements for a lot that is nonconforming in area shall be reduced by the same proportion that the area of such substandard lot meets the minimum lot area of the district in which the lot is located. By way of example, if the lot area of a substandard lot only meets forty percent (40%) of the minimum lot area required in the district in which it is located, the setbacks, lot frontage, and lot width shall each be reduced to forty percent (40%) of the requirements for those dimensional standards in the same district. However, to the extent the city or town has a zoning district in which the lot would be conforming as to size, the city or town may require compliance with the building setback, lot frontage, and lot width requirements for said zoning district if such requirement is in the local zoning ordinance.

(2) Maximum lot building coverage for lots that are nonconforming in area shall be increased by the inverse proportion that the area of such substandard lot meets the minimum area requirements in the district in which the lot is located. By way of example, if the lot area of a substandard lot only meets forty percent (40%) of the required minimum lot area, the maximum lot building coverage is allowed to increase by sixty percent (60%) over the maximum permitted lot building coverage in that district.

All proposals exceeding such reduced requirement shall proceed with a modification request under § 45-24-46 or a dimensional variance request under § 45-24-41, whichever is applicable.

(c) Except as set forth otherwise in this chapter and in chapter 23 of this title, provisions may be made for the merger of contiguous unimproved, or improved and unimproved, substandard lots of record in the same ownership to create dimensionally conforming lots or to reduce the extent of dimensional nonconformance. The ordinance shall specify the standards, on a district by district basis, which determine the mergers. The standards shall include, but are not to be limited to, the availability of infrastructure, the character of the neighborhood, and the consistency with the comprehensive plan. The merger of lots shall not be required when the substandard lot of record has an area equal to or greater than the area of fifty percent (50%) of the lots within two hundred feet (200²) of the subject lot, as confirmed by a compilation plan signed by a professional land surveyor as such term is defined by the rules and regulations for professional land surveying.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-9-3 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-9 / Section 45-9-3
§ 45-9-3. Appointment and duties of fiscal overseer.
Status: in_force

(a) Upon joint request by a citys or towns elected chief executive officer and city or town council, or for a fire district, the request of the governing body as established by charter, which request is approved by the division of municipal finance and the auditor general, or in absence of such a request, in the event that the director of revenue, in consultation with the auditor general, makes any two (2) or more of the findings set forth in subsection (b), the director of revenue may appoint a fiscal overseer for the city, town, or fire district to assess the ability of the city or town government or fire district to manage fiscal challenges.

(b) The director of revenue may appoint a fiscal overseer if the director finds, in his or her sole discretion, that any two (2) of the following events have occurred that are of such a magnitude that they threaten the fiscal well-being of the city, town, or fire district, diminishing the citys, towns, or fire districts ability to provide for the public safety or welfare of the citizens of the city, town, or fire district:

(1) The city, town, or fire district projects a deficit in the municipal budget or fire district budget in the current fiscal year and again in the upcoming fiscal year;

(2) The city, town, or fire district has not filed its required audits with the auditor general by the deadlines required by law for two (2) successive fiscal years (not including extensions authorized by the auditor general);

(3) The city, town, or fire district has been downgraded by one of the nationally recognized statistical rating organizations;

(4) The city, town, or fire district is otherwise unable to obtain access to credit markets or obtain financing when necessary on reasonable terms in the sole judgment of the director of revenue.

(5) The city, town, or fire district does not promptly respond to requests made by the director of revenue, or the auditor general, or the chairpersons of the house and/or senate finance committees, for financial information and operating data necessary to assess the fiscal condition of the city, town, or fire district in the sole judgment of the director of revenue.

(c) The director of revenue may also appoint a fiscal overseer if a city, town, or fire district fails to comply with the requirements of §§ 45-12-22.1  45-12-22.5.

(d) The fiscal overseer shall without limitation:

(1) Recommend to the elected chief executive officer, fire district board of directors, city or town council, and school committee sound fiscal policies for implementation;

(2) Supervise all financial services and activities;

(3) Advise the assessors, director of finance, city or town treasurer, fire district board of directors, purchasing agent, and employees performing similar duties but with different titles;

(4) Provide assistance in all matters related to municipal or fire district financial affairs;

(5) Assist in development and preparation of the municipal or fire district budget, all department budgets, and spending plans;

(6) Review all proposed contracts and obligations;

(7) Monitor the expenditures of all funds;

(8) Approve the annual or supplemental fire districts budgets or municipal budgets of the city or town and all of its departments; and

(9) Report monthly to the director of revenue, the auditor general, the governor, and the chairpersons of the house finance and senate finance committees on the progress made towards reducing the municipalitys or fire districts deficit and otherwise attaining fiscal stability.

(e) All department budgets and requests for municipal or fire district budget transfers shall be submitted to the fiscal overseer for review and approval.

(f) The city, town, or fire district shall annually appropriate amounts sufficient for the proper administration of the fiscal overseer and staff, as determined in writing by the division of municipal finance. If the city, town, or fire district fails to appropriate such amounts, the division of municipal finance shall direct the general treasurer to deduct the necessary funds from the citys, towns, or fire districts distribution of state aid and shall expend those funds directly for the benefit of the fiscal overseer and staff.

(g) Within one hundred twenty (120) days of being appointed by the director of revenue, the fiscal overseer shall develop a three-year (3) operating and capital financial plan to achieve fiscal stability in the city, town, or fire district. The plan shall include a preliminary analysis of the citys, towns, or fire districts financial situation and the fiscal overseers initial recommendations to immediately begin to address the operating and structural deficits. The fiscal overseer shall have the power to compel operational, performance, or forensic audits, or any other similar assessments. The fiscal overseer shall have the power, at the expense of the city, town, or fire district, to employ, retain, and supervise such managerial, professional and clerical staff as are necessary to carry out the responsibility of fiscal overseer, subject to the approval of the division of municipal finance; provided, however, that the fiscal overseer shall not be subject to chapter 2 of title 37 or chapter 55 of title 45 in employing such staff.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-2-38 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-2 / Section 45-2-38
§ 45-2-38. City of East Providence  Municipal court.
Status: in_force

(a) The city council of the city of East Providence may establish a municipal court and confer upon that court original jurisdiction, not withstanding any other provisions of the general laws, to hear and determine causes involving the violation of any ordinance, including minimum housing ordinances of the city and any violation of the provisions of chapter 24.3 of this title entitled, The Rhode Island Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Code; provided, however, that any defendant found guilty of any offense, excluding violations of the minimum housing ordinances or chapter 24.3 may, within seven (7) days of conviction, file an appeal from the conviction to the superior court and be entitled in the latter court to a trial de novo; and provided further, however, that any defendant found guilty of any violation of a minimum housing ordinance or of chapter 24.3, may within seven (7) days of conviction, file an appeal from the conviction to the sixth division of the district court and be entitled to a trial de novo in accordance with §§ 8-8-3(a)(4) and 8-8-3.2.

(b) With respect to violations of either municipal ordinances dealing with minimum housing or chapter 24.3 et seq., of this title dealing with housing maintenance and occupancy, the city council may also confer upon the municipal court, in furtherance of the courts jurisdiction, the power to proceed according to equity:

(1) To restrain, prevent, enjoin, abate, or correct a violation;

(2) To order the repair, vacation, or demolition of any dwelling, existing in violation; or

(3) To otherwise compel compliance with all of the provisions of those ordinances and statutes.

(c) The city council of the city of East Providence is authorized and empowered to appoint a judge and clerk of the municipal court. The city council of the city is authorized and empowered to enact ordinances governing the personnel, operation, and procedure to be followed in the court and to establish a schedule of fees and costs and to otherwise provide for the operation and management of the court. The municipal court may impose a sentence not to exceed thirty (30) days in jail and impose a fine not in excess of five hundred dollars ($500), or both. The court is empowered to administer oaths, compel the attendance of witnesses, and punish persons for contempt, and to execute search warrants to the extent the warrants could be executed by a judge of the district court.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-13-9 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-13 / Section 45-13-9
§ 45-13-9. Reimbursement to cities and towns and school districts for the costs of state mandates.
Status: in_force

(a)(1) The department of revenue shall submit to the budget office by October 1 of each year, a report by each city and town, of the cost of state mandates established after January 1, 1979, to be reimbursed for the next preceding July 1  June 30 period.

(2) The budget office shall annually include the statewide total of the statement of costs of state mandates eligible to be reimbursed in the state budget for the next fiscal year for consideration by the governor in preparing a final budget proposal for submission to the general assembly in accordance with § 35-3-7 of the General Laws; provided, that any costs resulting from the rules and regulations of state departments or agencies shall be allocated to the budgets of those departments or agencies.

(b) The state treasurer shall in July of each year distribute to cities and towns the reimbursements for state mandated costs as may be appropriated by the general assembly.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-2-68 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-2 / Section 45-2-68
§ 45-2-68. Town of Foster  Municipal court.
Status: in_force

(a) The town council of the town of Foster may establish a municipal court and confer upon that court original jurisdiction, notwithstanding any other provisions of the general laws, to hear and determine causes involving the violation of any ordinance; provided, however, that any defendant found guilty of any offense, excluding violations outlined in subsection (b) of this section, may, within seven (7) days of conviction, file an appeal from the conviction to the Providence county superior court and be entitled in the latter court to a trial de novo.

(b) The town council of the town of Foster may establish a municipal housing court and confer upon the court original jurisdiction, notwithstanding any other provisions of the general laws, to hear and determine causes involving the violation of the zoning ordinances of the town and any violation of the provisions of chapter 24 of this title (Rhode Island zoning enabling act of 1991); any violation of chapter 24.1 of this title ( historical area zoning); any violation of chapter 24.2 of this title (minimum housing standards); any violation of chapter 24.3 of this title (housing maintenance and occupancy code); any violation of chapter 23 of this title (development review act); any violation of any local Foster ordinance or regulation enacted pursuant to these chapters; and any violation of the provisions of chapter 27.3 of title 23 (state building code); and any violation of the provisions of those regulations promulgated by the state building code commission entitled SBC-1 Rhode Island state building code; SBC-2 Rhode Island state one and two (2) family dwelling code; SBC-3 Rhode Island state plumbing code; SBC-4 Rhode Island state mechanical code; SBC-5 Rhode Island state electrical code; SBC-6 state property maintenance code; SBC-8 Rhode Island state energy conservation code; and SBC-19 Rhode Island state fuel and gas code; and provided, further, that any party aggrieved by a final judgment, decree, or order of the Foster housing court may, within twenty (20) days after entry of this judgment, decree, or order, file an appeal to the Providence county superior court and be entitled in the latter court to a trial de novo.

(c) With respect to violations falling under the jurisdiction of the Foster housing court, as outlined in subsection (b) of this section, the town council may also confer upon the housing court, in furtherance of the courts jurisdiction, the power to proceed according to equity:

(1) To restrain, prevent, enjoin, abate, or correct a violation;

(2) To order the repair, vacating, or demolition of any dwelling existing in violation;

(3) To otherwise compel compliance with all of the provisions of those ordinances, regulations, and statutes; and

(4) To order a dwelling into receivership and to order the removal of any cloud on the title to the building or property that shall be binding upon all those claiming by, through, under, or by virtue of any inferior liens or encumbrances pursuant to chapter 44 of title 34.

(d) The municipal court shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the Rhode Island traffic tribunal to hear and adjudicate those violations conferred upon the municipal court and enumerated in § 8-18-3. Adjudication of summons by the municipal court shall be in conformance with § 8-18-4. The municipal court shall hear and decide traffic matters in a manner consistent with the procedures of the traffic tribunal, and subject to review by the chief magistrate of the traffic tribunal in accordance with § 8-18-11. Any person desiring to appeal from an adverse decision of the municipal court for violations enumerated in § 8-18-3, may seek review thereof pursuant to the procedures set forth in § 31-41.1-8.

(e) The town council of the town of Foster is authorized and empowered to appoint a judge and clerk of the municipal court. The town council of the town of Foster is also authorized to appoint a judge and clerk of the housing court, who may be, but is not required to be, the same person(s) holding the judgeship over the municipal court. The town council is authorized and empowered to enact ordinances governing the personnel, operation, and procedure to be followed in the court and to establish a schedule of fees and costs and to otherwise provide for the operation and management of the court. The municipal court may impose a fine not in excess of five hundred dollars ($500) for each offense. The court is empowered to administer oaths, compel the attendance of witnesses, and punish persons for contempt.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-70-6 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-70 / Section 45-70-6
§ 45-70-6. Rules and regulations  Report.
Status: in_force

The state planning council is hereby authorized and empowered to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter no later than December 31, 2022. The department of administration, division of statewide planning, shall submit to the governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the senate president, a report detailing the program development and completion levels of training by board members of each community no later than April 30, 2027.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-30-10 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-30 / Section 45-30-10
§ 45-30-10. Powers supplementary.
Status: in_force

The powers conferred by this chapter are in addition and supplemental to the powers conferred by any other law, and nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed as limiting any other powers of a housing authority.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-19-7 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-19 / Section 45-19-7
§ 45-19-7. Appropriations for relief of fire fighters and dependents.
Status: in_force

The general assembly shall annually appropriate any sum that it deems necessary for the relief of any fire fighter and for the relief of the widow or widower or domestic partner and children of any fire fighter killed in the performance of his or her duty. The controller, upon the receipt of proper vouchers approved by the director of labor and training or the directors authorized agent, is hereby authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of the sum or sums that may be required from time to time.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-32-44 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-32 / Section 45-32-44
§ 45-32-44. Compliance with federal wage and hours policies.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the provisions of § 45-32-43 or any other law, the agency may agree to any conditions attached to financial assistance from the federal government relating to the determination of prevailing salaries or wages or compliance with labor standards, and may include in any contract let in connection with a redevelopment project, stipulations requiring that the contractor and any subcontractors comply with those conditions as to minimum salaries or wages and maximum hours of labor.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-62-5.1 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-62 / Section 45-62-5.1
§ 45-62-5.1. Immunity from civil liability.
Status: in_force

Pascoag Reservoir Dam Management District created pursuant to this chapter shall be immune from civil liability for any tort committed upon any lake bed the Pascoag Reservoir Dam Management District may acquire, hold, use or lease pursuant to § 45-62-3.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-25-9 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-25 / Section 45-25-9
§ 45-25-9. Certificate as evidence of incorporation.
Status: in_force

In any suit, action, or proceeding involving the validity or enforcement of, or relating to any contract of the authority, the authority shall be conclusively deemed to have been established in accordance with the provisions of this chapter upon proof of the issuance of the certificate by the secretary of state. A copy of the certificate, duly certified by the secretary of state, is admissible in evidence in the suit, action or proceeding, and is conclusive proof of the filing and contents.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-58-14 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-58 / Section 45-58-14
§ 45-58-14. Pascoag fire district.
Status: in_force

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to effect in any way the continued existence and operation of the Pascoag fire districts fire prevention and suppression functions, its charter and/or bylaws governing the fire district.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-2-5.2 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-2 / Section 45-2-5.2
§ 45-2-5.2. Prudence Island school foundation.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any provision of the general laws to the contrary, including, but not limited to, the provisions of § 45-2-6, the town council of the town of Portsmouth is hereby authorized and permitted to exercise its discretion to give, grant, bargain, sell, transfer and/or convey to the Prudence Island School Foundation, all of its right, title, and interest in and to those certain lots or parcels of land, including and together with all buildings and improvements located thereon, situated on Prudence Island in the town of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, within the plat entitled Plat of Prudence Park and numbered as Lots 824, 825, 826 and 827 as recorded in the office of the Portsmouth Land Evidence Records in Plan Book 1 on pages 2 and 3 and on pages 6 and 7 (the property) to the Prudence Island School Foundation, a Rhode Island nonprofit corporation, subject to those rights of reversion set forth in the deed recorded on July 2, 1896, in Book 20 on Page 403 and the deed recorded on November 26, 1997, in Book 516 on Page 114 of the Portsmouth Land Evidence Records, if the property shall cease to be used for educational purposes.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-23-54 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-23 / Section 45-23-54
§ 45-23-54. Local regulations  Publication and availability.
Status: in_force

(a) Printed copies of the local regulations shall be available to the general public and shall be revised to include all amendments. Any appendices shall also be available. A reasonable charge may be made for copies.

(b) Upon publication of local regulations and any amendments to the local regulations, the municipality shall send a copy to the state law library.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-46-1 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-46 / Section 45-46-1
§ 45-46-1. Legislative findings.
Status: in_force

The general assembly finds that excessive quantities of soil are eroding from certain areas of the state that are undergoing development for certain nonagricultural uses as housing developments, industrial areas, recreational facilities, commercial facilities, and roads. Erosion occurring in these areas makes necessary costly repairs to gullies, washed out fills, roads, and embankments. The resulting sediment clogs storm sewers and road ditches, roils streams, and deposits silt in ponds and reservoirs. In some of the states waters, silt resulting from erosion has become a major water pollutant and threatens water supply, recreational, aesthetic, and wildlife habitat values associated with these waters. The general assembly finds that certain agricultural lands also experience extensive erosion and sedimentation. The general assembly directs the department of environmental management division of agriculture and the Rhode Island state conservation committee to work with landowners on these lands to implement conservation plans and/or activities.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-5-5 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-5 / Section 45-5-5
§ 45-5-5. Clerk of council.
Status: in_force

The town clerk is clerk of the town council. Whenever any town clerk does not appear at the time and place appointed for the meeting of the town council, the town council may appoint a clerk pro tempore, who, after being duly engaged, shall do and perform all the duties enjoined by law on the town clerk as clerk of the town council.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-25-10.2 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-25 / Section 45-25-10.2
§ 45-25-10.2. City of Newport housing authority.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the provisions of § 45-25-10, commencing September 1, 1994 the housing authority of the city of Newport is expanded in size from five (5) members to seven (7) members. The two (2) additional members shall be residents of public housing facilities in the city of Newport. Each shall be appointed for a four (4) year term by the mayor who shall make the appointments from a list of persons nominated by the residents. The residents of each public housing facility shall by election nominate two (2) residents of that facility to the list every four (4) years, and the residents so elected to the housing authority shall each serve for four (4) years; provided, that no member of the housing authority shall serve more than three (3) consecutive four (4) year terms.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-55-6 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-55 / Section 45-55-6
§ 45-55-6. Competitive negotiation.
Status: in_force

(a) When, under regulations adopted by the city or town council, the purchasing agent determines, in writing, that the use of competitive sealed bidding is not practicable, and except as provided in §§ 45-55-8, 45-55-9, and 45-55-10 a contract may be awarded by competitive negotiation.

(b) Adequate public notice of the request for proposals shall be given in the same manner as provided in § 45-55-5(c).

(c) Contracts may be competitively negotiated when it is determined, in writing, by the purchasing agent that the bid prices received by competitive sealed bidding either are unreasonable as to all or part of the requirements, or were not independently reached in open competition, and for which:

(1) Each competitive bidder has been notified of the intention to negotiate and is given reasonable opportunity to negotiate; and

(2) The negotiated price is lower than the lowest rejected bid by any competitive bidder; and

(3) The negotiated price is the lowest negotiated price offered by a competitive offeror.

(d) The request for proposals shall indicate the relative importance of price and other evaluation factors.

(e) Award shall be made to the responsible offeror whose proposal is determined, in writing, to be the most advantageous to the municipality taking into consideration price and the evaluation factors stated in the request for proposals.

(f) Written or oral discussions shall be conducted with all responsible offerors who submit proposals determined, in writing, to be reasonably susceptible of being selected for award. Discussions shall not disclose any information derived from proposals submitted by competing offerors. Discussions need not be conducted:

(1) With respect to prices, where prices are fixed by law or regulation, except that consideration shall be given to competitive terms and conditions; or

(2) Where time of delivery or performance will not permit discussions; or

(3) Where it can be clearly demonstrated and documented from the existence of adequate competition or accurate prior cost experience with the particular supply, service, or construction item, that acceptance of an initial offer without discussion would result in fair and reasonable prices, and the request for proposals notifies all offerors of the possibility that award may be made on the basis of the initial offers.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-32-27 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-32 / Section 45-32-27
§ 45-32-27. Filing of resolution, plat, and declaration.
Status: in_force

Within six (6) months after the adoption of a resolution pursuant to § 45-32-26, the agency shall file in the land evidence records of the city or town where the real property is located: (1) A copy of the resolution; (2) A plat showing the real property taken or affected; (3) A declaration signed by the chairperson or vice-chair person; that the real property or estate, or interest in it, is taken pursuant to the provisions of chapters 31  33 of this title and indicating the nature and extent of the estate or interest in the real property taken as already stated.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-2-66 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-2 / Section 45-2-66
§ 45-2-66. Ability to pay hearings.
Status: in_force

In any court created under the authority of this chapter, the procedures established in §§ 11-25-15 and 12-6-7.1(b) shall be followed when a defendant is arrested and detained for failure to appear at an ability to pay hearing, whether detained at the adult correctional facility or at a police station.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-21-37 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-21 / Section 45-21-37
§ 45-21-37. Vouchers for payment of benefits.
Status: in_force

All benefits, allowances and other payments authorized by this chapter shall be made upon vouchers duly approved by the chairperson of the retirement board and countersigned by the chief of the retirement system.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-23-49.1 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-23 / Section 45-23-49.1
§ 45-23-49.1. Farmland residential compounds.
Status: in_force

(a) The general assembly finds and declares that multiple dwelling units were historically common on farms because farming was a multi-generational way of life and because farm workers needed to be close to the land they worked; that this historical development pattern is centuries old, and that it is in the interest of the state to provide for the continuation of this development pattern as a means of preserving and enhancing agriculture and promoting sound development in rural areas of the state.

(b) Farmland residential compounds may be provided for by municipal ordinance as a minor land development project, consistent with the special provisions of this subdivision, which ordinances may treat farmland residential projects as a specific form of cluster development for purposes of zoning.

(1) Such farmland residential compounds shall only be allowed on agricultural operations, as defined in subsection 42-82-2(3), that have a net annual income of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) or more for the most recent three (3) consecutive years preceding the date of the application for the farmland residential compound, which income is directly attributable to said agricultural operations.

(2) Such farmland residential compounds shall be limited to one dwelling unit for the first twenty (20) acres and one dwelling unit for each additional twenty (20) acres to a maximum of five (5) dwelling units, which shall be allowable without subdivision of the farmland parcel into separate lots and without meeting frontage requirements.

(3) Any road necessary to provide access to the dwelling units shall be constructed in accordance with applicable standards for private roads and shall be owned and maintained by the agricultural operation.

(4) Water supply and waste water treatment (ISDS) for the farmland residential compound shall comply with standards for residential systems.

(c) The dwelling units of a farmland residential compound need not be located in a single area on the farm and may be constructed in phases consistent with the limitations and provisions set forth in subdivision (b) of this section.

(d) Approval of a farmland residential compound shall not affect eligibility to participate in programs for farmland preservation or for taxation of farm, forest and open space land.

(e) For any agricultural operation, farmland residential compounds shall be permitted only to the limits set forth in subdivision (b)(2) of this section; in the event that the agricultural operation is subsequently divided into two (2) or more agricultural operations, no additional farmland residential compound shall be permitted until ten (10) years after the date of the approval of the application for the prior farmland residential compound, and all of the requirements for a farmland residential compound shall apply to each farmland residential compound; in the event that the agricultural operation ceases and the farmland is subdivided, a parcel at least equal to the minimum residential lot size for the zone times the number of dwelling units in the farmland residential compound plus the road in which the farmland residential compound is located shall be dedicated to the farmland residential compound, which overall parcel shall include the water supply and waste water treatment systems for the farmland residential compound.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-12-21 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-12 / Section 45-12-21
§ 45-12-21. Powers of financial town meeting not affected.
Status: in_force

Sections 45-12-19 and 45-12-20 shall not apply in any way to the powers or authorities of any town exercised or exercisable in financial town meeting.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-32-10 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-32 / Section 45-32-10
§ 45-32-10. Petition for zoning changes.
Status: in_force

In order to effectuate a redevelopment plan, the agency may petition the legislative body for a revision, amendment, or modification of zoning ordinances affecting the area covered by the redevelopment plan, concurrently with the submission of the redevelopment plan by the agency to the legislative body, or, at any time thereafter; provided, that the revision, amendment, or modification is stated in the redevelopment plan. The public hearing on the petition may be conducted in conjunction with the hearing on the redevelopment plan required by § 45-32-11; provided, that the provisions of §§ 45-24-4 and 45-24-5 are applicable to the petition.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-13-9.2 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-13 / Section 45-13-9.2
§ 45-13-9.2. Postponement of effective date.
Status: in_force

Whenever it shall be determined by the governor that the postponement of the effective date of rules, regulations or policies of state departments, agencies or quasi-state departments or agencies, shall cause an emergency situation which imperils the publics safety or publics health, the governor may by executive order suspend the operation of, in whole or in part, § 45-13-9.1 and such order shall remain in effect until it is rescinded by a subsequent executive order.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-10-8 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-10 / Section 45-10-8
§ 45-10-8. Notice of engagement of accountants  Failure to provide notice of engagement to director of revenue.
Status: in_force

Notice of the engagement of the certified public accountant or accountants pursuant to § 45-10-4, shall be mailed by the city or town clerk to the director of revenue and the auditor general by registered or certified mail during the period preceding the 60th day prior to the close of the fiscal year. If the notice is not received by the director of revenue during that period, the director shall notify the city or town by registered or certified mail of their failure to notify, and failure to receive the notice of the engagement of the certified public accountant or accountants within thirty (30) days following the registered or certified mailing shall permit the director to file notice for the withholding of state funds pursuant to § 45-10-12.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-15-9 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-15 / Section 45-15-9
§ 45-15-9. Notice of injury on highway or bridge  Commencement of action.
Status: in_force

(a) A person so injured or damaged shall, within sixty (60) days, give to the town by law obliged to keep the highway, causeway, or bridge in repair, notice of the time, place, and cause of the injury or damage; and if the town does not make just and due satisfaction, within the time prescribed by § 45-15-5, the person shall, within three (3) years after the date of the injury or damage, commence his or her action against the town treasurer for the recovery of damages, and not thereafter.

(b) The provisions of this section shall take effect May 21, 1982, and be given retroactive effect, as well as prospective effect, and shall apply to all causes of actions arising within three (3) years prior to September 1, 1982.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-29-28 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-29 / Section 45-29-28
§ 45-29-28. Consolidation of trial of conflicting claims.
Status: in_force

In the case of conflicting claims of ownership by two (2) or more claimants, the court may consolidate those claims and order them tried at the same time and by the same jury, and may frame all necessary issues for the trial. By agreement of parties, jury trial may be expressly waived.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-2-31 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-2 / Section 45-2-31
§ 45-2-31. Registration of business name in the town of North Providence.
Status: in_force

(a) Each business including, but not limited to, wholesale, commercial, retail, professional service or manufacturing by the sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, or any other business entity shall, prior to its commencement of business within the town of North Providence, register its trade, company, or office name with the town clerk. Each registration shall contain the name of the firm or business, the name of the owner or operator of the firm or business, and the type of business to be conducted, and other basic information. There shall be a twenty-five dollar ($25.00) fee for each registration.

(b) Upon the registration of a business trade name, a registration certificate shall be issued to the registrant. No other business of the same trade name shall be allowed to register once a certificate of registration has been issued without the approval of the prior registrant in writing. All businesses covered by this section presently located within the town of North Providence shall have thirty (30) days after June 29, 1990 to register. Every registration certificate shall be renewed annually during the month of January upon payment of a twenty-five dollar ($25.00) fee. No certificate shall be renewed if the business fails to provide proof from the tax collector that all municipal taxes have been paid to date. Every certificate of registration shall be placed in a conspicuous location in each business establishment.

(c) Any person, whether as principal, agent, employee, or otherwise, who violates any of the provisions of this chapter, shall be fined not exceeding twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for each offense. The fines shall enure to the town, and each day that the violation continues is deemed to constitute a separate offense.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-10-12 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-10 / Section 45-10-12
§ 45-10-12. Withholding of funds due towns failing to file reports.
Status: in_force

Whenever any town or city fails to file a duplicate copy of the audit report as required in § 45-10-5 within the time required by that section, or files a report that does not fully comply with the requirements of §§ 45-10-5 and 45-10-6, or fails to provide the notice of engagement of accountant or accountants as required by § 45-10-8 within the time required by that section, the state director of revenue shall immediately, with the concurrence of the auditor general, notify the treasurer and the town or city clerk of the town or city and the general treasurer of that fact, and the general treasurer shall withhold any and all payments of money due or that may become due to the town or city during the period that the town or city fails to comply with the provisions of §§ 45-10-4  45-10-8.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-16-9 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-16 / Section 45-16-9
§ 45-16-9. Attendance of special town constables at schools or meetings.
Status: in_force

A special town constable shall, upon the request of any citizen and upon being tendered the sum of thirty cents ($.30) for each hour of service required, attend any school or meeting lawfully assembled for the purpose of preventing any interruption or disturbance at the school or meeting and may arrest, without warrant, and detain, not exceeding six (6) hours, any person found by the town constable in the act of willfully interrupting or disturbing a school or meeting, and may, in like manner with other police and special constables, command all necessary aid in the execution of the duties of the town constables office.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-23-72 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-23 / Section 45-23-72
§ 45-23-72. Appeals to the superior court  Enactment of or amendment of local regulations.
Status: in_force

(a) Any appeal of an enactment of or an amendment of local regulations may be taken to the superior court for the county in which the municipality is situated by filing a complaint, as stated in this section, within thirty (30) days after the enactment, or amendment has become effective. The appeal may be taken by any legal resident or landowner of the municipality or by any association of residents or landowners of the municipality. The appeal does not stay the enforcement of the local regulations, as enacted or amended, but the court may, in its discretion, grant a stay on appropriate terms, which may include the filing of a bond, and make any other orders that it deems necessary for an equitable disposition of the appeal.

(b) The complaint shall state with specificity the area or areas in which the enactment or amendment is not consistent with the Comprehensive Planning Act, chapter 22.2 of this title; the Rhode Island Zoning Enabling Act of 1991, § 45-24-27 et seq.; the municipalitys comprehensive plan; or the municipalitys zoning ordinance.

(c) The review shall be conducted by the court without a jury. The court shall consider whether the enactment or amendment of the local regulations is consistent with the Comprehensive Planning Act, chapter 22.2 of this title; the Rhode Island Zoning Enabling Act of 1991, § 45-24-27 et seq.; the municipalitys comprehensive plan; or the municipalitys zoning ordinance. If the enactment or amendment is not consistent, then the court shall invalidate the enactment or the amendment, or those parts of the enactment or amendment which are not consistent. The court shall not revise the local regulations to be consistent, but may suggest appropriate language as part of the court decision.

(d) The court may in its discretion, upon motion of the parties or on its own motion, award reasonable attorneys fees to any party to an appeal, as stated herein, including a municipality.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-19-1.6 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-19 / Section 45-19-1.6
§ 45-19-1.6. Lien docket.
Status: in_force

Every city or town clerk, and the director of administration of the state of Rhode Island, shall provide a suitable well-bound book to be called the lien docket in which, upon the filing of any lien claim under the provisions of §§ 45-19-1.2  45-19-1.5 he or she shall enter the name of the employee, the name of the person, firm, or corporation alleged to be liable for the injuries sustained or sickness contracted, the name of an insurance carrier where the name is known at the time of filing of the notice, and the date that the injury was sustained or the sickness contracted, and the clerk or director of administration shall index the lien docket in the name of the employee and in the name of the insurance carrier where the name of the employee or insurance carrier is known at the time of filing the notice.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-22-4 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-22 / Section 45-22-4
§ 45-22-4. Compensation.
Status: in_force

The appointing authority may provide and set standards for compensation for members of a planning board or commission within the limitation of funds appropriated for that purpose, and may, within those limits, provide for reimbursement of any expenses incurred by members in the performance of their duties.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-12-33 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-12 / Section 45-12-33
§ 45-12-33. Borrowing for road and bridge, infrastructure, and school building projects.
Status: in_force

(a)(1) In addition to other authority previously granted, during calendar year 2014 a city or town may authorize the issuance of bonds, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness to evidence loans from the municipal road and bridge revolving fund administered by the Rhode Island infrastructure bank in accordance with chapter 18 of title 24. Beginning July 1, 2025, and thereafter, a city or town may authorize the issuance of bonds, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness to evidence loans from the municipal road and bridge revolving fund administered by the Rhode Island infrastructure bank in accordance with chapter 18 of title 24 to provide a match to other state funding for an approved project from the municipal road and bridge revolving fund.

(2) In addition to other authority previously granted, from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016, a city or town may authorize the issuance of bonds, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness to evidence loans from the efficient buildings fund administered by the Rhode Island infrastructure bank in accordance with chapter 12.2 of title 46 or the school building authority capital fund administered by the Rhode Island health and educational building corporation in accordance with chapter 38.2 of this title.

(b) These bonds, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness are subject to the maximum aggregate indebtedness permitted to be issued by any city or town under §45-12-2.

(c) The denominations, maturities, interest rates, methods of sale, and other terms, conditions, and details of any bonds or notes issued under the provisions of this section may be fixed by resolution of the city or town council authorizing them, or if no provision is made in the resolution, by the treasurer or other officer authorized to issue the bonds, notes, or evidences of indebtedness; provided, that the payment of principal shall be by sufficient annual payments that will extinguish the debt at maturity, the first of these annual payments to be made not later than three (3) years, and the last payment not later than twenty (20) years after the date of the bonds.

The bonds, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness may be issued under this section by any political subdivision without obtaining the approval of its electors, notwithstanding the provisions of §§45-12-19 and 45-12-20 and notwithstanding any provision of its charter to the contrary.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-58-15 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-58 / Section 45-58-15
§ 45-58-15. Tax exemption.
Status: in_force

It is hereby declared that the Pascoag utility district, in the carrying out of its quasi-municipal purposes, is in all respects providing essential services to the people of the state of Rhode Island that improves their health, safety and welfare. Accordingly, the district shall not be required to pay taxes, assessments or sums in lieu of taxes to the state of Rhode Island or any political subdivision thereof upon any of the property now owned or acquired in the future by the district, or under its jurisdiction and/or control, possession or supervision or upon its activities or operations, or upon any earnings, revenues, moneys or other income derived by the district. The bonds issued by the district and any income therefrom shall at all times be exempt from taxation; provided, however, nothing in this section shall have any effect upon the water resources board, or the division of public utilities and carriers, and/or the public utilities commissions authority to impose regulation-related assessments and charges on Pascoag.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-2-45 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-2 / Section 45-2-45
§ 45-2-45. Town of Bristol  Municipal court.
Status: in_force

(a) The town council of the town of Bristol may establish a municipal court and confer upon that court original jurisdiction, notwithstanding any other provisions of the general laws, to hear and determine causes involving the violation of any ordinance, including minimum housing ordinances of the town and any violation of the provisions of chapter 24.3 of this title, entitled the Rhode Island Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Code; provided, however, that any defendant found guilty of any offense, excluding violations of the minimum housing ordinances or chapter 24.3 of this title may, within seven (7) days of conviction, file an appeal from the conviction to the superior court and be entitled in the latter court to a trial de novo; and provided further, however, that any defendant found guilty of any violation of a minimum housing ordinance or of chapter 24.3 of this title, may within seven (7) days of conviction, file an appeal from the conviction to the sixth division of the district court and be entitled to a trial de novo in accordance with §§ 8-8-3(a)(4) and 8-8-3.2.

(b) With respect to violations of either municipal ordinances dealing with minimum housing or chapter 24.3 et seq. of this title dealing with housing maintenance and occupancy, the town council may also confer upon the municipal court, in furtherance of the courts jurisdiction, the power to proceed according to equity:

(1) To restrain, prevent, enjoin, abate, or correct a violation;

(2) To order the repair, vacation, or demolition of any dwelling, existing in violation; or

(3) To otherwise compel compliance with all of the provisions of those ordinances and statutes.

(c) The town council of the town of Bristol is authorized and empowered to appoint a judge and clerk of the municipal court. The town council of the town is authorized and empowered to enact ordinances governing the personnel, operation, and procedure to be followed in the court and to establish a schedule of fees and costs and to otherwise provide for the operation and management of the court. The municipal court may impose a sentence not to exceed thirty (30) days in jail and impose a fine not in excess of five hundred dollars ($500), or both. The court is empowered to administer oaths, compel the attendance of witnesses, and punish persons for contempt, and to execute search warrants to the extent the warrants could be executed by a judge of the district court.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-27-16 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-27 / Section 45-27-16
§ 45-27-16. Obligations in federal contracts.
Status: in_force

In addition to the powers conferred upon the authority by other provisions of chapters 25  27 of this title, the authority is empowered to borrow money or accept grants from the federal government for or in aid of any housing project which the authority is authorized to undertake, to take over any land acquired by the federal government for the construction or operation of a housing project, to take over or lease or manage any housing project constructed or owned by the federal government, and to these ends, to enter into contracts, mortgages, trust indentures, leases, or other agreements that the federal government may require, including agreements that the federal government has the right to supervise and approve the construction, maintenance, and operation of the housing project. In any contract with the federal government for annual contributions to an authority, the authority may obligate itself (which obligation shall be specifically enforceable and not constitute a mortgage, notwithstanding any other laws) to convey to the federal government possession of or title to the project to which the contract relates, upon the occurrence of a substantial default (as defined in the contract) with respect to the covenants or conditions to which the authority is subject. The contract may further provide that in the case of a conveyance, the federal government may complete, operate, manage, lease, convey, or otherwise deal with the project in accordance with the terms of the contract; provided, that the contract requires that, as soon as practicable after the federal government is satisfied that all defaults with respect to the project have been cured and that the project will be operated in accordance with the terms of the contract, the federal government shall reconvey to the authority the project as then constituted. It is the purpose and intent of chapters 25  27 of this title to authorize every authority to do any and all things necessary to secure the financial aid and the cooperation of the federal government in the undertaking, construction, maintenance, and operation of any housing project which the authority is empowered to undertake.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-55-16 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-55 / Section 45-55-16
§ 45-55-16. Prohibition against the use of lead based paints.
Status: in_force

When purchasing paint products or contracting or subcontracting for painting, construction, improvement, completion, or repair of any public buildings, public road, public bridge, or public construction, all municipalities, as defined by § 45-55-4(11), are prohibited from the use of lead based paint.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-6-1 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-6 / Section 45-6-1
§ 45-6-1. Scope of ordinances permissible.
Status: in_force

(a) Town and city councils may, from time to time, make and ordain all ordinances and regulations for their respective towns and cities, not repugnant to law, which they deem necessary for the safety of their inhabitants from fire, firearms, and fireworks; to prevent persons standing on any footwalk, sidewalk, doorstep, or in any doorway, or riding, driving, fastening, or leaving any horse or other animal or any carriage, team, or other vehicle on any footwalk, sidewalk, doorstep, or doorway within the town or city, to the obstruction, hindrance, delay, disturbance, or annoyance of passersby or of persons residing or doing business in this vicinity; to regulate the putting up and maintenance of telegraph and other wires and their appurtenances; to prevent the indecent exposure of any one bathing in any of the waters within their respective towns and cities; against breakers of the Sabbath; against habitual drunkenness; respecting the purchase and sale of merchandise or commodities within their respective towns and cities; to protect burial grounds and the graves in these burial grounds from trespassers; and, generally, all other ordinances, regulations and bylaws for the well ordering, managing, and directing of the prudential affairs and police of their respective towns and cities, not repugnant to the constitution and laws of this state, or of the United States.

(b) Town and city councils shall furnish to their senators and representatives, upon request and at no charge, copies and updates of all ordinances and regulations.

(c) In lieu of newspaper publication, advance notice of proposed adoption, amendment, or repeal of any ordinance or regulation by a municipality may be provided via electronic media on a website maintained by the office of the secretary of state.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-34-3 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-34 / Section 45-34-3
§ 45-34-3. Agreements  How authorized.
Status: in_force

Waste disposal agreements are entered into on behalf of the municipality or municipalities upon a vote of the respective financial town meeting or the legislative body of the municipality as may be empowered to appropriate and expend moneys for matters relating to the public health and safety, and these contracts may be signed by the officials who may now contract for each municipality respecting expenditures for these purposes.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-59-12 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-59 / Section 45-59-12
§ 45-59-12. Governing board.
Status: in_force

(a) The activities of the district management authority will be managed by a board of directors which will consist of nine (9) members.

(b) All of the directors will be owners or tenants of real property (not exempt from taxation by law) located within the management district or residents of the management district, or managers of real property (not exempt from taxation by law) located within the management district except for: (1) the chief elected officer of the municipality or his or her designee, (2) owners of real property located within the management district which is exempt from taxation by law who are voluntarily contributing to the costs of operating the management district.

(c) Two (2) of the directors will be appointed by the chief elected officer of the municipality within which the district management authority is located, one of whom may be the chief elected officer of the municipality or his or her designee and the other will be an owner of real property (not exempt from taxation by law) located within the management district. Seven (7) of the directors will be appointed by the organization which was designated in the petition submitted pursuant to § 45-59-5; four (4) of the seven (7) directors so appointed will be owners of real property (not exempt from taxation by law) located within the management district or owners of real property located within the management district which is exempt from taxation by law who are voluntarily contributing to the costs of operating the management district.

(d) Terms for the directors will be as follows:

(1) The chief elected officer will assign to the persons initially appointed by him or her terms of one and two (2) years so that the terms of the directors so appointed will expire on the last days of the first and second fiscal years respectively.

(2) The business organization designated in the petition filed pursuant to § 45-59-5 will assign to the seven (7) persons initially appointed by it, terms of one year (as to two (2) of them), two (2) years (as to two (2) of them), and three (3) years (as to three (3) of them) so that the terms of the directors so appointed will expire on the last days of the first, second and third fiscal years respectively.

(3) Beginning on the last day of the first fiscal year and on the last day of each succeeding fiscal year, the appointing authorities will appoint directors, to succeed the directors whose terms are then expiring, which successor directors will serve for terms of three (3) years and thereafter until their successors are appointed and will have qualified.

(e) Directors will receive no compensation for the performance of their duties but may be reimbursed for their reasonable expenses in carrying out such duties.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-2-41 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-2 / Section 45-2-41
§ 45-2-41. Residency requirements  Generally.
Status: in_force

Whenever a husband and wife are employed by different cities and towns, both with residency requirements related to their employment, they may elect to reside in the city or town in which either of them is employed.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-29-29 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-29 / Section 45-29-29
§ 45-29-29. Access of city and appraisers to property taken.
Status: in_force

After the filing by the city of the surveys and maps mentioned in § 45-29-16, the city, its agents, and servants, may enter upon the premises included in them, for the purpose of making necessary surveys, examinations, estimates, and calculations, but always with the least possible annoyance to, and disturbance of, the owners and occupants thereof and their normal use and enjoyment of the premises, without in any instance being liable for trespass. Likewise, the appraisers, when appointed, their servants, agents, employees, and other persons as may be designated by the court, may enter upon the premises and examine every part of the premises to the extent required for a complete appraisal of the premises, but always with the least possible annoyance to, and disturbance of, the owners and occupants of the premises and their normal use and enjoyment of the premises, without in any instance being liable for trespass.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-24-48 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-24 / Section 45-24-48
§ 45-24-48. Special provisions  Preapplication conference.
Status: in_force

A zoning ordinance may provide for a preapplication conference for specific types of development proposals. A preapplication conference is intended to allow the designated agency to:

(1) Acquaint the applicant with the comprehensive plan and any specific plans that apply to the parcel, as well as the zoning and other ordinances that affect the proposed development;

(2) Suggest improvements to the proposed design on the basis of a review of the sketch plan;

(3) Advise the applicant to consult appropriate authorities on the character and placement of public utility services; and

(4) Help the applicant to understand the steps to be taken to receive approval.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-29-12 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-29 / Section 45-29-12
§ 45-29-12. Expediting proceedings  Taking of land devoted to other public use  Owner defined.
Status: in_force

In any proceedings for the assessment of compensation and damages for land or interest in it taken or to be taken by eminent domain by an authority, the following provisions are applicable:

(1) At any time during the pendency of an action or proceeding, the authority or an owner may apply to the court for an order directing an owner or the authority, as the case may be, to show cause why further proceedings should not be expedited, and the court may, upon that application, make an order requiring that the hearings proceed and that any other steps be taken with all possible expedition.

(2) If any of the land, or interest in it, included within the project is devoted to a public use, it may nevertheless be acquired, and the taking shall be effective, provided that no land, or interest in it, belonging to the city or to any government shall be acquired without its consent, and that no land or interest in it belonging to a public utility corporation may be acquired without the approval of the division of public utilities or other officer or tribunal having regulatory power over that corporation. Any land, or interest in it, already acquired by the authority may nevertheless be included within the taking for the purpose of acquiring any outstanding interests in the land.

(3) The term owner, as used in this section, includes a person having an estate, interest, or easement in the land to be acquired or a lien, charge, or encumbrance on it.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-3-20 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-3 / Section 45-3-20
§ 45-3-20. Voting on motions.
Status: in_force

The moderator of every town meeting shall, on a motion being made and seconded, relative to any business regularly before the meeting, after having heard all the electors entitled to vote on the motion who desire to be heard, cause the votes of the electors present to be taken on the motion. Whenever any question is pending in any town meeting involving an expenditure of money, or the incurring of liability by the town, or the disposition of town property, the vote shall be taken by ballot, if a ballot is called for and the call is seconded by at least one-fifth ( ) of the electors present who are qualified to vote on the pending question.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-62-4 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-62 / Section 45-62-4
§ 45-62-4. Lien of district fees.
Status: in_force

All fees and charges assessed against any person in any district pursuant to this chapter shall constitute a lien upon that persons real estate in the district for the space of three (3) years after the assessment, and, if the real estate is not alienated, then until the fees are collected.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-23-26 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-23 / Section 45-23-26
§ 45-23-26. Requirement in all municipalities.
Status: in_force

(a) Every municipality in the state shall adopt land development and subdivision review regulations, referred to as local regulations in this chapter, which comply with all the provisions of this chapter.

(b) All municipalities shall establish the standard review procedures for local land development and subdivision review and approval as specified in this chapter. The procedures are intended to provide thorough, orderly, and expeditious processing of development project applications.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-2-12 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-2 / Section 45-2-12
§ 45-2-12. Town of New Shoreham may establish police court.
Status: in_force

(a) The town of New Shoreham, by vote of any regular or special financial town meeting, may establish a police court and confer upon the court original jurisdiction to hear and determine criminal causes involving the violation of any ordinance of the town council of the town; provided, that due notice of the proposition is contained in the call of any meeting voting the proposition; and provided further, that any defendant found guilty of any offense within the jurisdiction of the town by the court may within seven (7) days of conviction file an appeal from the conviction to the superior court and be entitled in the latter court to a trial de novo.

(b) Upon the passage of the vote for the establishment of a police court, the town council of the town of New Shoreham is authorized and empowered to appoint a judge of the court, to enact ordinances governing the procedure to be followed in the court, the appointment of personnel, and the duties and qualifications of personnel, to establish a schedule of fees and costs, and to otherwise provide for the operation and management of the court.

(c) The police court may impose a sentence not to exceed thirty (30) days in jail and impose a fine not in excess of five hundred dollars ($500), or both. The court shall be empowered to administer oaths, compel the attendance of witnesses, and punish persons for contempt.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-13-11.1 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-13 / Section 45-13-11.1
§ 45-13-11.1. Excuse, avoidance or suspension of reimbursement requirements.
Status: in_force

The provisions of §§ 45-13-6  45-13-10 of this chapter may be excused, avoided or suspended only by law enacted by the affirmative vote of three-fifths ( ) of the full membership of each house of the general assembly.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-52-3 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-52 / Section 45-52-3
§ 45-52-3. Voter qualifications and rights.
Status: in_force

Every citizen of the United States of the age of eighteen (18) years who owns real estate located in the district which has the value of at least one hundred thirty four dollars ($134) over and above all encumbrances, or who is a resident of the town of Charlestown, residing in the town and a qualified voter, and resides in the district, has the right to vote at any annual or special meeting of the district, or at any adjournment; provided, that the right to vote is not exercised by any person otherwise qualified to vote if, when a vote is taken at any meeting of the district, his or her taxes have been in arrears for two (2) years prior to the meeting.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-23-64 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-23 / Section 45-23-64
§ 45-23-64. Procedure  Signing and recording of plats and plans.
Status: in_force

(a) All approved final plans and plats for land development and subdivision projects are signed by the appropriate planning board official with the date of approval. Plans and plats for major land developments and subdivisions are signed by the planning board chairperson or the secretary of the planning board attesting to the approval by the planning board. All minor land development or subdivision plans and plats and administrative plats are signed by the planning board chairperson or secretary or the boards designated agent.

(b) Upon signature, all plans and plats are submitted to the administrative officer prior to recording and filing in the appropriate municipal departments. The material to be recorded for all plans and plats include all pertinent plans with notes thereon concerning all the essential aspects of the approved project design, the implementation schedule, special conditions placed on the development by the municipality, permits and agreements with state and federal reviewing agencies, and other information required by the planning board.

(c) Other parts of the applications record for subdivisions and land development projects, including all meeting records, approved master plan and preliminary plans, site analyses, impact analyses, all legal agreements, records of the public hearing and the entire final approval set of drawings are permanently kept by the municipal departments responsible for implementation and enforcement.

(d) The administrative officer shall notify the statewide 911 emergency authority and the local police and fire authorities servicing the new plat with the information required by each of the authorities.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-48-5 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-48 / Section 45-48-5
§ 45-48-5. Exclusive authority for water distribution  Rates  Contracts.
Status: in_force

(a) The district is authorized to obtain and maintain for the district a supply of water for the extinguishing of fire and for distribution to the inhabitants of the district, for domestic use and for other purposes, and may obtain that water by the establishment of its own works, or by contracting for it as provided in subsection (c), or in any other manner that the district may deem necessary and proper, and is not inconsistent with law. The district may also furnish water to inhabitants of the town of Burrillville outside of the boundaries of the district. If the district undertakes to distribute the water so obtained, it shall have the exclusive right to it, and may maintain an action against any person for using the water without the consent of the district, and may regulate the distribution and use of the water within and without the district, and from time to time fix water rates and charges for the water and water facilities furnished by the district, which may be based upon the quantity of water used, or the number and kind of water connections made, or the number and kind of plumbing fixtures installed on the estate, or upon the number or average number of persons residing or working in or otherwise connected with the estate, or upon any other factor affecting the use of or the value or cost of the water and water facilities furnished, or upon any combination of these factors, and the owner of any house, building, tenement, or estate is liable for the payment of the water rates and charges fixed by the district; and the water rate and charges are be a lien upon the house, building, tenement, and estate in the same way and manner as taxes assessed on real estate or liens, and, if not paid as required by the district, shall be collected by the district in the same manner that taxes assessed on real estate are by law collected. Nothing in this section, or any other section of this chapter, shall be construed as giving to the district an exclusive franchise to furnish water outside of the boundaries of the district.

(b) Without limiting the generality of the previous provisions as to water rates and charges, any contract for the sale of water to inhabitants of the town of Burrillville outside of the boundaries of the district may be recorded in the same manner as a deed of land, and, upon the recording, the obligations of the owner of the real property involved are a lien on the property and the lien is enforceable in the same manner as taxes assessed on real estate are by law collected.

(c) The district is authorized to contract, for periods not exceeding forty (40) years, with the state, any other municipal or quasi municipal corporation, or with the owners of any privately owned water system for the purchase or sale of water or for the use of water facilities, and the state, the other municipal or quasi municipal corporations, and the owners of privately owned water systems are authorized to enter into contracts with the district. In the event that the Nasonville district is furnished with water through the extension of an existing water system not within the district, the extension to the Nasonville district shall not cause the existing water system to be deemed a public utility if, prior to the extension, the system had not been a public utility as defined in § 39-1-2(20). Nor shall Nasonville district be deemed a public utility pursuant to that section if it supplies water to homes outside of the district where the groundwater is, or reasonably may be expected to become, contaminated in a manner that would render it unfit for consumption.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-23-71 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-23 / Section 45-23-71
§ 45-23-71. Appeals to the superior court.
Status: in_force

(a) An aggrieved party may appeal a decision of the board of appeal; a decision of an administrative officer made pursuant to § 45-23-38 or § 45-23-50 where authorized to approve or deny an application; a decision of the technical review committee where authorized to approve or deny an application; or a decision of the planning board, to the superior court for the county in which the municipality is situated by filing a complaint stating the reasons for the appeal within twenty (20) days after the decision has been recorded and posted in the office of the city or town clerk. Recommendations by any public body or officer under this chapter are not appealable under this section. The authorized permitting authority shall file the original documents acted upon by it and constituting the record of the case appealed from, or certified copies of the original documents, together with any other facts that may be pertinent, with the clerk of the court within thirty (30) days after being served with a copy of the complaint. When the complaint is filed by someone other than the original applicant or appellant, the original applicant or appellant and the permitting authority shall be made parties to the proceedings. No responsive pleading is required for an appeal filed pursuant to this section. The appeal does not stay proceedings upon the decision appealed from, but the court may, in its discretion, grant a stay on appropriate terms and make any other orders that it deems necessary for an equitable disposition of the appeal.

(b) Appeals from a decision granting or denying approval of a final plan shall be limited to elements of the approval or disapproval not contained in the decision reached by the planning board at the preliminary stage; provided that, a public hearing has been held on the plan, if required pursuant to this chapter.

(c) The review shall be conducted by the superior court without a jury. The court shall consider the record before the board of appeal or permitting authority, as applicable and, if it appears to the court that additional evidence is necessary for the proper disposition of the matter, it may allow any party to the appeal to present evidence in open court, which evidence, along with the report, shall constitute the record upon which the determination of the court shall be made.

(d) The court shall not substitute its judgment for that of the board of appeal or permitting authority as applicable as to the weight of the evidence on questions of fact. The court may affirm the decision of the board of appeal or permitting authority, as applicable or remand the case for further proceedings, or may reverse or modify the decision if substantial rights of the appellant have been prejudiced because of findings, inferences, conclusions, or decisions that are:

(1) In violation of constitutional, statutory, ordinance, or planning board regulations provisions;

(2) In excess of the authority granted to the planning board by statute or ordinance;

(3) Made upon unlawful procedure;

(4) Affected by other error of law;

(5) Clearly erroneous in view of the reliable, probative, and substantial evidence of the whole record; or

(6) Arbitrary or capricious or characterized by abuse of discretion or clearly unwarranted exercise of discretion.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-52-9 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-52 / Section 45-52-9
§ 45-52-9. Collector of taxes.
Status: in_force

(a) The collector of taxes, before he or she proceeds to discharge the duties of his or her office, shall give bond to the district in the sum and with surety as the voters may determine, conditioned for the faithful discharge of the duties of his or her office. The bond shall be deposited with the district clerk.

(b) The collector of taxes shall pay over, and deliver to the district treasurer on the first day of each month, the total taxes collected by him or her during the previous month, and at the same time deliver to the district treasurer a statement containing the names of the persons and the amount of tax paid by each person during the previous month.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-31-13 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-31 / Section 45-31-13
§ 45-31-13. Tenure of agency members.
Status: in_force

The members who are first appointed shall be designated to serve for terms of one, two (2), three (3), four (4), and five (5) years respectively. If a legislative body adopts a resolution increasing the number of agency members from five (5) to seven (7) resident electors as provided for in § 45-31-12, then the two (2) additional members shall be designated to serve for terms of one and two (2) years respectively. Thereafter members shall be appointed for a term of office of five (5) years, except that all vacancies occurring during a term shall be filled for the unexpired term. A member holds office until his or her successor has been appointed and has qualified.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-48-2 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-48 / Section 45-48-2
§ 45-48-2. Electors.
Status: in_force

The inhabitants of the district qualified to vote for town officers are electors of the district and are eligible to vote in all elections of officers of the district.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-32-1 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-32 / Section 45-32-1
§ 45-32-1. Compliance prerequisite to further proceedings.
Status: in_force

A community must comply with the requirements of §§ 45-32-2  45-32-3 before proceeding further under chapters 31  33 of this title.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-21-53 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-21 / Section 45-21-53
§ 45-21-53. Armed service credit.
Status: in_force

(a) Any active municipal employee who served on active duty in the armed service of the United States or in the merchant marine service of the United States as defined in § 2 of chapter 1721 of the public laws, 1946, may purchase credit for that service up to a maximum of four (4) years, provided that he or she received an honorable discharge; provided, further, that any employee on an official leave of absence for illness or injury is eligible to purchase military credits as defined in this section while on that leave of absence.

(b) The cost to purchase these credits is ten percent (10%) of the members first years earnings as a municipal employee, as defined in this chapter, multiplied by the number of years and fraction of years of armed service up to a maximum for four (4) years.

(c) There will be no interest charge; provided, the member makes that purchase during his or her first five (5) years of membership in the retirement system, but will be charged regular interest to date of purchase from date of enrollment into membership, if purchased after completing five (5) years of membership; provided, that any member who was in the retirement system prior to July 1, 1980, would not be charged interest whenever he or she purchases the armed services credit.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-65-9 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-65 / Section 45-65-9
§ 45-65-9. Severability  Indispensable party.
Status: in_force

The holding of any section or sections or parts hereof to be void, ineffective, or unconstitutional for any cause shall not be deemed to affect any other section or part hereof. The state shall be an indispensable party in any action contesting the validity of this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-50-6 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-50 / Section 45-50-6
§ 45-50-6. Tenure of authority members.
Status: in_force

The members who are first appointed shall be designated to serve for terms of one, two (2), three (3), four (4), and five (5) years, respectively. Thereafter, members shall be appointed as aforesaid for a term of office of five (5) years, except that all vacancies occurring during a term shall be filled for the unexpired term. A member shall hold office until his or her successor has been appointed and qualified; provided, however, that the provisions of this section shall not apply to an authority authorized pursuant to § 45-50-3(c), in which case the public law providing for the exercise of the powers of the authority by a body corporate and politic shall apply and be considered definitive.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-25-18.5 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-25 / Section 45-25-18.5
§ 45-25-18.5. Compensation.
Status: in_force

The city or town shall pay compensation for the members of the board which shall be a reasonable per diem allowance for each day that the board is in session. Sums paid the representatives from the housing projects are not counted as income for purposes of determining continuing eligibility for occupancy.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-24-50 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-24 / Section 45-24-50
§ 45-24-50. Adoption  Power of council to adopt  Consistency with comprehensive plan.
Status: in_force

(a) For the purpose of promoting the public health, safety, morals, and general welfare, a city or town council has the power, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, to adopt, amend, or repeal, and to provide for the administration, interpretation, and enforcement of, a zoning ordinance. The provisions of a zoning ordinance are stated in text and map(s), and may incorporate charts or other material.

(b) A zoning ordinance, and all amendments to it, must be consistent with the city or towns comprehensive plan, as described in chapter 22.2 of this title, and provide for the implementation of the city or town comprehensive plan.

(c) A zoning ordinance adopted or amended during the pendency of the approval of a municipalitys comprehensive plan must be consistent with that plan, until the zoning ordinance is brought into full compliance with the Comprehensive Planning Act, § 45-22.2-5(a)(4).

(d) The city or town must bring the zoning ordinance or amendment into conformance with its comprehensive plan as approved by the chief of the division of planning of the department of administration or the superior court in accordance with its implementation schedule as set forth in said plan.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-24-46.4 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-24 / Section 45-24-46.4
§ 45-24-46.4. Special provisions  Unified development review.
Status: in_force

(a) A zoning ordinance shall provide that review and decision on variances and/or special-use permits for properties undergoing review which qualifies for unified development review by the authorized permitting authority, be conducted and decided by the authorized permitting authority. This process is to be known as unified development review.

(b) The local ordinance and regulation shall provide for the application and review process pursuant to § 45-23-50.1.

(c) A zoning ordinance that provides for unified development review shall:

(1) Empower the authorized permitting authority to grant, grant with conditions, or deny zoning relief; and

(2) Provide that any person, group, agency, or corporation that files an application for a project under this section shall also file specific requests for relief from the literal requirements of a zoning ordinance on the subject property, pursuant to § 45-24-41, and/or for the issuance of special-use permits for the subject property, pursuant to § 45-24-42, by including such within the application to the administrative officer with the other required application materials, pursuant to § 45-23-50.1(b).

(d) [Deleted by P.L. 2023, ch. 308, § 2 and P.L. 2023, ch. 309, § 2.]

(e) All land development and subdivision applications that include requests for variances and/or special-use permits submitted pursuant to this section shall require a public hearing that meets the requirements of § 45-23-50.1.

(f) In granting requests for dimensional and use variances, the authorized permitting authority shall be bound to the requirements of § 45-24-41 relative to entering evidence into the record in satisfaction of the applicable standards except that for subdivisions submitted under this section, if an applicant seeks relief from the dimensional requirements as part of its proposed subdivision, the standard in § 45-24-41(d)(2) shall not apply to prohibit the granting of the relief.

(g) In reviewing requests for special-use permits, the authorized permitting authority shall be bound to the conditions and procedures under which a special-use permit may be issued and the criteria for the issuance of such permits, as found within the zoning ordinance pursuant to § 45-24-42, and shall be required to provide for the recording of findings of fact and written decisions as described in the zoning ordinance pursuant to § 45-24-42.

(h) An appeal from any decision made pursuant to this section may be taken pursuant to § 45-23-71.