R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-24-30 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-24 / Section 45-24-30
§ 45-24-30. General purposes of zoning ordinances.
Status: in_force

(a) Zoning regulations shall be developed and maintained in accordance with a comprehensive plan prepared, adopted, and as may be amended, in accordance with chapter 22.2 of this title and shall be designed to address the following purposes. The general assembly recognizes these purposes, each with equal priority and numbered for reference purposes only.

(1) Promoting the public health, safety, and general welfare.

(2) Providing for a range of uses and intensities of use appropriate to the character of the city or town and reflecting current and expected future needs.

(3) Providing for orderly growth and development that recognizes:

(i) The goals and patterns of land use contained in the comprehensive plan of the city or town adopted pursuant to chapter 22.2 of this title;

(ii) The natural characteristics of the land, including its suitability for use based on soil characteristics, topography, and susceptibility to surface or groundwater pollution;

(iii) The values and dynamic nature of coastal and freshwater ponds, the shoreline, and freshwater and coastal wetlands;

(iv) The values of unique or valuable natural resources and features;

(v) The availability and capacity of existing and planned public and/or private services and facilities;

(vi) The need to shape and balance urban and rural development; and

(vii) The use of innovative development regulations and techniques.

(4) Providing for the control, protection, and/or abatement of air, water, groundwater, and noise pollution, and soil erosion and sedimentation.

(5) Providing for the protection of the natural, historic, cultural, and scenic character of the city or town or areas in the municipality.

(6) Providing for the preservation and promotion of agricultural production, forest, silviculture, aquaculture, timber resources, and open space.

(7) Providing for the protection of public investment in transportation, water, stormwater management systems, sewage treatment and disposal, solid waste treatment and disposal, schools, recreation, public facilities, open space, and other public requirements.

(8) Promoting a balance of housing choices, for all income levels and groups, to assure the health, safety, and welfare of all citizens and their rights to affordable, accessible, safe, and sanitary housing.

(9) Providing opportunities for the establishment of low- and moderate-income housing.

(10) Promoting safety from fire, flood, and other natural or unnatural disasters.

(11) Promoting a high level of quality in design in the development of private and public facilities.

(12) Promoting implementation of the comprehensive plan of the city or town adopted pursuant to chapter 22.2 of this title.

(13) Providing for coordination of land uses with contiguous municipalities, other municipalities, the state, and other agencies, as appropriate, especially with regard to resources and facilities that extend beyond municipal boundaries or have a direct impact on that municipality.

(14) Providing for efficient review of development proposals, to clarify and expedite the zoning approval process.

(15) Providing for procedures for the administration of the zoning ordinance, including, but not limited to, variances, special-use permits, and, where adopted, procedures for modifications.

(16) Providing opportunities for reasonable accommodations in order to comply with the Rhode Island Fair Housing Practices Act, chapter 37 of title 34; the United States Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 (FHAA); the Rhode Island Civil Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, chapter 87 of title 42; and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), 42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq.

Provided, however, that any zoning ordinance in which a community sets forth standards or requirements for the location, design, construction, or maintenance of on-site wastewater treatment systems shall first be submitted to the director of the department of environmental management for approval as to the technical merits of the ordinance. In addition, any zoning ordinance in which a municipality sets forth standards regarding wetland requirements, shall first be submitted to the director of the department of environmental management for approval as to the technical merits of the ordinance.

(b) Upon the effective date of this section, a city or town shall no longer be authorized to adopt as a provision of its zoning ordinance new requirements that specify buffers or setbacks in relation to freshwater wetland, freshwater wetland in the vicinity of the coast, or coastal wetland or that specify setback distances between an onsite wastewater treatment system and a freshwater wetlands, freshwater wetland in the vicinity of the coast, or coastal wetland.

(c) Cities and towns shall be prohibited from applying the requirements in existing zoning ordinances pertaining to both wetland buffers and onsite wastewater treatment system setbacks to development, redevelopment, construction, or rehabilitation applications submitted to a municipality. Nothing herein shall rescind the authority of a city or town to enforce other local zoning requirements.

(d) Cities and towns shall act to amend their ordinances and regulations to conform to this section within twelve (12) months of the effective date of state regulations referenced herein.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-44-6 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-44 / Section 45-44-6
§ 45-44-6. Fee simple conveyance.
Status: in_force

If and when the conditions of § 45-44-4 are fulfilled, as determined and certified by the city or town and the homestead board, which shall be created to administer this chapter, the city or town shall execute all documents necessary to convey a fee simple title to the assigned parcel to the qualifying applicant.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-58-1 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-58 / Section 45-58-1
§ 45-58-1. Short title.
Status: in_force

This act shall be known and may be cited as the Pascoag Utility District Act of 2001.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-57-2 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-57 / Section 45-57-2
§ 45-57-2. Elections.
Status: in_force

(a) Every owner listed on recorded deeds of any lot or lots of record within the district is an elector of the district and is eligible to vote in the election of officers of the district and in the ballots for all propositions brought before any annual or special meeting.

(b) In the event that the owner of record of any lot or lots is a corporation, partnership, trust or other non-natural person or entity, then the entity shall be deemed an elector and shall be entitled to cast one vote on any matter to come before the electors.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-5-14 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-5 / Section 45-5-14
§ 45-5-14. Subpoena of witnesses.
Status: in_force

Every town council, city council, school committee, or any committee of any of these bodies, may, by their presiding officers, issue subpoenas to witnesses to testify in any manner pending before them, may administer oaths to these witnesses, may compel their attendance, and may punish them for nonattendance by a fine not exceeding twenty dollars ($20.00).
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-25-18.10 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-25 / Section 45-25-18.10
§ 45-25-18.10. Housing for people who are elderly  Disabled veterans.
Status: in_force

Every person, regardless of sex, who was disabled while serving in the military or naval service of the United States in the Spanish American war, the insurrection in the Philippines, the China relief expedition, World War I, World War II, or in any conflict or war, whether declared or undeclared, and who was honorably discharged, or who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, or who, if not discharged, served honorably, may, if that person meets all other qualifications in his or her application for placement in a public housing for people who are elderly project, be the first to be provided any available accommodations in the project regardless of any other prior applications.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-21-32 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-21 / Section 45-21-32
§ 45-21-32. Retirement system established as corporation  Management.
Status: in_force

A retirement system is hereby established and placed under the management of the retirement board created by chapter 8 of title 36, for the purpose of providing retirement allowances for employees of participating municipalities of the state of Rhode Island under the provisions of this chapter and benefits to the survivors of those employees. It has the powers and privileges of a corporation, and is known as the municipal employees retirement system of the state of Rhode Island, and by that name all of its business shall be transacted, all of its funds invested, and all of its cash and securities and other property held. The administration of the retirement system established by this chapter is entrusted to the retirement board, which has power to make reasonable rules and regulations for carrying out the provisions of this chapter including the time at, and manner in which, the participating municipalities make the several payments required by this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-21-1 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-21 / Section 45-21-1
§ 45-21-1. Purpose of chapter.
Status: in_force

It is the express intention of the legislature by the passage of this chapter to provide an actuarially financed retirement system for municipal employees, properly integrated with the federal Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 301 et seq., to the end that adequate benefits may be established for the employees of any municipality who become superannuated or otherwise incapacitated while in service, and whereby the employees may be assisted in accumulating reserves for themselves and their dependents to satisfactorily meet the conditions incident to old age, death, disability, and termination of the employees, in the interest of maintaining and promoting efficiency and economy in the administration of government.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-14-2 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-14 / Section 45-14-2
§ 45-14-2. Adoption of implementing provisions.
Status: in_force

Each city and town may by ordinance define the person or persons, firm, corporation, partnership, individual, assignee, trustee, or other person upon whom a charge is assessed, and may adopt any other ordinances, rules, or regulations that may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter, and may impose a penalty or penalties for any violation of the ordinance, rule, or regulation.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-3-8 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-3 / Section 45-3-8
§ 45-3-8. Clerks warrant giving notice.
Status: in_force

The notice to the electors to meet in a town meeting, prescribed by law, shall be given by the town clerk issuing his or her warrant, directed to the town sergeant or one of the town constables of the town, or in the event that the town sergeant or a town constable is not available, to any elector of that town designated by the town or city clerk, requiring him or her to post, at least seven (7) days before the day appointed for the meeting, written notifications in three (3) or more public places in the town, of the time when and place where the meeting is to be held and of the business required by law to be transacted.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-12-1 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-12 / Section 45-12-1
§ 45-12-1. Payment of indebtedness.
Status: in_force

(a) The outstanding notes, bonds, and contracts of cities and towns shall be paid and fulfilled according to their tenor, and all public works now authorized to be prosecuted shall be prosecuted, and all indebtedness now authorized to be incurred on account thereof may be incurred, according to the tenor of the authority therefor. The power and obligation of each city and town to pay its general obligation bonds and notes, whether or not issued pursuant to this chapter, shall be unlimited, and each city and town shall levy ad valorem taxes upon all the taxable property within the city or town for the payment of the general obligation bonds or notes and interest on these bonds or notes, without limitation of rate or amount, except as otherwise provided by or pursuant to law. The faith and credit ad valorem taxes, and general fund revenues of each city, town and district shall be pledged for the payment of the principal of, premium and the interest on, all general obligation bonds and notes of the city or town whether or not the pledge is stated in the bonds or notes, or in the proceedings authorizing their issue and shall constitute a first lien on such ad valorem taxes and general fund revenues. Each city, town and district shall annually appropriate a sum sufficient to pay the principal, premium and interest coming due within the year on all its general obligation bonds and notes to the extent that moneys for the general obligation bonds and notes are not otherwise provided. If that sum is not appropriated, it shall nevertheless be added to the annual tax levy. Annual appropriations for payment of financing leases and obligations securing bonds, notes or certificates (other financing obligations), shall also have a first lien on ad valorem taxes and general fund revenues commencing on the date of each annual appropriation. Amounts appropriated or added to the tax levy to pay principal of, premium and interest on, general obligation bonds or notes and payments of other financing obligations shall be applied to the payment of such obligations. Any municipal or district employee or official who intentionally violates the provisions of this section shall be personally liable to the city, town or district for any amounts not expended in accordance with such appropriations. The superior court shall have jurisdiction to adjudicate claims brought by any city, town or district hereunder and to order such relief as the court may find appropriate to prevent further violations of this section. Any municipal or district employee or official who violates the provisions of this section shall be subject to removal.

(b) Notwithstanding any provision of any other law, including the uniform commercial code, title 6A of the Rhode Island general laws:

(1) The pledge of ad valorem taxes and general fund revenues to the payment of the principal, premium and interest on general obligation bonds and notes and payment of other financing obligations, whether or not issued pursuant to this chapter, is valid and binding, and deemed continuously perfected from the time the bonds or notes or other financing obligations are issued;

(2) No filing need be made under the uniform commercial code or otherwise to perfect the first lien on ad valorem taxes or general fund revenues;

(3) The pledge of ad valorem taxes and general fund revenues is subject to the lien of the pledge without delivery or segregation, and the first lien on ad valorem taxes and general fund revenues is valid and binding against all parties having claims of contract or tort or otherwise against the city or town, whether or not the parties have notice thereof.

(4) The pledge shall be a statutory lien effective by operation of law and shall apply to all general obligation bonds and notes and other financing obligations of cities, towns and districts heretofore or hereafter issued and shall not require a security agreement to be effective. Such pledge shall not constitute a security agreement under Rhode Island law.

(c) The pledge of ad valorem taxes and general fund revenues to the payment of principal, premium and interest on general obligation bonds and notes, under this section constitutes a sufficient appropriation for the purposes of any provision for appropriation, and the ad valorem taxes and general fund revenues may be applied as required by the pledge without further appropriation; provided, however, that this subsection (c) shall not apply to other financing obligations which are subject to annual appropriation.

(d) As used in this section, the following words shall have the following meanings:

(1) Ad valorem taxes shall mean all ad valorem taxes levied by cities, towns and districts on property, including motor vehicle excise taxes, except for project revenues as defined in § 45-33.2-3.

(2) Pledge shall mean a first lien on, and a grant of a security interest in, ad valorem taxes and general fund revenues.

(3) General fund revenues shall mean all taxes, fees, assessments, charges, receipts and other monies (including unrestricted fund balance) derived from any source, to the extent that such monies are deposited or required to be deposited to the general fund of the city, town, or district, and all accounts and rights to receive the ad valorem taxes and general fund revenues and the proceeds thereof.

(e) If any provision of this section or the application thereof shall for any reason be judged invalid, that judgment shall not affect, impair or invalidate the remainder of the law, but shall be confined in its effect to the provisions or application directly involved in the controversy giving rise to the judgment.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-67-12 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-67 / Section 45-67-12
§ 45-67-12. State not liable.
Status: in_force

Neither the state nor the town of New Shoreham is liable for the payment of the principal of or interest on any bonds or notes of the utility district, or for the performance of any pledge, mortgage, obligation, or agreement of any kind whatsoever that may be undertaken by the utility district, and none of the bonds or notes of the utility district, nor any of its agreements or obligations, are construed to constitute an indebtedness of the state or the town of New Shoreham within the meaning of any constitutional or statutory provision whatsoever, nor shall the issuance of bonds or notes, under the provisions of this chapter, directly or indirectly or contingently, obligate the state or any municipality of the state to levy or to pledge any form of taxation for them or to make any appropriation for their payment. All of the revenue bonds or notes shall contain on their face a statement to the effect that neither the state nor the town of New Shoreham are obligated to pay the revenue bonds or notes, or their interest, except from revenues of the project or projects for which they are issued, and that neither the faith and credit, nor the taxing power of the state or of any municipality of the state, is pledged to the payment of the principal of or the interest on those bonds or notes.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-68-1 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-68 / Section 45-68-1
§ 45-68-1. Legislative purpose.
Status: in_force

The purpose of this chapter is to provide a predictable and universal process for obtaining a single permit that encompasses both building and electric permits for solar photovoltaic systems with municipalities.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-13-12 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-13 / Section 45-13-12
§ 45-13-12. Distressed communities relief fund.
Status: in_force

(a) There is established a fund to provide state assistance to those Rhode Island cities and towns that have the highest property tax burdens relative to the wealth of taxpayers.

(b) Establishment of indices. Four (4) indices of distress shall be established to determine eligibility for the program. Each community shall be ranked by each distress index and any community that falls into the lowest twenty percent (20%) of at least three (3) of the four (4) indices shall be eligible to receive assistance. The four (4) indices are established as follows:

(1) Percent of tax levy to full value of property. This shall be computed by dividing the tax levy of each municipality by the full value of property for each municipality. For the 1990-91 fiscal year, tax levy and full value shall be as of the assessment date December 31, 1986.

(2) Per capita income. This shall be the most recent estimate reported by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census.

(3) Percent of personal income to full value of property. This shall be computed by multiplying the per capita income above by the most recent population estimate as reported by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, and dividing the result by the full value of property.

(4) Per capita full value of property. This shall be the full value of property divided by the most recent estimate of population by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census.

(c) Distribution of funds. Funds shall be distributed to each eligible community on the basis of the communitys tax levy relative to the total tax levy of all eligible communities. For the fiscal year 1990-91, the reference year for the tax levy shall be the assessment date of December 31, 1988. For each fiscal year thereafter, except for fiscal year 2007-2008, the reference year and the fiscal year shall bear the same relationship. For the fiscal year 2007-2008, the reference year shall be the same as for the distributions made in fiscal year 2006-2007.

Any newly qualifying community shall be paid fifty percent (50%) of current law requirements the first year it qualifies. The remaining fifty percent (50%) shall be distributed to the other distressed communities proportionately. When any community falls out of the distressed community program, it shall receive a one-time payment of fifty percent (50%) of the prior year requirement exclusive of any reduction for first-year qualification; however, in the event that the total appropriation is increased from the prior years appropriation, each eligible community shall receive: (1) A distribution based on the communitys tax levy relative to the total tax levy of all eligible communities; and (2) A percentage of the amount of said increased appropriation which percentage shall be calculated based on a communitys distribution relative to the total increase in the appropriation. The community shall be considered a distressed community in the fall-out year.

(d) Appropriation of funds. The state of Rhode Island shall appropriate funds in the annual appropriations act to support this program. For each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2011, June 30, 2012, and June 30, 2013, seven hundred eighty-four thousand four hundred fifty-eight dollars ($784,458) of the total appropriation shall be distributed equally to each qualifying distressed community.

(e) Payments. Payments shall be made to eligible communities each August.

(f) Mandatory participation for collection of debts. Any community determined to be a distressed community under this chapter shall, within three (3) months of said determination, contract with the tax administrator, in accordance with §42-142-7, to allow the tax administrator to collect outstanding liabilities owed to the distressed community. The division of municipal finance shall determine which of said liabilities shall be subject to the collection by the tax administrator.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-31-18 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-31 / Section 45-31-18
§ 45-31-18. Resident attorneys.
Status: in_force

Each agency shall appoint, in writing, some competent person or persons resident in this state as its resident attorney or attorneys with authority to accept service of process against that agency in this state, and upon any of whom all process against the agency in this state may be served. The power of attorney shall be filed in the office of the secretary of state and state the name and address of the resident attorney. If the resident attorney dies, resigns, or moves from the state, the agency shall immediately make a new appointment as prescribed and immediately file the power of attorney in the office of the secretary of state. No power of attorney shall be revoked until after a like power has been given to some other competent attorney resident in this state and filed as prescribed. Service of process upon the resident attorney is deemed sufficient service upon the agency.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-9-7 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-9 / Section 45-9-7
§ 45-9-7. Appointment of receiver.
Status: in_force

(a) If the budget commission established by § 45-9-5 concludes that its powers are insufficient to restore fiscal stability to the city, town, or fire district, it shall so notify the director of revenue and shall forward to the director of revenue a statement of the reasons why it has been unable to restore fiscal stability to the city, town, or fire district. Upon receipt of such statement, the director of revenue shall terminate the existence of the budget commission, notwithstanding § 45-9-5, and the director of revenue shall appoint a receiver for the city, town, or fire district for a period as the director of revenue may determine. The director of revenue may, at any time, and without cause, remove the receiver and appoint a successor, or terminate the receivership.

(b) The receiver shall have the following powers:

(1) All powers of the fiscal overseer and budget commission under §§ 45-9-2 and 45-9-6. Such powers shall remain through the period of any receivership;

(2) The power to exercise any function or power of any municipal or fire district officer or employee, board, authority or commission, whether elected or otherwise relating to or impacting the fiscal stability of the city, town, or fire district including, without limitation, school and zoning matters; and

(3) The power to file a petition in the name of the city, town, or fire district under Chapter 9 of Title 11 of the United States Code, and to act on the citys, towns, or fire districts behalf in any such proceeding.

(c) Upon the appointment of a receiver, the receiver shall have the right to exercise the powers of the elected officials under the general laws, special laws and the city, town, or fire district charter and ordinances and rules and regulations relating to or impacting the fiscal stability of the city, town, or fire district including, without limitation, school and zoning matters; provided, further, that the powers of the receiver shall be superior to and supersede the powers of the elected officials of the city, town, or fire district shall continue to be elected in accordance with the city or town or fire district charter, and shall serve in an advisory capacity to the receiver. The receiver shall allow the citys, towns, or fire districts elected officials to serve their constituents by providing advice to the receiver on the matters relating to the operation of the city, town, or fire district. In the event a conflict arises between the chief elected official or city or town council or fire district governing body and the receiver, the receivers decision shall prevail. The director of revenue shall determine the salary of the receiver, which salary shall be payable by the city, town, or fire district.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-24-56 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-24 / Section 45-24-56
§ 45-24-56. Administration  Zoning board of review  Establishment and procedures.
Status: in_force

(a) Unless the zoning ordinance provides for a combined review board pursuant to §§ 45-24-56.1 and 45-22-1, a zoning ordinance adopted pursuant to this chapter shall provide for the creation of a zoning board of review and for the appointment of members, including alternate members, and for the organization of the board, as specified in the zoning ordinance, or, in cities and towns with home rule or legislative charters, as provided in the charter. A zoning ordinance may provide for remuneration to the zoning board of review members and for reimbursement for expenses incurred in the performance of official duties. A zoning board of review may engage legal, technical, or clerical assistance to aid in the discharge of its duties. The board shall establish written rules of procedure; a mailing address to which appeals and correspondence to the zoning board of review are sent; and an office where records and decisions are filed.

(b) The zoning board of review shall consist of five (5) members. A zoning ordinance shall provide for the length of term of each member, but shall not exceed five (5) years. The zoning board of review shall also include at least two (2) or up to four (4) alternates to be designated as each respective alternate, their terms to be set by the ordinance, but not to exceed five (5) years. These alternate members shall sit and may actively participate in hearings. The first alternate shall vote if a member of the board is unable to serve at a hearing; the second shall vote if two (2) members of the board are unable to serve at a hearing; if there is a third alternate, such alternate shall vote if three (3) members of the board are unable to serve at a hearing; and if there is a fourth alternate, such alternate shall vote if four (4) members of the board are unable to serve at a hearing. In the absence of an alternate member or members, the next numbered alternate member or members shall serve in the position of that alternate or alternates. A minimum of four (4) members, which may include alternates, shall form a duly constituted quorum. No member or alternate may vote on any matter before the board unless they have attended all hearings concerning that matter. Where not provided for in the city or town charter, the zoning ordinance shall specify procedures for filling vacancies in unexpired terms of zoning board members, and for removal of members for due cause.

(c) [Deleted by P.L. 2024, ch. 288, § 2 and P.L. 2024, ch. 289, § 2.]

(d) Members of zoning boards of review serving on the effective date of adoption of a zoning ordinance under this chapter are exempt from the provisions of this chapter respecting terms of originally appointed members until the expiration of their current terms.

(e) The chairperson, or in his or her absence, the acting chairperson, may administer oaths and compel the attendance of witnesses by the issuance of subpoenas.

(f)  ( l ) [Deleted by P.L. 2024, ch. 288, § 2 and P.L. 2024, ch. 289, § 2.]
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-50-21 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-50 / Section 45-50-21
§ 45-50-21. Negotiable instruments.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any of the preceding provisions of this chapter or any recitals in any bonds issued under the provisions of this chapter, all bonds are deemed to be negotiable instruments under the laws of this state.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-24-57 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-24 / Section 45-24-57
§ 45-24-57. Administration  Powers and duties of zoning board of review.
Status: in_force

A zoning ordinance adopted pursuant to this chapter shall provide that the zoning board of review shall:

(1) Have the following powers and duties:

(i) To hear and decide appeals within sixty-five (65) days of the date of the filing of the appeal where it is alleged there is an error in any order, requirement, decision, or determination made by an administrative officer or agency in the enforcement or interpretation of this chapter, or of any ordinance adopted pursuant hereto;

(ii) To hear and decide appeals from a party aggrieved by a decision of an historic district commission, pursuant to §§ 45-24.1-7.1 and 45-24.1-7.2;

(iii) To hear and decide appeals where the zoning board of review is appointed as the board of appeals for airport zoning regulations, pursuant to § 1-3-19;

(iv) To authorize, upon application, in specific cases of hardship, variances in the application of the terms of the zoning ordinance, pursuant to § 45-24-41;

(v) To authorize, upon application, in specific cases, special-use permits, pursuant to § 45-24-42, where the zoning board of review is designated as a permit authority for special-use permits;

(vi) To refer matters to the planning board or commission, or to other boards or agencies of the city or town as the zoning board of review may deem appropriate, for findings and recommendations;

(vii) To provide for the issuance of conditional zoning approvals where a proposed application would otherwise be approved except that one or more state or federal agency approvals that are necessary are pending. A conditional zoning approval shall be revoked in the instance where any necessary state or federal agency approvals are not received within a specified time period; and

(viii) To hear and decide other matters, according to the terms of the ordinance or other statutes, and upon which the board may be authorized to pass under the ordinance or other statutes; and

(2) Be required to vote as follows:

(i) Four (4) active members, which may include alternates, are necessary to conduct a hearing. As soon as a conflict occurs for a member, that member shall recuse himself or herself, shall not sit as an active member, and shall take no part in the conduct of the hearing. A maximum of five (5) active members, which may include alternates, are entitled to vote on any issue;

(ii) The concurring vote of a majority of members of the zoning board of review sitting at a hearing is necessary to reverse any order, requirement, decision, or determination of any zoning administrative officer from whom an appeal was taken; and

(iii) The concurring vote of a majority of members of the zoning board of review sitting at a hearing is required to decide in favor of an applicant on any matter within the discretion of the board upon which it is required to pass under the ordinance, including variances and special-use permits.

(3) All members, including alternate members, of any zoning board shall be required to participate in continuing education courses promulgated pursuant to chapter 70 of this title entitled Continuing education for local planning and zoning boards and historic district commissions.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-15-13 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-15 / Section 45-15-13
§ 45-15-13. Liability for damage by riotous assemblies.
Status: in_force

Whenever any property of the value of fifty dollars ($50.00) or more is destroyed or injured to that amount by any persons to the number of six (6) or more unlawfully, routously, riotously, or tumultuously assembled, the town or city within which the property was situated is liable to indemnify the owner of the property to the amount of three-fourths (Â¾) of the value of the property so destroyed or three-fourths (Â¾) of the amount of the injury to the property, to be recovered in a civil action in any court proper to try a civil action; provided, that the owner of the property uses all reasonable diligence to prevent its destruction or injury by unlawful assembly and to procure the conviction of the offenders.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-46-4 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-46 / Section 45-46-4
§ 45-46-4. Provisions of local ordinances  Model ordinances.
Status: in_force

(a) A city or town adopting an erosion and sediment control ordinance under this chapter shall incorporate, in the ordinance, the provisions contained in the model ordinance in § 45-46-5, and, may further specify performance and other standards and adopt additional definitions that are not inconsistent with this chapter; provided, that the ordinance provides reasonable and prudent provisions for addressing soil and sediment control measures for existing uses and facilities, other than those exempt under this chapter, including a reasonable time table for the submission of plans and documentation.

(b) The ordinance shall require that applications for plan approval under an erosion and sediment control ordinance shall be made to the building official, and that approval is issued through the building official. Councils may, however, in adopting an erosion and sediment control ordinance authorize the building official to designate all duties and responsibilities required under the model ordinance, provided in § 45-46-5, to appropriate officials and agencies in the context of the local governments structure and in a manner consistent with applicable charter provision and public law. The building official and/or his or her designee reviewing soil erosion and sediment control plans shall have the following qualifications:

(1) Be a registered engineer, surveyor, or landscape architect, or a soil and water conservation society certified erosion and sediment control specialist, or

(2) Have attended a soil erosion and sediment control training session sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service and conservation districts.

(c) The building official and his or her designee shall be granted the necessary authority to administer the model ordinance, including entry onto private property when necessary for periodic inspections to ensure compliance with provisions of the approved soil erosion and sediment control plan.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-6-12 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-6 / Section 45-6-12
§ 45-6-12. Liability for illegal dumping.
Status: in_force

Cities and towns may, by ordinance, define as in violation of illegal dumping ordinances those people whose vehicles, either owned or leased, are used to carry materials to a place at which they are illegally dumped. Owners of title of leased vehicles and owners of vehicles that are reported stolen prior to being used for illegal dumping shall be excluded from these ordinances.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-56-8 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-56 / Section 45-56-8
§ 45-56-8. Provisions of ordinance creating downtown center special services district.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any provision of any municipal charter or of any general law, public law or special act to the contrary, an ordinance establishing a downtown center special services district may provide:

(1) That the municipality in which the district is located is excused from providing within the district, or within some or all of the subdistricts, if any, within the district, some or all of the services which the district is authorized to provide pursuant to § 45-56-2(6); provided, that the ordinance shall also provide that it is the obligation of the district to provide the services as to which the municipality has been excused:

(2) That the municipality within which the district is located may enter into a contract with the district in which the city or town is excused from providing within the district, or within some or all of the subdistricts, if any, within the district, some or all of the services which the district is authorized to provide pursuant to § 45-56-2(6) and in which the district agrees to provide all the services as to which the municipality has been excused;

(3) That, if the ordinance contains a provision excusing the municipality from the performance of any services pursuant to subdivision (1), the municipality shall make an annual grant to the district, in a fixed amount or based upon a formula stated in the ordinance, for the purpose of compensating the district for the services from which the municipality is excused and for which the district is to become responsible;

(4) That, if the ordinance contains a provision authorizing the municipality and the district to enter into a contract pursuant to subdivision (2) excusing the municipality from the performance of certain services and obligating the district to provide the services, the municipality may also agree, in the contract, to make an annual grant to the district, in a fixed amount or based upon a formula stated in the contract, for the purpose of compensating the district for the services from which the municipality is excused and for which the district is to become responsible;

(5) That, as to any services which the municipality is excused from performing, whether by the terms of the ordinance itself or by the terms of a contract entered into pursuant to authority granted in the ordinance, the municipality and the district may enter into a contract or contracts having a fixed term of extending for the life of the district in which the district is given the right to elect to purchase, at intervals stated in the contract and for periods of time stated in contract, from the municipality, some or all of services either at prices fixed in the contract or at prices to be determined in accordance with a formula stated in the contract, or at prices determined by a combination of these methods;

(6) That all or certain of the interests in real property held by the district are not subject to the municipal property tax;

(7) That all or certain of the personal property owned by the district is not subject to the municipal property tax; and

(8) That interests in real property held by the district, and personal property owned by the district, are subject to the municipal property tax but that the tax may be abated prospectively by the legislative body of the municipality.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-57-11 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-57 / Section 45-57-11
§ 45-57-11. Implementation of the road district.
Status: in_force

The Winnisimet Farm Road District shall be duly instituted when the majority vote of the electors, as certified by the board of canvassers, together with a copy of this act, are recorded in land evidence records of the town of Tiverton.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-5-18 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-5 / Section 45-5-18
§ 45-5-18. Special charters controlling.
Status: in_force

The provisions of the sections of this chapter and chapter 6 of this title are subject to the provisions of any special charters respecting any particular town or city.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-20-2 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-20 / Section 45-20-2
§ 45-20-2. Papers returned by department  Contents of writ  Decision.
Status: in_force

(a) The department, board, or bureau are not required to return the original papers acted upon by it, but it is sufficient to return verified or sworn copies of the papers or of the portions called for by the writ.

(b) The writs shall concisely state any other facts that may be pertinent and material to show the grounds of the decision and shall be verified.

(c) The court must either refuse or affirm wholly the decision brought up for review.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-23-29 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-23 / Section 45-23-29
§ 45-23-29. Legislative findings and intent.
Status: repealed

(a) The general assembly recognizes and affirms in §§ 45-23-25  45-23-74 that the findings and goals stated in §§ 45-22.2-3 et seq. and 45-24-27 et seq., known as the Rhode Island Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Regulation Act and the Rhode Island Zoning Enabling Act of 1991, respectively, present findings and goals with which local regulations must be consistent.

(b) The general assembly further finds that:

(1) The subdivision enabling statutes contained in §§ 45-23-1 through 45-23-24, hereby repealed as of December 31, 1995, have been enacted in a series of separate actions over many years and do not provide for all the elements presently necessary for proper municipal review and approval of land development and subdivision projects;

(2) The character of land development and subdivision, and the related public and private services, have changed substantially in recent years;

(3) The responsibilities of the local governments in regulating land development and subdivision have changed, increased in complexity, and expanded to include additional areas of concern;

(4) State and federal laws increasingly require the interaction of local land development regulatory authorities with those of the federal and state agencies and adjacent municipalities;

(5) Not all instances of land development or subdivision are sufficiently reviewed prior to recording or construction, resulting in unwarranted environmental impacts, financial impacts on private individuals and communities, and inappropriate design;

(6) At present the cities and town throughout the state each establish their own procedures for review, approval, recording, and enforcement of land development and subdivision projects;

(7) It is necessary to provide for review and approval of land development projects within the subdivision review and approval procedures, as specified in the Rhode Island Zoning Enabling Act of 1991 (§ 45-24-27 et seq.); and

(8) It is necessary to require that the regulations and standards for all land development projects and subdivisions be sufficiently definite to provide clear direction for development design and construction and to satisfy the requirements for due process for all applicants for development approval.

(c) Therefore, it is the intent of the general assembly:

(1) That the land development and subdivision enabling authority contained in this chapter provide all cities and towns with the ability to adequately address the present and future needs of the communities;

(2) That the land development and subdivision enabling authority contained in this chapter require each city and town to develop land development and subdivision regulations in accordance with the community comprehensive plan, capital improvement plan, and zoning ordinance and to ensure the consistency of all local development regulations;

(3) That certain local procedures for review and approval of land development and subdivision are the same in every city and town;

(4) That the local procedure for integrating the approvals of state regulatory agencies into the local review and approval process for land development and subdivision is the same in every city and town; and

(5) That all proposed land developments and subdivisions are reviewed by local officials, following a standard process, prior to recording in local land evidence records.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-30-2 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-30 / Section 45-30-2
§ 45-30-2. Definitions.
Status: in_force

The following terms, wherever used or referred to in this chapter, have the following respective meanings, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:

(1) Administration means any and all undertakings necessary for management, operation, or maintenance, in connection with any project, and includes the leasing of any project (in whole or in part) from the federal government.

(2) Development means any and all undertakings necessary for the planning, land acquisition, demolition, financing,

construction, or equipment in connection with a project (including the negotiation or award of contracts), and includes the acquisition of any project (in whole or in part) from the federal government.

(3) Federal government means the United States of America or any agency or instrumentality, corporate or otherwise, of the United States of America.

(4) Housing authority means any housing authority created or established or hereafter created or established under the provisions of the Housing Authorities Law, chapters 25  27 of this title, or under the provisions of §§45-30-7  45-30-9.

(5) The development of a project is deemed to be initiated if a housing authority has issued any bonds, notes, or other obligations with respect to financing the development of that project of the housing authority, or has contracted with the federal government with respect to the exercise of powers under this chapter in the development of that project of the federal government.

(6) National defense period means the period, as determined by a housing authority (which determination is conclusive in any suit, action, or proceeding), during which there exists or impends in the locality an acute shortage of safe and sanitary dwellings for persons engaged in national defense activities.

(7) Persons engaged in national defense activities include: persons in the military service of the United States; employees of the Department of Defense; and workers engaged or to be engaged in activities connected with and essential to national defense; and the families of those persons who are living with them.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-21-64 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-21 / Section 45-21-64
§ 45-21-64. Purchase of service credits payable by installment.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter or of any other public or general law to the contrary, the retirement board shall permit individuals who purchase service credit to do so in installments. The retirement board shall create, by rule and regulation, provisions allowing that individuals purchasing service credit may do so on an installment plan by payroll deduction not to exceed five (5) years, provided that all purchases must be made prior to retirement. The retirement board shall charge interest at the actuarial assumed rate of return adopted by the board for purchases made on an installment plan.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-2-3 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-2 / Section 45-2-3
§ 45-2-3. Power to appropriate money.
Status: in_force

Towns or cities may, at any legal meeting, grant and vote sums of money that they judge necessary:

(1) For the purchase of sites for, and for the erection and repair of, town and city houses and other public buildings;

(2) For the support of schools, and purchase of sites for and the building and repair of schoolhouses; and for the establishing and maintaining of school libraries;

(3) For the use of hospitals, to be expended and paid under limitations and conditions prescribed from time to time by the town or city council;

(4) For the support and maintenance of the poor, and the purchase, erection, and repair of proper buildings for the accommodation of the poor, as well as for the purchase of proper sites for these buildings, and, if they judge expedient, of farms or farm lands, for the employment and support of paupers and others chargeable to them;

(5) For the purchase of proper sites for, houses of correction and reform schools for juvenile offenders, and the purchase, erection, and repair of proper buildings, fixtures, and apparatus for these sites, and the purchase of lands for the employment and support of the inmates of these sites;

(6) For the laying out, making, repairing, and amending of highways;

(7) For the building, repairing, and amending of bridges;

(8) For the improvement, in any manner they may deem fit, of any property belonging to the town or city;

(9) For all necessary charges and expenses arising within the town or city, whether incidental or not to the items enumerated within this section; and

(10) For the allocation of donated monies to specific purpose or purposes as designated by a donor.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-21-34 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-21 / Section 45-21-34
§ 45-21-34. Annual report and statement.
Status: in_force

The retirement board shall submit to the governor for transmittal to the general assembly, on or before the first day of December in each year, an annual report showing the financial transactions of the system for the fiscal year next preceding that date. The report shall contain among other things, a financial balance sheet as of the end of that year, a statement of income and expenditures, a valuation balance sheet as prepared by the actuary, a detailed statement of investments acquired and disposed of during the year, and any other statistical data that are deemed necessary for a proper interpretation of the condition of the system and the results of its operations. The report shall also embody any other data that may be of use in the advancement of knowledge concerning employee pensions of the participating municipalities, and any recommendations of the board for changes in the laws pertaining to the system.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-58-10 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-58 / Section 45-58-10
§ 45-58-10. Succession of utility district to certain obligations of Pascoag fire district.
Status: in_force

Upon April 4, 2001, the utility district shall:

(1) Succeed to and become subject to the utility bond obligations heretofore imposed by any security interest or trust instrument upon the Pascoag fire district; and

(2) Succeed to the precise position of Pascoag fire district, without any waiver or augmentation of that position whatsoever, as to each wholesale power purchase or power sales agreement heretofore entered into by the fire district, that position to include such rights, claims or defenses as Pascoag fire district may have had prior to April 4, 2001 with respect to any obligation of any such contract.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-8-1 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-8 / Section 45-8-1
§ 45-8-1. Bond of treasurer.
Status: in_force

Every town treasurer, before he or she proceeds to discharge the duties of the treasurers office, shall give bond to the town for which the treasurer is appointed, in the sum and with the surety that is satisfactory to the town council, conditioned for the faithful discharge of the duties of that office.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-21-38 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-21 / Section 45-21-38
§ 45-21-38. Receipt of contributions  Investment of funds.
Status: in_force

All contributions received by the retirement system from members and participating municipalities shall be paid periodically to the general treasurer and shall be deposited by the treasurer to the credit of the retirement system. All moneys not immediately required for the payment of retirement allowances or other benefits under the provisions of this chapter may be invested by the state investment commission under the provisions of chapter 10 of title 35. The retirement board has full power with respect to the disposition of the proceeds of the investments and of any moneys belonging to the retirement system.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-55-9 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-55 / Section 45-55-9
§ 45-55-9. Small purchases.
Status: in_force

Procurements, not to exceed an aggregate amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for construction and five thousand dollars ($5,000) for all other purchases may be made in accordance with small purchase regulations promulgated by the municipality. These amounts shall be increased or decreased annually hereafter at the same rate as the Boston Regional Consumer Price Index. Procurement requirements shall not be artificially divided so as to constitute a small purchase under this section. A municipality may further reduce the aggregate purchase amount, as provided for in this section by ordinance.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-27-19 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-27 / Section 45-27-19
§ 45-27-19. Validation of defense housing activities.
Status: in_force

All bonds, notes, contracts, agreements, and obligations of housing authorities issued or entered into before May 6, 1941, relating to financing or undertaking (including cooperating with or acting as an agent of the federal government in) the development or administration of any project to assure the availability of safe and sanitary dwellings for persons engaged in national defense activities, are validated and declared legal in all respects, notwithstanding any defect or irregularity or any want of statutory authority.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-50-9 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-50 / Section 45-50-9
§ 45-50-9. Definitions.
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, the following words and terms have the following meanings, unless the context indicates another or different meaning:

(1) The word authority means any municipal public buildings authority created pursuant to this chapter, or, if the authority is abolished, the board, body, or commission succeeding to the principal functions or upon whom the powers of the authority given by this chapter are given by law.

(2) The word bonds means and includes the notes, bonds, and other evidences of indebtedness or obligations which the authority is authorized to issue pursuant to this chapter.

(3) The word construction means and includes acquisitions, construction repair, rehabilitation, development, and installation, and the term to construct means and includes to acquire, to construct, to repair, to rehabilitate, to develop and to install, all in a manner as may be deemed desirable.

(4) The word cost, as applied to any project to be constructed or acquired by the authority, includes the cost of acquisition or construction, and, if the project consists of public facilities, the cost of acquisition of all land, rights of way, property, rights, easements, and interests acquired by the authority for the construction, the cost of demolishing or removing any buildings or structures on land so acquired, including the cost of acquiring any lands to which the buildings or structures may be moved, the cost of all machinery and equipment, financing charges, interest prior to and during construction and for one year after completion of construction, the cost of estimates and of planning, engineering, and legal services, plans, specifications, and surveys, estimates of cost and of revenues, other expenses necessary or incident to determining the feasibility or practicability of the construction, administrative expenses, and any other expenses that may be necessary or incident to the construction, the financing of the construction, and the placing of the project in operation. The word cost as applied to any project which the authority may be authorized to acquire, means the amount of the purchase price of any public equipment, or if the project consists of public facilities, the amount of any condemnation award in connection with the acquisition of the project, and includes the cost of acquiring all of the capital stock of the corporation owning the project, if that is the case, and the amount to be paid to discharge all of the obligations of the corporation in order to vest title to the project which may be determined by the authority to be necessary prior to the financing of the project, interest during the period of construction of the improvements and for one year thereafter, the cost of all lands, properties, rights, easements, franchises, and permits acquired, the cost of planning, engineering, and legal services, plans, specifications, and surveys, estimates of cost and of revenues, other expenses necessary or incident to determining the feasibility or practicability of the acquisition or improvement, administrative expenses, and any other expenses that may be necessary or incident to the financing of the acquisition or improvement and the placing of the project in operation by the authority. The word cost includes the cost of purchase and installation of solar, wind, and renewable energy systems, which include solar thermal, solar electric, and wind energy systems that provide heating, cooling, hot water, or electricity to a building, together with equipment for collection, storage, distribution, and control, including structural components of a building specifically designed to retain heat derived from solar energy.

(5) The term federal agency means and includes the United States of America, and any department of, or corporation, agency, or instrumentality created, designated, or established by the United States of America.

(6) The term improvement means and includes extension, enlargement, and improvement, and the term to improve means and includes to extend, to enlarge, and to improve all in a manner as may be deemed desirable.

(7) The word issue, except as otherwise provided in any series resolution, means or refers to all bonds issued as part of a series and all additional bonds with respect to bonds of series.

(8) The word municipality means and includes any city or town within the state.

(9) The word owner means and includes all individuals, incorporated companies, copartnerships, societies, or associations and also municipalities, political subdivisions, and all public agencies and instrumentalities having any title or interest in any property, rights, easements, or franchises authorized to be acquired under the provisions of this chapter.

(10) The word person means and includes natural persons, firms, associations, corporations, business trusts, partnerships, and public bodies.

(11) The word project means any public facility or public equipment which the authority is authorized to construct, improve, equip, furnish, maintain, acquire, install, or operate under the provisions of this chapter, to provide for the conduct of the executive, legislative, and judicial functions of government, and its various branches, departments, and agencies. These projects may include, but need not be limited to, judicial, administrative, educational, residential, civic facility, rehabilitative, medical, police, fire and public safety, recreation, transportation, public water supply system, public sewer system, parks, and other projects that the authority is requested to initiate to provide effective governmental, health, safety, and welfare services in the municipality.

(12) The term public equipment means and includes all tangible personal property, new or used, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, all machinery, equipment, transportation equipment, maintenance equipment, construction equipment, sanitation equipment, police, fire and public safety equipment, and all other things and rights usually included within that term, including any and all interests in property which are less than full title, such as leasehold interests, security interests, and every other interest or right, legal or equitable.

(13) The words public facilities mean and include any real property, lands, structures, buildings, facilities, or improvements, now or existing, and include, without limitation, all structures, parking facilities, recreational facilities, park facilities, civic facilities, landscaping and other appurtenances and facilities, including fixtures, furnishings, personalty, and equipment, incidental to the use of any building, the site of the building, and any easements, rights of way or other property rights appurtenant to it or necessary or convenient in connection with it. Notwithstanding the preceding, no authority created after December 31, 1988, has the power to construct, improve, equip, furnish, maintain, acquire, install, or operate a free standing parking garage. The words free standing parking garage shall not include any facility that is functionally related and subordinate to a project funded under that public building authority project and designed to provide parking for the project.

(14) The word state means and includes the state of Rhode Island, and any office, department, board, commission, bureau, division, authority, public corporation, agency, or instrumentality thereof.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-20-1 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-20 / Section 45-20-1
§ 45-20-1. Petition for judicial review of removal of firefighter.
Status: in_force

(a) Any firefighter or firefighters, jointly or severally aggrieved by any decision of the bureau of police and fire or any similar department, board or bureau of a city or town having control of the fire department of the city or town, which decision orders the removal of the person from membership in the fire department based on criminal charges, may present, to the superior court of the state of Rhode Island for the county in which the city or town is located, a verified petition stating that the decision is illegal in whole or in part and specifying the grounds of the illegality. The petition shall be presented to the court within thirty (30) days after the decision of the department, board, or bureau.

(b) Upon the presentation of the petition, the court may allow a writ of certiorari directed to the department, board, or bureau to review its decision, and shall prescribe in the unit the time authorized which a return to the unit must be made, which shall be not less than twenty (20) days and may be extended by the court.

(c) The allowance of the writ does not stay the effect of the decision.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-26-9 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-26 / Section 45-26-9
§ 45-26-9. Loans or donations by towns.
Status: in_force

Towns also have power from time to time to lend or donate money to town authorities or to agree to take that action. Any town authority, when it has the money available, shall make reimbursements for all loans made to it.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-59-24 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-59 / Section 45-59-24
§ 45-59-24. Credit of municipality not pledged.
Status: in_force

Notes and other obligations of a district management authority will not be deemed to constitute the debt or a pledge of the faith and credit of the municipality.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-11-1 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-11 / Section 45-11-1
§ 45-11-1. Establishment and use of funds.
Status: in_force

The city council of any city and voters of any town in this state in a financial town meeting, or any other municipal body legally empowered to appropriate funds of a city or town, if they see fit to do so, may vote:

(1) To establish a fund to be designated as a reserve fund, this fund to be available to the city or town as necessary for temporary borrowings in anticipation of taxes, but otherwise available only for capital expenditures;

(2) To transfer, from time to time, to the reserve fund the whole or any portion of the surplus funds as the city or town may have at the end of the current or any succeeding year, to add to the fund by direct appropriation or to augment the fund by either or both methods;

(3) To permit the investment by the city or town treasurer, with the advice and consent of the city or town council, as the case may be, of the fund in savings accounts or certificates of deposit of commercial or savings banks or trust companies, or in obligations of the United States or its agencies, or in any other short term investment, as would be made by prudent persons of discretion and intelligence;

(4) To provide that transfers or appropriations shall not be voted to the fund which cause the fund to exceed five percent (5%) of the total assessed valuation of real estate and tangible personal property in the city or town; and

(5) To provide that no city council and no financial town meeting, either annual or special, shall appropriate any moneys out of the fund unless notice of the proposal to do so, reasonably detailed as to purpose and extent, appears in the call for the meeting.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-12-4.1 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-12 / Section 45-12-4.1
§ 45-12-4.1. Borrowing where collection of taxes delayed or taxes refunded.
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding any provision of § 45-12-4 to the contrary, a city or town by resolution of its city council or town council, may authorize the issue of notes of the city or town in order to pay any outstanding tax anticipation notes or other obligations of the city or town which, in the judgment of the treasurer or finance director, cannot be paid when due from property tax revenues as a result of a court order or decision which directly or indirectly delays the collection of taxes by the city or town, or which provides for the refunding of taxes previously collected, or for any other reason. Notes issued under this section are payable within a period of time, not exceeding one year, that is necessary, in the judgment of the treasurer or finance director, for the city or town to receive sufficient property tax revenue to pay them.

(b) Notes issued under this section may be refunded or paid by the issue of other similar notes. Notes issued under this section shall be excepted from the operation of § 45-12-4 and shall not be taken into account for the purpose of determining the borrowing capacity of the city or town under that section.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-21-17.1 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-21 / Section 45-21-17.1
§ 45-21-17.1. Optional service retirement benefits  Applicability to members of city or town legislative bodies.
Status: in_force

(a) Every city or town may by ordinance provide that every person who has served as a member of the legislative body of the city or town for a period of ten (10) years and has attained the age of sixty (60), or who has served for a period of twenty (20) years, is entitled to receive upon retirement from the legislative body, and not being otherwise regularly employed by the city or town in which that person has served, a service retirement allowance equivalent to fifty percent (50%) of the salary received at the time of retirement by the legislative official; however, not less than a sum of two hundred dollars ($200) for each year served; provided, further, that if the person retires after a period of service greater than ten (10) years, that person is entitled to receive an additional service retirement allowance equivalent to five percent (5%) of the salary received at the time of retirement for each whole year of service in excess of ten (10) years up to a maximum additional allowance equivalent to fifty percent (50%) of the salary received. Service in excess of six (6) months in any one year constitutes one full retirement credit year. Every person qualified under this section can purchase up to four (4) years of armed service credits in accordance with the provisions of § 36-9-31.

(b) The provisions of this section only apply to those persons presently serving on city or town legislative bodies as of May 15, 1973.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-33-10 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-33 / Section 45-33-10
§ 45-33-10. Continuing validity of signatures  Negotiability of bonds.
Status: in_force

In case any of the members or officers of the agency whose signatures appear on any bonds or coupons cease to be members or officers before the delivery of the bonds, their signatures are, nevertheless, valid and sufficient for all purposes, the same as if they had remained in office until delivery. Any provision of any law to the contrary notwithstanding, any bonds issued pursuant to chapters 31  33 of this title are fully negotiable.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-59-17 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-59 / Section 45-59-17
§ 45-59-17. Collection of assessments.
Status: in_force

The assessments made by any district management authority will be collected by the tax collector of the municipality within which the management district is located for the account of the district management authority. The assessments so collected will not be commingled with funds of the municipality and forthwith upon their collection will be remitted to the district management authority. Assessments will be a lien on the real property of the persons against whom the assessments are made in the same manner as taxes assessed by a municipality under § 44-9-1. Tax collectors of municipalities within which management districts are created will have the same powers with respect to assessments and their collection as are granted to them by chapter 9 of title 44 of the general laws with respect to municipal property taxes except that these powers will be exercised for and on behalf of the district management authority.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-67-13 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-67 / Section 45-67-13
§ 45-67-13. Money of the utility district.
Status: in_force

(a) All money of the utility district, from whatever source derived, shall be paid to the treasurer of the utility district. The money on receipt shall be deposited forthwith in a separate bank account or accounts. The money in the accounts shall be paid out with a check of the treasurer, on requisition by the utility district, or of any other person or persons that the utility district may authorize to make the requisitions. All deposits of money shall be secured by obligations of the United States or of the state, of a market value at all times not less than the amount of deposits, and all banks and trust companies are authorized to give security for the deposits. The utility district shall have the power, notwithstanding the provisions of this section, to contract with the holders of any of its bonds as to the custody, collection, security, investment, and payment of any money of the authority, or any money held in trust or otherwise for the payment of bonds or in any way to secure the bonds, and to carry out any contract. Money held in trust or otherwise for the payment of bonds or in any way to secure bonds and deposits of money may be secured in the same manner as the money of the authority, and all banks and trust companies are authorized to give security for the deposits.

(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, or any other provision of this chapter, the board of utility commissioners shall have the power to authorize, by resolution, a loan or advance from one utility fund of the utility district to another. Any such interfund advance or loan shall be for a term specified in the authorizing resolution of the board of utility commissioners and shall bear interest at a rate reasonably determined by the board of utility commissioners to be consistent with the public interest implicated in all funds involved in the interfund loan or advance; provided, however, that an interest rate set at the rate applicable to the utility districts most recent borrowing from a bank or other financial institution shall be presumptively reasonable as the rate of interest for an interfund loan or advance.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-22-7 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-22 / Section 45-22-7
§ 45-22-7. Powers and duties of a planning board or commission.
Status: in_force

(a) A planning board or commission shall have the sole responsibility for performing all those acts necessary to prepare a comprehensive plan for a municipality in accordance with the provisions of chapter 22.2 of this title.

(b) Pursuant to § 45-23-51, a planning board or commission shall be empowered by the city or town council, by ordinance, 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. The planning board or commission shall also provide for the administration, interpretation, and enforcement of land-development and subdivision review regulations, pursuant to § 45-23-52.

(c) When directed by the city or town zoning ordinance pursuant to § 45-24-46.4 or the city or town land development and subdivision review regulations pursuant to § 45-23-50.1, a planning board or commission shall have the power to review and approve, approve with conditions, or deny requests for variances and special-use permits submitted as part of land-development and subdivision applications or development plan review.

(d) A planning board or commission established under the provisions of this chapter shall make studies and prepare plans and reports on the needs and resources of the community with reference to its physical, economic, and social growth and development as affecting the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the people. The studies, plans, and reports shall concern, but not necessarily be limited to, the following:

(1) Land use and land-use regulation;

(2) Transportation facilities;

(3) Public facilities, including recreation areas, utilities, schools, fire stations, police stations, and others;

(4) Blighted areas, including the designation of general areas for redevelopment, renewal, rehabilitation, or conservation;

(5) Problems of housing and the development of housing programs;

(6) Environmental protection;

(7) Natural resource conservation;

(8) Protection from disaster;

(9) Economic and social characteristics of the population;

(10) Preservation of historic sites and buildings; and

(11) Economic development.

(e) When directed by the city or town council or by the appointing authority, a planning board or commission shall prepare an annual capital budget and a comprehensive, long-range capital-improvement program for submission to the council, the appointing authority, or other designated official or agency.

(f) A planning board or commission shall submit an advisory opinion and recommendation on all zoning matters referred to it by the zoning board of review under the provisions of the city or town zoning ordinance and report on any other matter referred to it, by the city or town council, the chief executive, or the appointing authority.

(g) A planning board or commission shall perform any other duties that may be assigned to the board or commission, from time to time, by any act of the general assembly or by any ordinance, code, regulation order, or resolution of the city or town council or by the appointing authority.

(h) A planning board or commission has authority to call upon other departments, boards, and committees of the city or town and upon regional, state, and federal agencies for information and assistance necessary to the performance of its duties, and shall cooperate with the city or town, regional, state, and federal agencies on matters of community, regional, and state planning and development.

(i) Each planning board or commission must adopt a provision requiring any person who will be required to file a request for access pursuant to § 24-8-34 to file that request not later than the day on which that person files any document in connection with the project in question with the applicable town or city, and to provide a copy of the request to the town or city.

(j) Each member of a planning board or commission shall participate in training and education classes concerning the effects of development in a flood plain and the effects of sea-level rise once every two (2) years pursuant to chapter 70 of this title entitled Continuing education for local planning and zoning boards and historic district commissions which requires annual continuing education and biennial education components.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-23-65 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-23 / Section 45-23-65
§ 45-23-65. Procedure  Changes to recorded plats and plans.
Status: in_force

(a) For all changes to the approved recorded plans of land development projects or subdivisions subject to this act, an amendment of the final development plans is required prior to the issuance of any building permits. The procedure for approval and the categorization of whether such change is minor or major shall be in accordance with §§ 45-23-38(h), 45-23-39(f), or 45-23-50(j), whichever is applicable based on the underlying type of application. Any such changes approved in the final plan shall be recorded as amendments to the final plan in accordance with the procedure established for recording of plats in § 45-23-64.

(b) [Deleted by P.L. 2024, ch. 292, § 1 and P.L. 2024, ch. 293, § 1.]

(c) [Deleted by P.L. 2024, ch. 292, § 1 and P.L. 2024, ch. 293, § 1.]

(d) Rescission procedure. The planning board, only upon application by all landowners of the plat to be affected, may determine that the application for plat rescission is not consistent with the comprehensive community plan and is not in compliance with the standards and provisions of the municipalitys zoning ordinance and/or land development and subdivision review regulations and shall hold a public hearing, which adheres to the requirements for notice described in § 45-23-42. The planning board shall approve, approve with conditions or modifications, or deny the application for rescission of the plat according to the requirements of § 45-23-63. If it is necessary to abandon any street covered under chapter 6 of title 24, the planning board shall submit to the city or town council the documents necessary for the abandonment process. Once the required process for rescission or for rescission and abandonment has been completed, the revised plat shall be signed and recorded as specified in § 45-23-64.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-24-43 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-24 / Section 45-24-43
§ 45-24-43. General provisions  Special conditions.
Status: in_force

In granting a variance or in making any determination upon which it is required to pass after a public hearing under a zoning ordinance, the zoning board of review or other zoning enforcement agency may apply the special conditions that may, in the opinion of the board or agency, be required to promote the intent and purposes of the comprehensive plan and the zoning ordinance of the city or town. Failure to abide by any special conditions attached to a grant constitutes a zoning violation. Those special conditions shall be based on competent credible evidence on the record, be incorporated into the decision, and may include, but are not limited to, provisions for:

(1) Minimizing the adverse impact of the development upon other land, including the type, intensity, design, and performance of activities;

(2) Controlling the sequence of development, including when it must be commenced and completed;

(3) Controlling the duration of use or development and the time within which any temporary structure must be removed;

(4) Assuring satisfactory installation and maintenance of required public improvements;

(5) Designating the exact location and nature of development; and

(6) Establishing detailed records by submission of drawings, maps, plats, or specifications.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-21-18 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-21 / Section 45-21-18
§ 45-21-18. Deferred allowance on service retirement before minimum age.
Status: in_force

The right to a service retirement allowance under the provisions of this chapter is vested in a member who withdraws from service prior to the attainment of the applicable minimum age of retirement as prescribed in this section, who has not received a refund; provided, that the member has completed at least ten (10) years of total service, or for members in active service on or after July 1, 2012, at least five (5) years of total service. The member becomes entitled to a service retirement allowance upon the members attainment of the applicable minimum retirement age or at the members option at any date subsequent to attaining that age. The rate of service retirement allowance payable in the case of any member is that provided in § 45-21-17 for the period of total service earned and accrued at the date of withdrawal from service of the member.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-35-3 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-35 / Section 45-35-3
§ 45-35-3. Acquisitions  Free access to public land not restricted.
Status: in_force

Subject to the approval of the city or town council and financial town meeting, the commission may receive gifts of funds, lands, buildings, or other properties in the name of the municipality, and may also acquire by gift, purchase, grant, bequest, devise, lease, or otherwise, the fee in those lands or water rights or any lease interest, development right, easement, covenant, or other contractual right, including conveyances, and, shall manage these gifts and acquisitions in accordance with the purposes established in this chapter. However, nothing in this chapter shall be construed to deny to the people access to the lands for all legitimate purposes. No city or town may deny or restrict to the people free access to the lands, or to any other land held by or for the city or town for recreation purposes.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-27-3 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-27 / Section 45-27-3
§ 45-27-3. Authorization, form, and terms of bonds.
Status: in_force

The bonds of the authority are authorized by its resolution, and issued in one or more series, and bearing a date or dates, maturing at a time or times (not exceeding sixty (60) years from their respective dates), bearing interest at a rate or rates (not exceeding six percent (6%) per annum payable semiannually), in denominations (which may be made interchangeable), in forms, either coupon or registered, carrying registration privileges, executed in a manner, payable in a medium of payment, at a place or places, and subject to any terms of redemption (with or without premium) that the resolution or its trust indenture or mortgage may provide.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-31-19 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-31 / Section 45-31-19
§ 45-31-19. Interest of officers and employees in project area properties.
Status: in_force

No officer or employee of the community or of the agency who in the course of his or her duties is required to participate in the formulation of plans or policies for the redevelopment of a project area, or to approve those plans or policies, shall acquire any interest in any property included within a project area within the community. If the officer or employee owns or has any financial interest, direct or indirect, in any property included within a project area, he or she shall immediately disclose, in writing, the interest to the legislative body of the community, and the disclosure shall be entered in the minutes of the agency and of the legislative body. Failure to disclose the interest constitutes misconduct in office. No payment shall be made to any member or officer of an agency for any property or interest in property acquired by the agency from the member or officer, unless the amount of the payment is fixed by court order in eminent domain proceedings, or unless the payment is unanimously approved by the legislative body.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-2-61 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-2 / Section 45-2-61
§ 45-2-61. Town of Barrington  Municipal court.
Status: in_force

(a) The town council of the town of Barrington 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 violations 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 violation of the minimum housing ordinances or chapter 24.3 within the jurisdiction of 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; 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 the 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;

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

(c) 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 be subject to review by the chief magistrate of the traffic tribunal in accordance with § 8-18-11. Any person desiring to appeal 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.

(d) The town council of the town of Barrington is authorized and empowered to appoint a judge 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 of not in excess of five hundred dollars ($500), or both. The court is empowered to administer oaths, compel the attendance of witnesses, punish persons for contempt and to authorize and execute search warrants to the extent the warrants could be authorized and executed by a justice of the district court.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-21-13 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-21 / Section 45-21-13
§ 45-21-13. Verification of prior service.
Status: in_force

Subject to the previously stated restrictions, and to any other rules and regulations that the retirement board adopts, the retirement board shall verify as soon as practicable after the establishment of the system the statement of service submitted.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-2-29 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-2 / Section 45-2-29
§ 45-2-29. Town of Westerly  Municipal court.
Status: in_force

(a) The town council of the town of Westerly 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 within the jurisdiction of the court, may within seven (7) days of the 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 fourth 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 Westerly is authorized and empowered to appoint a judge of the municipal court. The judge shall serve for a term of two (2) years, with the first term commencing January 1, 1989. 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 authorize and execute search warrants to the extent the warrants could be authorized and executed by a justice of the district court.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-2-54 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-2 / Section 45-2-54
§ 45-2-54. Regulation of excavating.
Status: in_force

(a) The town of Middletown is hereby authorized to impose upon any excavation activity within the town, including all such activity on rights of way but excluding such activity on private land such permit requirements and regulations as are necessary to ensure proper review of the excavation plans by town authorities and to require such excavation to be conducted with minimum disturbance to surrounding land.

(b) The town of Middletown is further authorized to require excavation activity permits including completion bonds or insurance, if necessary, to guarantee the return of an excavated area to the conditions stipulated in the permit process.

(c) Subsections (a) and (b) of this section shall not apply to any department, division or agency of the state of Rhode Island.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-48-12 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-48 / Section 45-48-12
§ 45-48-12. Redemption of bonds.
Status: in_force

The district may at any time deposit with the trustee, under its then existing bond resolution a sum sufficient, with amounts then on deposit, including the debt service reserve fund, to purchase direct obligations of the United States of America which are adequate to pay the entire principal amount of the bonds secured by the resolution, together with the interest to maturity, or to an applicable redemption date specified by the district to the trustee and any applicable redemption premium; or the district may deposit direct obligations of the United States of America in lieu of money for their purchase. The obligations are deemed adequate if the principal and interest payable on them are sufficient to pay the previously mentioned sums when due. Upon any deposit of money and a request by the district, the trustee shall purchase direct obligations of the United States of America. When adequate direct obligations of the United States of America are held by the trustee pursuant to this section, the bond resolution shall cease to be in effect. The obligations and their proceeds shall be held in trust for the benefit of the bondholders, and the trustee shall, on behalf of the district, call bonds for redemption on the applicable redemption date specified pursuant to this section. Any compensation or expenses of the trustee in carrying out this section shall be paid by the district, and any surplus funds held by the trustee under this section shall be remitted by the trustee to the district.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-3-2 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-3 / Section 45-3-2
§ 45-3-2. Time of elective meetings.
Status: in_force

Town meetings shall be held at the time as is by law or vote provided, unless otherwise directed.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-10-5.1 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-10 / Section 45-10-5.1
§ 45-10-5.1. Uniform accounting procedures.
Status: in_force

The office of the auditor general of the state of Rhode Island shall prescribe and supervise the application of uniform accounting principles and financial reporting to follow the guidelines established by the governmental accounting standards board and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. The auditor general shall supervise compliance with generally accepted auditing standards.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-19-12.2 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-19 / Section 45-19-12.2
§ 45-19-12.2. Annuities to dependents of deceased auxiliary and volunteer fire fighters and appropriations to nondependent parents of deceased auxiliary and volunteer fire fighters.
Status: in_force

(a) If an active member of a volunteer or 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 duty there, shall be paid out of the fire fighters relief fund of Rhode Island to the following dependents of the deceased person, the following sums of money:

(1) To the widow or widower or domestic partner beginning at the death, an annuity not exceeding three thousand six hundred dollars ($3,600) a year, payable in regular installments as may be determined by the board and continuing as long as he or she remains unmarried or not in a domestic partnership;

(2) An additional annuity of one thousand two hundred dollars ($1,200) a year, payable in regular installments determined by the board, for each child of the deceased person during the time that the child is under the age of eighteen (18) years, or over that age and physically or mentally incapacitated from earning;

(3) If there is any child and no widow or widower or domestic partner or the widow or widower or domestic partner dies later, the sum and annuity that should have been payable to the widow or widower or domestic partner had there been one or had he or she lived, to or for the benefit of the child or of the children, in equal shares during the previously stated time;

(4) If there is any child and the widow or widower or domestic partner remarries or enters into a domestic partnership, in lieu of the previously stated annuity to him or her, an annuity not exceeding one thousand two hundred dollars ($1,200) to or for the benefit of each child during the previously stated time;

(5) If there is no widow or widower or domestic partner and no child, the total sum of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) payable in a lump for the benefit of the father and/or mother of the deceased, if not dependent upon him or her for support at the time of his or her death; and

(6) If there is no widow or widower or domestic partner and no child, the sum of three thousand six hundred dollars ($3,600) payable in regular installments by the board of fire fighters relief, to or for the benefit of the father or mother of the deceased, if dependent upon him or her for support at the time of his or her death, and beginning at the death and continuing so long as the beneficiary is unable to support himself or herself and does not remarry or enter into a domestic partnership, an annuity not exceeding three thousand six hundred dollars ($3,600) a year, payable in regular installments determined by the board.

(b) The provisions of this section shall be retroactive to July 1, 1988.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-3-13 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-3 / Section 45-3-13
§ 45-3-13. Canvass prior to meeting.
Status: in_force

Prior to any town meeting prescribed by law or called by request as provided by § 45-3-6, the list of the electors qualified to vote in town meetings shall be made out and canvassed in the same manner as provided by law with respect to elective town meetings.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-32-47 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-32 / Section 45-32-47
§ 45-32-47. Continuation of prior projects.
Status: in_force

Nothing contained in chapters 31  33 of this title, affects the right of an agency to continue and carry out to completion any redevelopment project for which a redevelopment plan has been approved by the legislative body of the community under the provisions of chapter 2574 of the Public Laws of 1950 prior to April 2, 1956, and the provisions of chapter 2574 of the Public Laws of 1950 shall remain in full force and effect and applicable to the project or projects. Nothing contained in chapters 31  33 of this title affects the rights of any person, firm, or corporation acquired before April 2, 1956 against an agency.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-19-15 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-19 / Section 45-19-15
§ 45-19-15. Extension of provisions to widows or widowers or domestic partners of other deceased police officers and fire fighters.
Status: in_force

The legislative body of any city or town may, by ordinance, provide that the provisions of §§ 45-19-4 and 45-19-12 apply in the case of any unremarried widow or widower or domestic partner, of any police officer or fire fighter which police officer or fire fighter died while in service or was retired from the police or fire force of a city or town on pensions prior to his or her death. The annuities shall be paid to the widow or widower or domestic partner by the proper authority of the city or town in which the police officer or fire fighter was employed at the time of his or her retirement.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-59-3 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-59 / Section 45-59-3
§ 45-59-3. Definitions and construction.
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, the term:

(1) Chief elected officer means the official, elected by the voters of a municipality or appointed by the members of the elected legislative body of the municipality, who exercises day-to-day executive authority over the municipalitys affairs.

(2) District management authority means a district management authority established pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

(3) Fiscal year means the fiscal year of the municipality within which the management district is located; first fiscal year means the first full fiscal year after the fiscal year during which the management district is created; subsequent fiscal years are referred to in like manner.

(4) Management district means a management district established pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and, as the context may require, includes any subdistrict within the management district.

(5) Municipality means a city or town of the state of Rhode Island having a population according to the most recent federal census of not less than one hundred thousand (100,000); however, notwithstanding the population requirement, the cities of Newport and Pawtucket shall be considered municipalities for purposes of this chapter. Where the context requires, municipality also means a city or town within which a management district is created pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

(6) Real property means land and buildings or structures located on the land but does not include lines, mains, poles, easements and rights-of-way owned by public utilities.

(7) State means the state of Rhode Island.

(b) References in this chapter to owners or tenants of real property located within a management district or residents of a management district, or managers of real property located within the management district will be construed to include shareholders, members, partners, directors, officers, employees or agents thereof.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-31-6 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-31 / Section 45-31-6
§ 45-31-6. Public policy to assist in redevelopment.
Status: in_force

It is declared to be the policy of this state to protect and promote the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the people of the state, and particularly of the people of the communities of the state in which blighted and substandard areas exist, by the elimination and prevention of these areas through the utilization of all means appropriate for that purpose, thereby encouraging the provision of healthful homes, a decent living environment, and adequate places for employment of the people of this state and its communities in these areas through redevelopment. Moreover, it is the policy of this state to empower a redevelopment agency in a community of this state to acquire, by purchase or condemnation, properties in violation of the localitys or citys minimum housing code and transfer ownership of those properties to a limited equity housing cooperative incorporated in this state for the provision of adequate housing for low and/or moderate income residents. To this end it is declared that the powers conferred by chapters 31  33 of this title are necessary to effectuate the purposes of these chapters and are for public uses and purposes for which the power of eminent domain may be exercised, tax moneys and other public funds expended, and public credit pledged.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-21-41 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-21 / Section 45-21-41
§ 45-21-41. Members contributions  Payroll deductions  Certification to board.
Status: in_force

(a) Prior to July 1, 2012, each member shall contribute an amount equal to six percent (6%) of salary or compensation earned and accruing to the member; provided, that contributions by any member cease when the member has completed the maximum amount of service credit attainable. Special compensation for additional fees shall not be considered as compensation for contribution purposes. Effective July 1, 2012, each member shall contribute an amount equal to one percent (1%) of his or her compensation as his or her share of the cost. Effective July 1, 2015, each member with twenty (20) or more years of total service as of June 30, 2012, shall contribute an amount equal to eight and one-quarter percent (8.25%) of compensation.

(b) Each municipality shall deduct the previously stated rate from the compensation of each member on each and every payroll of the municipality, and the deduction made during the entire time a member is in service subject to termination as stated in the foregoing paragraph.

(c) The deductions provided for in this section shall be made notwithstanding that the minimum compensation provided for by law for any member is reduced by the compensation. Every member is deemed to consent and agree to the deductions made and provided for in this section, and shall receipt for his or her full salary or compensation; and payment of salary or compensation less those deductions are a full and complete discharge and acquittance of all claims and demands for the services rendered by the person during the period covered by the payment except as to the benefits provided under this chapter. Each participating municipality shall certify to the retirement board the amounts deducted from the compensation of members. Each of the amounts, when deducted, shall be credited to an individual account of the member from whose compensation the deduction was made.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-21-40 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-21 / Section 45-21-40
§ 45-21-40. Improper interest in investments of board.
Status: in_force

Except as provided in this section, no member of the board and no employee of the board shall have any interest, direct or indirect, in the gains or profits of any investment made by the retirement board, nor, as a member or employee of the board, directly or indirectly receive any pay or emolument for his or her services. No member of the board or employee of the board shall, directly or indirectly, for himself or herself or as an agent, in any manner use the investment gains or profits, except to make current and necessary payments that are authorized by the retirement board. No member or employee of the board may become an endorser or surety or become in any manner an obligor for moneys loaned or borrowed from the retirement board.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-58-13 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-58 / Section 45-58-13
§ 45-58-13. Alteration, amendment, repeal or severability.
Status: reserved

The right to alter, amend or repeal this chapter is reserved to the state, but no such alteration, amendment or repeal shall operate to impair the obligation of any contract made by the utility district under any power conferred by this chapter. If any section, clause, provision or term of this chapter shall be declared unconstitutional, void, ultra vires or otherwise ineffective in whole or in part, such determination of invalidity shall not otherwise affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-28-1 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-28 / Section 45-28-1
§ 45-28-1. Definitions.
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, the term housing authority means a housing authority established pursuant to the housing authorities law (chapters 25  27 of this title); and the term governing body means in the case of a city, the council, board, or other body charged with governing the city, and, in the case of a town, the town council.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-3-4 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-3 / Section 45-3-4
§ 45-3-4. Meetings other than elective.
Status: in_force

Town meetings, other than annual or biennial meetings, shall be held at the times that are, or may be, by the Constitution or by law required, or may be called in the manner provided in this chapter. Notwithstanding any provision of any state law or municipal charter provision to the contrary, whenever a state or local emergency is declared pursuant to §§ 30-15-9 and 30-15-12(b) that prevents a city, town, or fire district from conducting a town or district meeting pursuant to this chapter, except for a meeting pursuant to § 45-3-1, the governing body of any city, town, or fire district may provide, by resolution, for the convening of a town or district meeting by remote, electronic, virtual or other means provided that the governing body finds that the convening of a town meeting would jeopardize the public health or safety of persons within the city, town, or fire district.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-22-1 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-22 / Section 45-22-1
§ 45-22-1. Establishment of a planning board or commission  Home rule charter exempt.
Status: in_force

(a) All cities and towns shall, by ordinance, establish a planning board or commission under the provisions of this chapter. Any city or town operating under a home rule charter that provides for the establishment of a planning board or commission may continue under the provisions of that charter, except that the provisions of § 45-22-7, governing the formulation and adoption of a comprehensive plan and the duties of a planning board or commission, apply to all cities and towns.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of the general laws, public laws, or any special law to the contrary regarding the same, including any home rule charter provision, a city or town may establish, by ordinance, a combined review board pursuant to the provisions of § 45-24-56.1 which shall have the authority, powers, requirements, and duties set forth in this chapter, as well as in chapter 23 of this title, and chapter 24 of this title of a planning board or commission and zoning board.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-23-27 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-23 / Section 45-23-27
§ 45-23-27. Applicability.
Status: in_force

(a) Sections 45-23-25  45-23-74 and all local regulations are applicable to all applications under this chapter.

(b) Plats required.

(1) All activity defined as a subdivision requires a new plat, drawn to the specifications of the local regulations, and reviewed and approved by the planning board or its agents as provided in this chapter; and

(2) Prior to recording, the approved plat shall be submitted for signature and recording as specified in § 45-23-64.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-32-13 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-32 / Section 45-32-13
§ 45-32-13. Adoption of plan.
Status: in_force

If the legislative body determines that the redevelopment plan is feasible and conforms to the general plan for the community, and that if carried out would promote the public health, safety, morals, and welfare of the community, and would effectuate the purposes of chapters 31  33 of this title, then the legislative body may adopt the plan by ordinance.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-10-5.3 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-10 / Section 45-10-5.3
§ 45-10-5.3. Failure to file audit report  Enforcement and penalty.
Status: in_force

(a) Failure to file the duplicate audit report as prescribed in § 45-10-4 shall result in a sanction being imposed equal to ten thousand dollars ($10,000) per month or a monthly sanction equal to one-twelfth (1/12) of the product of one percent (1%) of the general revenue sharing funds received by the municipality from the state in the prior fiscal year, whichever is greater. This penalty shall be calculated from the due date of the audit or any approved extension date until the date the report is filed as required. The penalty funds shall be paid by the municipality to the general treasurer who shall deposit the funds into a restricted receipts account. If the municipality fails to promptly pay the penalty, the general treasurer is authorized to withhold those amounts from state aid otherwise due to the municipality upon certification by the auditor general of the amount of the penalty. Both the auditor general and the general treasurer shall have standing to bring an action in the Providence County superior court to enforce payment of the penalty provided for under this section.

(b) In addition to the penalty for late filing, if the municipality fails to comply with the provisions of this chapter by filing the audit report as required under this chapter, the auditor general, in his or her discretion, is authorized to provide for the completion of the audit. In that event, the auditors and/or the municipality shall transmit the audit workpapers to the auditor general within ten (10) days of his or her request. The workpapers shall include, but not be limited to, the work product customarily generated in the course of an audit under generally accepted auditing standards and practices, as well as any papers, schedules, or documents created or provided by or to the auditors in the conduct of audit field work. The municipality shall bear the cost of the audit to be completed by the auditor general or an independent audit firm engaged by the auditor general to complete the audit. The payment of this cost shall be deducted from state aid funds otherwise due to the municipality.

(c) If the auditor and/or the municipality refuses to transmit the workpapers as provided in this section, the auditor general shall have standing to petition the presiding justice of the Rhode Island superior court for an order compelling the immediate transmission of the workpapers to the auditor general. Upon the filing of that petition, the court shall schedule a hearing on an expedited basis, no more than ten (10) days after the filing of the petition. The court shall order the transmission of the workpapers and the draft of the audit report, if any, to the auditor general upon the auditor generals certification to the court that:

(1) The audit report was not completed and filed as required under the law;

(2) Requests for extension to file were denied by the auditor general; and

(3) The auditors and/or the municipality have failed or refused to transmit the workpapers and/or preliminary draft of the report.

(d) Failure to transmit the workpapers and/or draft audit report after the issuance of a court order will constitute criminal contempt of court, and will empower the court to impose any and all criminal sanctions including imprisonment and/or monetary penalties consistent with the existing power and authority of the superior court to impose those sanctions under law. Any monetary penalty imposed shall be paid into the restricted receipts account established pursuant to this section for the payment of late penalties.

(e) The state controller shall establish the restricted receipts account for the deposit of penalties and costs under this section, and the disbursement of funds from this account shall be for the purpose of training government finance personnel, and to reimburse and/or pay audit costs and the cost of monitoring and enforcing compliance with this chapter. Disbursements from the account shall require the authorization of the auditor general.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-23-58 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-23 / Section 45-23-58
§ 45-23-58. Administration  Administrative fees.
Status: in_force

Local regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter may provide for reasonable fees, in an amount not to exceed actual costs incurred, to be paid by the applicant for the adequate review and hearing of applications, issuance of permits and recordings of subsequent decisions.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-24-77 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-24 / Section 45-24-77
§ 45-24-77. Transit-oriented development pilot program.
Status: in_force

(a) Findings and declarations. The general assembly finds and declares that in order to increase the availability of residential housing near convenient public transportation, alleviate traffic congestion, and further the goals of chapter 6.2 of title 42, the Act on Climate, enacted in 2021, there is a need to identify growth centers for higher density housing, considering the capacity for water service, sewer service, transit connections, and employment centers.

(b) Establishment. To fulfill the findings and declarations of this section, a transit-oriented development pilot program is hereby established that shall allow developers or municipalities to apply for funds for residential development.

(c) Applicability. Effective January 1, 2024, in addition to the criteria to be established by the department of housing as set forth in subsection (d) of this section, to qualify for funding through the pilot program, the development must include developable land or properties that is within a one-quarter (Â¼) mile radius of an existing or planned regional mobility hub or a one-eighth ( ) mile radius of an existing or planned frequent transit stop as such terms are defined in the 2020 Rhode Island transit master plan or its successor document.

(d) Authority. The department of housing, in conjunction with input and data from the department of transportation and division of statewide planning, is hereby authorized to promulgate rules and regulations consistent with this section that establish:

(1) The criteria to qualify for consideration into the pilot program, including but not limited to:

(i) For municipalities to apply to have zoning districts certified into the program, an established zoning district or overlay, or other provisions that provide for high density residential development, and the easing for dimensional restrictions and parking requirements for such development; and

(ii) For developers to qualify for funding through the program, that the project includes some portion of the residential units in the development to be affordable housing;

(2) The process for the application and submission requirements for municipalities to apply to have zoning districts certified into the program and for developers or municipalities to apply to receive funding;

(3) The process for acceptance into the pilot program;

(4) Reporting requirements for municipalities accepted into the pilot program; and

(5) Penalties for lack of compliance with the pilot program regulations.

(e) Reporting. Beginning on December 31, 2024, the department of housing shall publish an annual report regarding development under this pilot program, funds distributed and/or committed, and such report shall include categories of metrics and data agreed upon by the department of housing and the department of transportation.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-2-21 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-2 / Section 45-2-21
§ 45-2-21. City of Cranston  Municipal court.
Status: in_force

(a) The city council of the city of Cranston 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 the involving violation of any ordinance of the city including all minimum housing violations of the city; provided, that any defendant found guilty of any offense excluding minimum housing violations within the jurisdiction thereof by the court, may, within five (5) days of the conviction, file an appeal from the conviction to the superior court and be entitled in the latter court to a trial de novo; provided, that any defendant found guilty of any minimum housing violation may, within five (5) days of the conviction, file an appeal from the conviction to the district court and be entitled in the latter court to a trial de novo in accordance with §§ 8-8-3(a)(2), 8-8-3.1, and 8-8-3.2.

(b) The city council of the city of Cranston is authorized and empowered to appoint a judge of the municipal court and a clerk of the municipal court. The city council of the city of Cranston is authorized and empowered to enact ordinances governing the operation and procedure to be followed in the court and to establish a schedule of fees and costs.

(c) 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.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-31-5 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-31 / Section 45-31-5
§ 45-31-5. Declaration as to methods to be used in redevelopment.
Status: in_force

It is further found and declared that in certain blighted and substandard areas, or portions of these areas, the physical conditions of the area and the areas relationship to the general plan for the community may be that the total public acquisition, clearance, and disposition of the entire area or an extensive portion of it may be necessary to accomplish the purposes of chapters 31  33 of this title; that other blighted and substandard areas, or portions of them, may be susceptible to rehabilitation and improvement to standard conditions, and the purposes of these chapters may be accomplished by the coordinated application of regulatory controls, together with redevelopment measures, short of total or extensive clearance of the entire area or portions of it.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-2-15.2 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-2 / Section 45-2-15.2
§ 45-2-15.2. Municipal employees  Residency within municipality not required.
Status: repealed

Notwithstanding any prior ratification and validation by the general assembly of any home rule charter provision requiring that municipal employees reside within the employing city or town, no home rule charter provision shall require that a municipal employee reside within the city or town as a condition of appointment or continued employment. Any prior ratification and validation by the general assembly of a home rule charter provision requiring residency within a city or town as a condition for employment of a municipal employee is hereby expressly repealed by the general assembly; provided, further, no city or town council shall make or ordain any ordinance requiring a municipal employee to reside within the employing city or town as a condition of appointment of continued employment. Any existing ordinance requiring a municipal employee to reside within the employing city or town as a condition of appointment or continued employment is hereby considered contrary to the laws of this state and is thus void as being in violation of state law. Nothing in this chapter shall preclude any city or town from offering employment incentives to its employees.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, no city or town with a municipal charter shall be precluded from entering into employment contracts which contain residency requirements with their appointed town or city manager(s) and/or town or city administrator(s).
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-23-55 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-23 / Section 45-23-55
§ 45-23-55. Administration  The administrative officer.
Status: in_force

(a) Local administration of the local regulations shall be under the direction of the administrative officer(s), who shall report to the planning board.

(b) The local regulations shall specify the process of appointment and the responsibilities of the administrative officer(s) who shall oversee and coordinate the review, approval, recording, and enforcement provisions of the local regulations. The administrative officer(s) shall serve as the chair of the technical review committee, where established. The local regulations shall state minimum qualifications for this position regarding appropriate education, training, or experience in land use planning and site plan review.

(c) The administrative officer(s) shall be responsible for coordinating reviews of proposed land development projects and subdivisions with adjacent municipalities as is necessary to be consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws and as directed by the planning board.

(d) The administrative officer(s) has the authority to issue approvals and all other authority where specifically set forth in this chapter.

(e) Enforcement of the local regulations shall be under the direction of the administrative officer(s). The officer(s) shall be responsible for coordinating the enforcement efforts of the zoning enforcement officer, the building inspector, planning department staff, the city or town engineer, the department of public works and other local officials responsible for the enforcement or carrying out of discrete elements of the regulations.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-21-57 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-21 / Section 45-21-57
§ 45-21-57. Life insurance benefits.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, any member who, at the time of retirement from service, has in effect life insurance provided for as a benefit of his or her employment, shall, after retirement, be entitled to keep the policy of life insurance in effect by paying to the municipality the annual premium. The policy of insurance shall remain in effect so long as the member continues to make annual payments.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-50-5.1 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-50 / Section 45-50-5.1
§ 45-50-5.1. Compliance with laws and contractual obligations.
Status: in_force

The authority and its members are under a statutory duty to comply or to cause compliance strictly with all provisions of this title and the laws of the state, and in addition thereto, with each and every term, provision, and covenant in any contract of the authority on its part to be kept or performed.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-25-28 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-25 / Section 45-25-28
§ 45-25-28. Authority tax exempt.
Status: in_force

An authority is exempt from the payment of any taxes or fees to the state or any subdivision of the state or to any officer or employee of the state or subdivision of the state.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-65-3 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-65 / Section 45-65-3
§ 45-65-3. Legislative findings.
Status: in_force

It is the intention of the general assembly to begin the process of ensuring the sustainability of locally administered pension plans and to advance and maintain the long-term stability of such plans. The general assembly finds and declares that:

(1) Rhode Island law authorizes and empowers municipalities to administer their own municipal pension plans; currently, there are thirty-six (36) such plans administered by twenty-four (24) municipalities.

(2) According to a report by the Office of the Auditor General entitled Pension and OPEB Plans Administered by Rhode Island Municipalities (September 2011): Many municipal pension plans are severely underfunded which presents the risk that sufficient funds will not be available to meet promised benefits to retirees. It also undermines the overall fiscal health of the plans sponsor.

(3) It is in the best interests of individual employees, taxpayers, municipalities and the state itself to maintain viable and sustainable municipal public pension plans. These interests include:

Preserving a level of pension benefits that is, over the long term, reasonable for current and retired municipal employees and affordable for taxpayers;

Avoiding significant and unanticipated retirement benefit reductions, which could cause an increase in poverty among retired municipal employees and a resulting strain on state social services;

Maintaining investments in infrastructure and education on the state and local levels in lieu of diverting critical resources to satisfy pension obligations;

Preventing the financial downgrade of municipalities by rating agencies as a result of unfunded pension obligations, which would make it more difficult to access the capital markets and increase the costs of borrowing;

Encouraging rating agencies, in recognition of the states proactive approach toward financial discipline, to take positive credit actions on Rhode Island municipal bonds; and

Creating a more stable and well-managed environment in Rhode Island to attract new businesses and maintain and expand existing businesses, which will diminish the uncertainty and fiscal instability that accompany uncontrolled pension obligations.

(4) The first step in ensuring the viability and sustainability of local pension plans is to get an accurate analysis of the current condition and fiscal health of the individual plans.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-21-45 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-21 / Section 45-21-45
§ 45-21-45. Tax exemption.
Status: in_force

The right of a member or beneficiary to a pension, an annuity, a retirement allowance, to the return of contributions, any benefit or right accrued or accruing to any person under the provisions of this chapter, and the moneys of the retirement system created under this chapter, are exempt from any municipal tax or state tax except for the personal income tax imposed under the provisions of chapter 30 of title 44.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-3-22 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-3 / Section 45-3-22
§ 45-3-22. Record of proceedings as evidence  Certificate of clerk.
Status: in_force

A copy of the record of the proceedings of any town meeting, certified by the town clerk, is evidence of any act or vote of the town in town meeting assembled, and the certificate of the town clerk that no town meeting was held to consider any subject in the certificate mentioned, or that no vote of the town was taken upon the subject, is evidence of the fact, stated in the record of the proceedings.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-67-4 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-67 / Section 45-67-4
§ 45-67-4. Block Island utility district established.
Status: in_force

(a) There is hereby created a quasi-municipal corporation, having a distinct legal existence from the state, to be known as the Block Island utility district, the boundaries of which shall be coterminous with the boundaries of New Shoreham, Rhode Island. The utility district shall have and be entitled to exercise the powers, rights, and functions set forth in this chapter. Notwithstanding any other provision of these general laws or of any regulation, ordinance, rules or requirements promulgated thereunder to the contrary, upon the creation of the utility district, all rights, obligations, and duties under contracts and agreements to which BIPCo is a party that are assumed by or transferred to the utility district shall not be affected, modified, limited, or altered as a result of such assumption or transfer and shall be assumed, performed, and be fully enforceable by and against the utility district.

(b) In the event that BIPCo and the utility district are unable to agree on the price, terms and conditions of such sale of personal property and assumption of such obligations, then BIPCo shall continue as the electric utility servicing the utility service area, and the Block Island utility district shall not function as an electric utility.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-2-47 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-2 / Section 45-2-47
§ 45-2-47. Town of Warren  Municipal court  Municipal housing court.
Status: in_force

(a) The town council of the town of Warren 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 superior court and be entitled in the latter court to a trial de novo.

(b) The town council of the town of Warren 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 Warren 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 Warren 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 Warren 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 town council of the town of Warren is authorized and empowered to appoint a judge and clerk of the municipal court. The town council of the town of Warren 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 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; 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 § 45-21-31 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-21 / Section 45-21-31
§ 45-21-31. Offset of workers compensation or personal injury recovery.
Status: in_force

Any amounts paid or payable under the provisions of any workers compensation law, exclusive of Medicare set aside allocation, specific compensation benefits or any benefits due pursuant to the terms of a collective bargaining agreement or as the result of any action for damages for personal injuries against the municipality by which the member was employed, on account of death or disability of a member occurring while in the performance of duty, are offset against and payable in lieu of any benefits payable out of funds provided by the municipality under the provisions of this chapter on account of the death or disability of the member. If the value of the total commuted benefits under any workers compensation law or action is less than the actuarial reserve on the benefits otherwise payable from funds provided by the municipality under this chapter, the value of the commuted payments is deducted from the actuarial reserve, and the benefits that may be provided by the actuarial reserve so reduced are payable under the provisions of this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-50-15 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-50 / Section 45-50-15
§ 45-50-15. Trust agreements.
Status: in_force

In the discretion of the authority, any bonds issued under the provisions of this chapter may be secured by a trust agreement by and between the authority and a corporate trustee, which may be any trust company or bank having the powers of a trust company within or without the state. The trust agreement or the resolution providing for the issuance of the bonds may pledge or assign the revenues to be received, and may convey or mortgage or grant a security interest in any project or any part of it or any combination of projects or parts of them. The trust agreement or resolution providing for the issuance of the bonds may contain provisions for protecting and enforcing the rights and remedies of the bondholders or noteholders as may be reasonable and proper and not in violation of law, including covenants stating the duties of the authority in relation to the acquisition of property and the construction, improvement, maintenance, repair, operation, and insurance of the project or projects in connection with which the bonds have been authorized, the custody, safeguarding, and application of all moneys, and conditions or limitations with respect to the issuance of additional bonds. It is lawful for any bank or trust company incorporated under the laws of the state which may act as depository of the proceeds of bonds or of revenues to furnish indemnifying bonds or to pledge securities as may be required by the authority. Any trust agreement may state the rights and remedies of the bondholders and of the trustee, and may restrict the individual right of action by bondholders. In addition to the preceding, any trust agreement or resolution may contain any other provisions that the authority may deem reasonable and proper for the security of the bondholders. All expenses incurred in carrying out the provisions of the trust agreement or resolution may be treated as a part of the authoritys cost of operation and maintenance.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-9-22 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-9 / Section 45-9-22
§ 45-9-22. Indemnification.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the state shall indemnify, exonerate, defend, and hold harmless the director of the department of revenue and any fiscal overseer, budget commission member, receiver, or administration and finance officer, and any managerial, professional, or clerical staff hired, retained, or employed by the director of the department of revenue, or any fiscal overseer, budget and review commission, receiver, or administration and finance officer under this chapter, from all loss, cost, expense, and damage, including legal fees and court costs, if any, arising out of any contract, claim, action, compromise, settlement, or judgment by reason of any intentional tort or by reason of any alleged error or misstatement or action or omission, or neglect or violation of the rights of any person under any federal or state law, arising out of, or relating to, actions taken or omitted by such person under this chapter, except in the case of intentional malfeasance, malicious conduct, or gross negligence. The costs of such indemnity and defense shall be paid for solely from amounts available in the citys, towns, or fire districts general fund, from amounts appropriated by the general assembly for such purposes, or from other available funds to the extent permitted by law.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-2-31.1 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-2 / Section 45-2-31.1
§ 45-2-31.1. Business registration fee  Town of Johnston.
Status: in_force

(a) Each business including, but not limited to, wholesale, retail, commercial, professional service or manufacturing whether by sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations or any business entity shall register their business, company, trade or office situated in the town of Johnston 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, the type of business to be conducted and other basic information.

(b) There shall be a fee for each registration. The registration fee shall be set by town council ordinance.

(c) Upon registration of a business, 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. Every registration certificate shall expire the 31st day in May and shall be renewed annually upon payment of the required 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.

(d) Any business required to obtain a liquor, victualling or any other license to operate under any other section of the general laws shall be exempt from the requirement of this statute.

(e) 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 inure to the town and each day that the violation continues shall be deemed to constitute a separate offense.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-24-32 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-24 / Section 45-24-32
§ 45-24-32. Contents of zoning ordinances.
Status: in_force

The zoning ordinance consists of the ordinance and other text, together with all charts, graphs, and other explanatory material, and the zoning map together with any explanatory matter shown on the ordinance. All municipal zoning ordinances shall include at a minimum the following provisions listed below and further described in this chapter:

(1) A statement of purpose and consistency with the comprehensive plan;

(2) Definitions;

(3) General provisions;

(4) Special provisions;

(5) Procedures for the adoption of the ordinance or amendments;

(6) Procedures for the administration of the ordinance or amendments;

(7) Procedures for the appeal of the ordinance or amendments; and

(8) A zoning map and supporting documentation.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-58-5 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-58 / Section 45-58-5
§ 45-58-5. Board of utility commissioners of the Pascoag utility district established.
Status: in_force

There is hereby created a board to be known as the board of utility commissioners of the Pascoag utility district. The powers of the utility district as set forth in this chapter, or conferred on the utility district by operation of this chapter, shall be vested in and exercised by a majority of the members of the board of utility commissioners then in office; provided, however, that the board of utility commissioners in its discretion may delegate executive functions to general managers, by resolution, rule or otherwise.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-55-10 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-55 / Section 45-55-10
§ 45-55-10. Cancellation of invitation for bids and requests for proposals.
Status: in_force

An invitation for bids, a request for proposals, or other solicitation may be cancelled, or all bids or proposals rejected, if it is determined, in writing, that action if taken is not in the best interest of the municipality and approved by the chief purchasing officer.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-44-12 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-44 / Section 45-44-12
§ 45-44-12. Use of other agencies.
Status: in_force

The homestead board is empowered to utilize the aid and assistance of other relevant city or town agencies in the furtherance of the duties and responsibilities of the board.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-49-3 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-49 / Section 45-49-3
§ 45-49-3. School age child care grant program.
Status: in_force

(a) The department of human services shall provide grants to assist in the planning, establishment, operation, or expansion of school age child care programs; and the state controller is authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of sums or portions thereof as may be required from time to time upon the receipt by him or her of properly authenticated vouchers.

(b) Grants under this section may be made to school committees, regional school districts, any appropriate office, board, or agency of municipal government, and public or private nonprofit agencies.

(c) The maximum total of a grant under this section to any grantee is thirty thousand dollars ($30,000).

(d) In order to obtain a grant, the applicant must:

(1) Demonstrate the municipalitys need for a school age child care program;

(2) Demonstrate that at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the cost of the proposed program will be contributed, either in cash or in kind, by public or private resources within the municipality; and

(3) Demonstrate that the municipality has established, by appropriate legislative or executive action, a school age child care advisory development committee, which shall assist in the planning and development of the proposed program and which shall include parents, child care providers, representatives of the school system, and representatives of municipal government.

(e) The department of human services shall adopt rules and regulations that are necessary and appropriate to carry out the purposes of this section. Until a time that the department of human services adopts rules and regulations, the rules and regulations promulgated by the department of children, youth and families prior to July 1, 1990, during its administration of this chapter shall continue in full force and effect, and the rules and regulations shall be administered by the department of human services until revoked, amended, or republished by the department of human services in accordance with chapter 35 of title 42.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-50-31 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-50 / Section 45-50-31
§ 45-50-31. Severability.
Status: in_force

The provisions of this chapter are severable, and if any of its provisions are held unconstitutional or invalid for any other reason by any court of competent jurisdiction, the decision of the court shall not affect or impair any of the remaining provisions. In carrying out the purposes and provisions of this chapter, all steps shall be taken which are necessary to meet constitutional requirements whether or not the steps are required by this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-24-72 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-24 / Section 45-24-72
§ 45-24-72. Severability.
Status: in_force

If any provision of this chapter or any rule, regulation, or determination made under this chapter, or the application to any person, agency, or circumstance, 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 thereby. 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 § 45-54-22 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-54 / Section 45-54-22
§ 45-54-22. Annual report and audit.
Status: in_force

Within one hundred twenty (120) days from the close of its fiscal year, the corporation shall make an annual report to the chief executive officer and legislative body of the municipality of its activities for the preceding fiscal year. Each report shall present a complete operating and financial statement covering its operations during the year. The corporation shall cause an annual audit of the books, records, and accounts of the corporation to be made and the costs shall be treated as a part of the cost of operation.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-2-70 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-2 / Section 45-2-70
§ 45-2-70. Reimbursement of public safety training expenses.
Status: in_force

(a) Any law enforcement agency, fire department, fire district, or emergency medical services organization within the state that hires a public safety employee (including law enforcement officers, firefighters, or emergency medical personnel) from another municipality or fire district within the state shall, upon hiring such personnel, reimburse the original employing municipality or fire district for the cost of training and equipping the employee, provided these costs were incurred within three (3) years of the employees hire.

(b) Reimbursable expenses shall include, but are not limited to:

(1) Costs for basic and specialized training programs;

(2) Uniforms, personal protective equipment, and other non-reusable items;

(3) Equipment and materials directly provided during the training period; and

(4) A prorated portion of the base salary and benefits paid during the training academy period.

(c) The reimbursing organization shall notify the original employing municipality or fire district within ten (10) days of the employees hire. The original employer shall provide an itemized statement of reimbursable costs within thirty (30) days of notification. Payment must be made within one hundred twenty (120) days of receipt of the itemized claim.

(d) Reimbursement percentages are determined based on the time elapsed since the completion of training:

(1) One hundred percent (100%) reimbursement for hires made within one year of training academy completion;

(2) Seventy-five percent (75%) reimbursement for hires between one and two (2) years after training academy completion;

(3) Fifty percent (50%) reimbursement for hires between two (2) and three (3) years after training academy completion.

(e) This section supersedes any conflicting municipal policies, resolutions, charter provisions or bylaws, or ordinances.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-6-6 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-6 / Section 45-6-6
§ 45-6-6. Offenses punishable by state law.
Status: in_force

No ordinance or regulation, made by a town council, shall impose or at any time be construed to continue to impose, any penalty for the commission or omission of any act punishable as a crime, misdemeanor, or offense, by the statute law of the state.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-48-1 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-48 / Section 45-48-1
§ 45-48-1. Creation  Corporate powers.
Status: in_force

(a) There is created a special water district to be known as the Nasonville water district. The district shall consist of the area bounded by the following: Beginning at the point of the intersection of Douglas Pike (Route 7) and the North Smithfield/Burrillville town line in a generally northerly direction to the mouth of the Slatersville reservoir; then following a generally westerly direction along the contours of the reservoir; and those lots abutting the southeasterly corner of the Slatersville reservoir commonly known as tax assessors plat 43, lots 42B, 59, 42X, 55, 42W, 42T, 42, 42Q, 45B, 45, 42A, 42U, 43, 44, and 42R; then following the southwestern border of tax assessors plat 43, lots 42R and 56 in an easterly direction until intersecting the northwestern corner of lot 42P, following the northwestern boundary line of lot 42P; then continuing in a generally southwesterly direction and continuing along the western boundaries of tax assessors plat 43, lots 42C, 42K, and 63; then proceeding in a more southerly direction following the western boundary of lot 73 until intersecting the northern boundary of lot 68; then at that intersection following the northern boundaries of lots 68 and 72; then continuing in a westerly direction along Gig Road to the northwest corner of lot 36; then following the western boundary of lot 36 and continuing in a westerly direction along the western boundary of lot 36A until intersecting with Douglas Pike (Route 7); then following Douglas Pike in an easterly direction to the point of beginning. The area within the boundaries described in this section shall be known as the Nasonville water district.

(b) The district may have a common seal, sue and be sued, and enjoy the other powers generally incident to a corporation.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-59-10 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-59 / Section 45-59-10
§ 45-59-10. Powers of authority.
Status: in_force

Except as its powers may be limited by the petition, the district management authority will have the power:

(1) To have perpetual succession unless a limited period of duration is stated in the petition;

(2) To sue and be sued, complain and defend, in its corporate name;

(3) To have a corporate seal which may be altered at pleasure, and to use the seal by causing it, or a facsimile of the seal, to be impressed or affixed or in any other manner reproduced;

(4) To purchase, take, receive, lease, take by gift, devise or bequest, or otherwise acquire, own, hold, improve, use and otherwise deal in and with real or personal property or any interest in property, wherever situated, and without restriction as to amount;

(5) To sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, transfer and otherwise dispose of all or any part of its property and assets;

(6) To purchase, take, receive, subscribe for, or otherwise acquire, own, hold, vote, use, employ, sell, mortgage, lend, pledge or otherwise dispose of, and otherwise use and deal in and with, shares or other interests in, or obligations of domestic or foreign corporations, whether for profit or not for profit, limited liability companies, associations, partnerships or individuals, or direct or indirect obligations of the United States, or of any other government, state, territory, governmental district or municipality or of any instrumentality thereof;

(7) To make contracts and guarantees and incur liabilities, borrow money, for periods of three (3) years or less, at such rates of interest as the district management authority may determine, issue its notes and other obligations, guarantee debts and secure any of its obligations by mortgage or pledge of all or any of its property, assets and income;

(8) To lend money for its purposes, invest and reinvest its funds, and to take and hold real and personal property as security for the payments of funds so loaned or invested;

(9) To elect or appoint officers and agents of the district management authority and to define their duties and fix their compensation;

(10) To make and alter bylaws, not inconsistent with the petition or with the laws of this state, for the administration and regulation of the affairs of the district management authority;

(11) To accept grants or funds from the state and from nonprofit corporations;

(12) To have and exercise all other powers necessary or convenient to effect any or all of the purposes for which the district management authority is created.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-9-8 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-9 / Section 45-9-8
§ 45-9-8. Appointment of receiver in a fiscal emergency.
Status: in_force

In the event the director of revenue determines, in consultation with the auditor general, that a city, town, or fire district is facing a fiscal emergency and that circumstances do not allow for appointment of a fiscal overseer or a budget commission prior to the appointment of a receiver, the director of revenue may appoint a receiver without having first appointed a fiscal overseer or a budget commission.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-25-29 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-25 / Section 45-25-29
§ 45-25-29. Bonds and mortgages tax exempt.
Status: in_force

Bonds and mortgages of an authority are declared to be issued for a public purpose and to be public instrumentalities, and together with interest, are exempt from tax.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-7-1 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-7 / Section 45-7-1
§ 45-7-1. Clerks bond.
Status: in_force

Every town clerk shall, within thirty (30) days of the time of being sworn into office, give bond to the town treasurer of the town, with sufficient surety, in the sum that the town council prescribes, conditioned for the faithful performance of the duties of the clerks office.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-54-13 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-54 / Section 45-54-13
§ 45-54-13. Trust funds.
Status: in_force

All moneys received pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, whether as proceeds from the sale of bonds or as revenues, are deemed to be trust funds, to be held and applied as may be provided in the resolution authorizing the issuance of the bonds or the trust agreement securing the bonds. The corporation shall, in the resolution authorizing the bonds or in the trust agreement securing the bonds, provide for the payment of the proceeds of the sale of the bonds and the revenues to be received to a trustee, which is any trust company or bank having the powers of a trust company within or without the state, which acts as trustee of the bonds, and holds and applies the funds to the purposes of this chapter, subject to regulations that this chapter and the resolution or trust agreement may provide.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-16-6 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-16 / Section 45-16-6
§ 45-16-6. Aid and assistance in execution of office.
Status: in_force

Every town sergeant and town constable, in the due execution of his or her office, may command all necessary aid and assistance in the execution of his or her office; and every person who, when so required, refuses or neglects to give aid and assistance, shall be fined not exceeding twenty dollars ($20.00).
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-2-19 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-2 / Section 45-2-19
§ 45-2-19. City of Warwick  Municipal court.
Status: in_force

(a) The city council of the city of Warwick 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 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, that any defendant found guilty of any offense, excluding violations of the minimum housing ordinances or chapter 24.3 within the jurisdiction of the court, may, within five (5) days of the 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, that any defendant found guilty of any violation of a minimum housing ordinance, or of chapter 24.3, may, within five (5) days of the conviction, file an appeal from the conviction to the third 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 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;

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

(4) To utilize and apply the provisions set forth in chapter 44 of title 34 (Abandoned Property).

(c) The mayor of the city is authorized and empowered to appoint a judge of the municipal court with the advice and consent of the city or town council. The city council is authorized and empowered to enact ordinances governing the operation and procedure to be followed in the court and to establish a schedule of fees and costs. 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 municipal court may also order the destruction of any vehicle impounded in accordance with any ordinance enacted pursuant to § 31-12-12(c). The court is empowered to administer oaths, compel the attendance of witnesses, and punish persons for contempt.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-54-14 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-54 / Section 45-54-14
§ 45-54-14. Remedies.
Status: in_force

Any holder of bonds issued under the provisions of this chapter, or of any of the coupons appertaining to the bonds, and the trustee under the trust agreement or the resolution, except to the extent the rights given by this chapter may be restricted by the trust agreement or the resolution, may, by civil action, mandamus, or other proceeding, protect and enforce any and all rights under the laws of the state or granted under this chapter, or under the trust agreement or the resolution authorizing the issuance of the bonds, and may enforce and compel the performance of all duties required by this chapter or by the trust agreement or resolution to be performed by the corporation or by any officer of the corporation, including the fixing, charging, and collection of fees, rentals, and other charges.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-2-20 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-2 / Section 45-2-20
§ 45-2-20. Town of Coventry  Establishment of a senior citizens board.
Status: in_force

(a) There is hereby created in the town of Coventry a senior citizens board.

(b) The senior citizens board is responsible for the administration of programs for senior citizens and the operation of senior citizens centers.

(c) The senior citizens board consists of nine (9) members, six (6) of which represent senior citizens groups and three (3) of which shall represent the general public, and are appointed on a non-partisan basis by the town council of the town of Coventry.

(d) The term of office of the members of the senior citizens board shall be for a period of two (2) years; provided, that the initial appointment of two (2) of the members representing senior citizens groups and one of the members representing the general public shall be for a one-year term and two (2) years thereafter.

(e) The senior citizens board has the power to hire and fire its employees with exception of the director.

(f) A director is appointed by the town council from a list of three (3) names submitted by the senior citizens board.

(g) The senior citizens board shall submit a proposed budget to the town council of the town of Coventry for appropriation and the senior citizens board is responsible for the expenditure of funds appropriated to it by the town council of the town of Coventry.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-25-35.1 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-25 / Section 45-25-35.1
§ 45-25-35.1. Powers of authority.
Status: in_force

The authority:

(1) May participate in any state or federal programs of low and moderate income housing assistance and community development; and

(2) For this purpose may:

(i) Enter into and perform a contract or agreement with the state, the United States, or a federal agency;

(ii) Develop or operate a housing project if approval by ordinance or resolution is obtained from the governing body and chief elected official of the local jurisdiction where the housing project is located;

(iii) Act as a public housing agency within the meaning of the federal law and as an authority within the meaning of state law; and

(iv) Do anything necessary or convenient for its participation.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-15-4 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-15 / Section 45-15-4
§ 45-15-4. Prosecutions by director of public welfare.
Status: in_force

The director of public welfare of any town or city, or any officer in any town or city, performing the duties of the director of public welfare, may prosecute any person violating the provisions of any law, when given authority by law or ordinance to so prosecute. Whenever any prosecution takes place the director of public welfare is not required to give surety for the payment of costs.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-6-2.2 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-6 / Section 45-6-2.2
§ 45-6-2.2. Imposition of penalty for illegal dumping or malicious damage to street lights in the city of Warwick.
Status: in_force

(a) The city of Warwick may impose penalties for each violation of chapter 8 of the compiled ordinances of the city of Warwick not exceeding the sum of six hundred dollars ($600), or by imprisonment of not more than six (6) months in jail or in a house of correction, unless the penalties are provided for otherwise by statute. All fines that are recovered shall inure to the benefit of the city of Warwick.

(b) The city of Warwick may by ordinance impose a penalty that those persons who are found guilty of malicious damage to street lights in the city shall, in addition to any other penalty imposed by a court, have imposed on them a fine equivalent to the replacement cost and labor charges of those street lights. However, in no case shall the fine imposed exceed five hundred dollars ($500).
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-58-4 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-58 / Section 45-58-4
§ 45-58-4. Pascoag utility district established.
Status: in_force

There is hereby created a quasi-municipal corporation, district and political subdivision of the state, to be known as the Pascoag utility district, the boundaries of which shall be coterminous with the boundaries of the utility service area of the Pascoag fire district, as established under the act passed at the May session 1887, entitled An Act to Incorporate the Pascoag Fire District as thereafter amended and supplemented from time to time and such other areas as provided for by this chapter. The utility district shall, upon April 4, 2001, have and succeed to the utility powers and functions heretofore held and exercised by the Pascoag fire district, and shall further have and be entitled to exercise the additional powers, rights and functions set forth in this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-33-2 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-33 / Section 45-33-2
§ 45-33-2. Bonds of city or town.
Status: in_force

(a) The legislative body may also authorize the issuance of general obligation or revenue bonds to provide moneys to be used by the agency to carry out a redevelopment plan for a specific project area or for code enforcement projects carried on pursuant to the provision of appropriate federal legislation, and shall provide that any portion of the proceeds of the sale of the bonds, not required to carry out the redevelopment plan or code enforcement projects, shall be returned to the community and used to pay the principal and interest on any outstanding bonds of that issue, and any surplus then remaining shall be transferred to the bond redemption fund of the community.

(b) The bonds shall be issued and sold at times, in amounts, with maturities and other terms, and in a form that the legislative body determines. Irrespective of any limitation, by general or special law, as to the amount of the bonds which may be issued, a community may issue the bonds, for the purposes defined by this section, in excess of the limitation in the amount as may be approved by the voters of the community at any general or special election, and all bonds issued under this section are exempted from the operation of § 45-12-2. The community shall annually appropriate a sum sufficient to pay the interest upon its outstanding general obligation bonds issued under the authority of this section, and also to pay the principal of the bonds maturing in that year, until the bonds are paid in full. This section constitutes statutory approval for the incurring of debt for the purposes of chapters 31  33 of this title, wherever that approval is required by any general or special law.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-29-20 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-29 / Section 45-29-20
§ 45-29-20. Notice of hearing on property taken by city.
Status: in_force

Upon the filing in the office of the clerk of the superior court of the description, plat, and statement referred to in § 45-29-19, the court shall enter an order fixing the time when, and the place where, all persons interested in the land or any interest or estate in the land, in the description, plat, or statement set forth, may appear before the court and be heard with reference to the taking of the land, (but not later than fifteen (15) days from the filing), and the hearing shall take precedence over all other civil matters pending before the court, or if the superior court not in session in that county, in the superior court for the counties of Providence and Bristol. The clerk of the court for the county in which the land lies, shall then issue notice directed to the persons interested in the land or any interest or estate in it, containing a summary in substance of the description, plat, and statement so filed and a copy of the court order, all of which shall be served by publication for a time and in a newspaper or newspapers that the court prescribes, and in any other manner that the court may direct.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-25-18.9 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-25 / Section 45-25-18.9
§ 45-25-18.9. Severability.
Status: in_force

If any section, subsection, clause, sentence, paragraph, or any part thereof, is for any reason adjudged invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of any section or any part of a section shall not be affected by the judgment.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-2-55 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-2 / Section 45-2-55
§ 45-2-55. Town of North Kingstown  Municipal Court.
Status: in_force

(a) The town council of the town of North Kingstown 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, but not limited to, municipal code violations, animal regulation violations, minimum housing ordinances of the town, any violation of the provisions of chapter 24.3 of this title, entitled the Rhode Island Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Code and, if, but only if, jurisdiction is specifically conferred by a vote of the town council, traffic and parking violations; provided, however, that any defendant found guilty of any offense, excluding violations of the minimum housing ordinances or chapter 24.3 within the jurisdiction of the court, may within seven (7) days of the 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 second division of the district court and be entitled to a trial de novo in accordance with subdivision 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 North Kingstown is authorized and empowered to appoint a judge of the municipal court. The judge shall serve for a term of two (2) years, or concurrent with the term of each appointing council. 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 sentences not to exceed thirty (30) days in jail and impose fines 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 authorize and execute search warrants to the extent the warrants could be authorized and executed by a justice of the district court.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-27-6 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-27 / Section 45-27-6
§ 45-27-6. Continuing validity of signatures of officers.
Status: in_force

In case any of the officers whose signatures appear on any bonds or coupons cease to be officers before the delivery of the bonds, their signatures shall, nevertheless, be valid and sufficient for all purposes, the same as if they had remained in office until the delivery.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-24-61 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-24 / Section 45-24-61
§ 45-24-61. Administration  Decisions and records of zoning board of review.
Status: in_force

(a) Following a public hearing, the zoning board of review shall render a decision within fifteen (15) days. The zoning board of review shall include in its decision all findings of fact and conditions, showing the vote of each participating member, and the absence of a member or his or her failure to vote. Decisions shall be recorded and filed in the office of the city or town clerk within thirty (30) days from the date when the decision was rendered, and is a public record. The zoning board of review shall keep written minutes of its proceedings, showing the vote of each member upon each question, or, if absent or failing to vote, indicating that fact, and shall keep records of its examinations, findings of fact, and other official actions, all of which shall be recorded and filed in the office of the zoning board of review in an expeditious manner upon completion of the proceeding. For any proceeding in which the right of appeal lies to the superior or supreme court, the zoning board of review shall have the minutes taken either by a competent stenographer or recorded by a sound-recording device.

(b) Any decision by the zoning board of review, including any special conditions attached to the decision, shall be mailed within one business day of recording, by any method that provides confirmation of receipt to the applicant, to any objector who has filed a written request for notice with the zoning enforcement officer, and to the zoning enforcement officer of the city or town. Any decision evidencing the granting of a variance, modification, or special use shall also be recorded in the land evidence records of the city or town and mailed within one business day of recording, by any method that provides confirmation of receipt, to the applicant, to any objector who has filed a written request for notice with the zoning enforcement officer, and to the zoning officer. A copy of the recorded decision shall be mailed within one business day of recording, by any method that provides confirmation of receipt, to the applicant, and to any objector who has filed a written request for notice with the zoning enforcement officer, as well as a copy to the zoning enforcement officer.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-25-1 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-25 / Section 45-25-1
§ 45-25-1. Short title.
Status: in_force

Chapters 25  27 of this title may be referred to as the Housing Authorities Law.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-25-18.4 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-25 / Section 45-25-18.4
§ 45-25-18.4. Appointment of membership  Meetings  Rules  Quorum.
Status: in_force

The board shall be organized initially by the members appointed by the mayor or council. Elections of tenant members shall be completed and the first organizational meeting held within ninety (90) days after April 12, 1968. The board shall meet thereafter not less than once each month and at other times as the demands of business require. The board shall adopt its own rules of procedure and keep a record of its proceedings. A majority of the members constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business. Clerical and secretarial staff are supplied by the local housing authority.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-28-3 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-28 / Section 45-28-3
§ 45-28-3. Taking of real property for authority.
Status: in_force

Any city or town may take real property located in it for a housing authority exercising its powers in the city or town, and the taking (and the conveyance of the property to the housing authority) shall be in the manner provided in §§ 45-29-13  45-29-32; provided, that in the case of a taking by a town, the functions prescribed in these sections for officers of a city shall be performed by the town council.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-12-32 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-12 / Section 45-12-32
§ 45-12-32. Inability to pay interest or principal of bonds, notes or certificates of indebtedness  Notice  Certification to general treasurer  Payment by general treasurer.
Status: in_force

(a) If it appears to the treasurer or finance director of a city, town or district, including a regional school district, that the city, town or district is, or is likely to be, unable to pay in whole or in part the principal or interest, or both, on any of its bonds, notes or certificates of indebtedness when due, the treasurer or finance director shall forthwith notify the city manager, town manager, town administrator or mayor, the city council or town council, the regional district school committee in a regional school district, or the board of any other type of district, of the inability or likely inability. If the city manager, town manager, town administrator, mayor, town council or city council, committee or board, whether or not so notified, finds upon investigation that the payment cannot or is not likely to be made when due, he, she or they shall certify the inability or likely inability to the director of revenue. Upon receipt of the certificate, the director of revenue shall immediately investigate the circumstances and, if the director finds that the city, town or district is, or in the directors opinion will be, unable to make the payment when due, the director shall forthwith certify the inability, the amount of the due or overdue payment and the name of the paying agent for the bonds, notes or certificates of indebtedness to the general treasurer.

(b) Notwithstanding any provision of general or special law or any rules or regulations with respect to the timing of payment of state aid payments, not later than three (3) days after receipt of the certification from the director of revenue or one business day prior to the date on which the principal or interest, or both, becomes due, whichever is later, the general treasurer shall pay to the paying agent the amount of the due or overdue payment certified to him/her to the extent of the sums otherwise then payable and the sums estimated to become payable during the remainder of the fiscal year, from the treasury, to the city, town or district.

(c) The amounts so paid to the paying agent shall be in trust and shall be exempt from being levied upon, taken, sequestered or applied for any purpose other than paying principal or interest, or both, on bonds, notes or certificates of indebtedness of the city, town or district.

(d) Any amounts paid by the general treasurer under the provisions of this section, together with all costs accruing to the state as a result of actions undertaken pursuant to this section, including administrative costs as well as loss of interest income, shall be charged against the amounts otherwise payable or becoming payable from the treasury to the city, town or district.

(e) For purposes of this section, the sums otherwise payable from the treasury to a city or town shall be the funds made available to cities and towns:

(1) As state aid pursuant to chapter 13 of this title, but specifically excluding reimbursements to cities and towns for the cost of state mandates pursuant to § 45-13-9;

(2) As school housing aid pursuant to §§ 16-7-35  16-7-47, but subject to any pledge to bonds issued to finance school projects by the Rhode Island health and educational building corporation, and specifically excluding school operations aid provided for in §§ 16-7-15  16-7-34.3;

(3) In replacement of motor vehicle and trailer excise taxes pursuant to chapter 34.1 of title 44;

(4) From the public service corporation tax pursuant to chapter 13 of title 44; and

(5) From the local meal and beverage tax pursuant to § 44-18-18.1 and the hotel tax pursuant to § 44-18-36.1; and

(6) Pursuant to all acts supplementing such chapters listed in subdivisions (1)  (5) above or pursuant to any other law hereafter enacted providing for funds to municipalities in lieu of or in substitution for the funds provided pursuant to acts supplementing such chapters listed in (1)  (5).
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-29-27 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-29 / Section 45-29-27
§ 45-29-27. Deposits to cover disputed title.
Status: in_force

If there is any dispute to the title of any lands or interests or estates in them taken under the provisions of §§ 45-29-13  45-29-32 or as to the persons entitled to receive the damages awarded for the taking, or the person entitled to receive the damages is unascertained or not in being, the city may pay the damages into the registry of the court, before which the proceedings are pending, with the same effect as to the title of the city to the lands or interests or estates in them as though the damages had been paid to the person or persons entitled to receive the damages. These sums shall be held in the registry of the court, subject to its further order upon proper application as justice may require.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-61-2 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-61 / Section 45-61-2
§ 45-61-2. Legislative findings.
Status: in_force

The general assembly hereby recognizes and declares that:

(1) The general assembly finds that stormwater, when not properly controlled and treated, causes pollution of the waters of the state, threatens public health, and damages property. Stormwater carries pollutants and other material from the land  such as human and animal waste, oil, gasoline, grease, fertilizers, nutrients, and sediments  into rivers, streams, ponds, coves, drinking water aquifers, and Narragansett Bay. Stormwater reaches the states waters by streets, roads, lawns, and other means. As a result, public use of the natural resources of state for drinking water, swimming, fishing, shellfishing, and other forms of recreation is limited and in some cases prohibited.

(2) The general assembly further finds that inattention to stormwater management results in erosion of soils and destruction of both public and private property, thereby putting public safety at risk and harming property values and uses, including agriculture and industry. Therefore, to help alleviate existing and future degradation of the states waters and the associated risks to public health and safety, and to comply with state and federal stormwater management requirements, stormwater conveyance systems must be maintained and improved. The state of Rhode Island is delegated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency to implement Phase II stormwater management regulations, which require municipalities and other persons to increase their capacity to control stormwater. The Department of Environmental Managements Pollution Discharge Elimination System program has promulgated these regulations.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-50-26 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-50 / Section 45-50-26
§ 45-50-26. Annual report and audit.
Status: in_force

Within one hundred twenty (120) days from the close of its fiscal year, the authority shall make an annual report to the chief executive officer and legislative body of the municipality of its activities for the preceding fiscal year. Each report shall present a complete operating and financial statement covering its operations during the year. The authority shall cause an annual audit of the books, records, and accounts of the authority to be made, and the costs shall be treated as a part of the cost of operation.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-3-10 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-3 / Section 45-3-10
§ 45-3-10. Meeting to elect clerk to fill vacancy.
Status: in_force

Whenever any town clerk is removed by death or otherwise, and the town council under §§ 45-4-16 and 45-5-6 fails to act to fill the vacancy, the town treasurer of the town shall issue his or her warrant to warn the electors to assemble in town meeting, to choose a town clerk in the room of him or her so removed, which warrant shall be directed as provided in § 45-3-8.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-31-23 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-31 / Section 45-31-23
§ 45-31-23. Real property exempt from process.
Status: in_force

All real property of an agency is exempt from levy and sale by virtue of an execution, except as provided by §§ 45-32-24  45-32-39 and §§ 45-33-5  45-33-15 and no execution or other judicial process shall issue against the real property of the agency, nor any judgment against an agency be a charge or lien upon its real property; provided, that the provisions of this section do not apply to or limit the right of obligees to foreclose or otherwise enforce any mortgage, deed of trust, or other encumbrance of an agency or the right of any obligee to pursue any remedies for the enforcement of any pledge or lien given by an agency on its rents, fees, or revenues.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-50-17 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-50 / Section 45-50-17
§ 45-50-17. Trust funds.
Status: in_force

All moneys received pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, whether as proceeds from the sale of bonds or as revenues, are deemed to be trust funds to be held and applied as may be provided in the resolution authorizing the issuance of the bonds or the trust agreement securing the bonds. The authority shall, in the resolution authorizing the bonds or in the trust agreement securing the bonds, provide for the payment of the proceeds of the sale of the bonds and the revenues to be received to a trustee, which is any trust company or bank having the powers of a trust company within or without the state, which acts as trustee of the funds and holds and applies the funds to the purposes of this chapter, subject to regulations that this chapter and the resolution or trust agreement may provide.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-9-12 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-9 / Section 45-9-12
§ 45-9-12. Conflicts with other laws.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, unless otherwise specified, the provisions of this chapter shall supersede any conflicting provisions of the citys, towns, or fire districts charter, local ordinance, rule or regulation.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-9-2 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-9 / Section 45-9-2
§ 45-9-2. Definitions.
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, the following words shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the following meanings:

(1) Budget commission means the budget and review commission established under §§ 45-9-5 and 45-9-6.

(2) Charter means the home rule charter or the legislative charter of any city, town, or fire district.

(3) Division of municipal finance means the division of municipal finance in the department of revenue or any successor department or agency.

(4) Director of revenue means the director of the department of revenue.

(5) Elected chief executive officer means, in cities and towns having a popularly elected chief executive officer, the popularly elected chief executive officer, and in cities and towns where there is no popularly elected chief executive officer, the president of the city or town council.

(6) Fire district budget means the fiscal-year operating budget of the fire district.

(7) Fiscal overseer means the financial overseer appointed under § 45-9-3.

(8) General treasurer means the general treasurer of the state.

(9) Municipal budget means the fiscal-year operating budget of the city, town, or fire district, inclusive of the school department budget and all other departments.

(10) Officer means the chief administrative and financial officer appointed under § 45-9-10 after abolition of a fiscal overseer or a budget commission or a receiver in a city, town, or fire district.

(11) Receiver means the receiver appointed pursuant to §§ 45-9-7 or 45-9-8.

(12) School committee, means the school committee of the city or town, but shall not mean, or include, a regional school district committee.

(13) State aid means the funds made available to cities and towns:

(i) As state aid pursuant to chapter 13 of title 45, but specifically excluding reimbursements to cities and towns for the cost of state mandates pursuant to § 45-13-9;

(ii) As school operations aid provided for in §§ 16-7-5  16-7-34.3 and as school housing aid pursuant to §§ 16-7-35  16-7-47, but subject to any pledge to bonds issued to finance school projects by the Rhode Island health and educational building corporation;

(iii) In replacement of motor vehicle and trailer excise taxes pursuant to chapter 34.1 of title 44;

(iv) From the public service corporation tax pursuant to chapter 13 of title 44;

(v) From the local meal and beverage tax pursuant to § 44-18-18.1 and the hotel tax pursuant to § 44-18-36.1; and

(vi) Pursuant to all acts supplementing such chapters listed in subdivisions (i) through (v) above, or pursuant to any other law hereafter enacted providing for funds to municipalities in lieu of, or in substitution for, or in addition to, the funds provided pursuant to acts supplementing such chapters listed in subdivisions (i) through (v).
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-57-8 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-57 / Section 45-57-8
§ 45-57-8. Unpaid assessments.
Status: in_force

A reasonable interest charge, approved by the board of directors, may be added to assessments that remain unpaid after one year from the notification of the assessment, and may accumulate annually thereafter on the unpaid balance.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-29-21 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-29 / Section 45-29-21
§ 45-29-21. Determination of necessity  Appointment and fees of appraisers.
Status: in_force

At the time and place mentioned in the notice, or at any adjournment ordered by the court, the court after hearing the interested parties, and who may appear and desire to be heard, shall first determine whether the lands or the respective interests or estates in the lands in the description, plat, and statement set forth, are necessary or convenient to the city for the purposes specified in this chapter, and if it determines that the lands or any interests or estate in them are necessary or convenient, the court shall appoint the attorney general of the state of Rhode Island and two (2) wholly disinterested persons eminently skilled in the values or valuations of real estate in the locality of the real estate sought to be condemned, but not resident in that city, to serve as appraisers to value and estimate the damages sustained by reason of the taking, and the damages, if any, to the remainder of any land of any owner or of any interest therein, not taken. Vacancies among the appraisers shall be filled by the superior court upon application of any interested party and upon any notice that the court may direct. Their fees for services shall be fixed by the court and paid by the city.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-21-21 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-21 / Section 45-21-21
§ 45-21-21. Retirement for accidental disability.
Status: in_force

(a) Any member in active service, regardless of length of service, is entitled to an accidental disability retirement allowance. Application for the allowance shall be made by the member or on the members behalf, stating that the member is physically or mentally incapacitated for further service as the result of an injury sustained while in the performance of duty and certifying the time, place, and conditions of the duty performed by the member which resulted in the alleged disability, and that the alleged disability was not the result of the willful negligence or misconduct on the part of the member, and was not the result of age or length of service, and that the member has not attained the age of sixty-five (65). The application shall be made within five (5) years of the alleged accident from which the injury has resulted in the members present disability and shall be accompanied by an accident report and a physicians report certifying the disability. If a medical examination made by three (3) physicians engaged by the retirement board, and other investigations as the board may make, confirm the statements made by the member, the board may grant the member an accidental disability retirement allowance.

(b) The retirement board shall establish uniform eligibility requirements, standards and criteria for accidental disability which apply to all members who make application for accidental disability benefits.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-32-43 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-32 / Section 45-32-43
§ 45-32-43. Work to be done by contract.
Status: in_force

All work of grading, clearing, demolition, improvement, repair, or construction of a value of more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) undertaken by the agency, shall be done by contract, subject to the terms and conditions of §§ 37-13-1  37-13-13 and additions and amendments to them.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-59-4 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-59 / Section 45-59-4
§ 45-59-4. Creation of district or subdistrict.
Status: in_force

A management district may be created by an ordinance or resolution enacted by the city or town council of any municipality (as defined in § 45-59-3(5)) upon the written petition of persons owning real property located within the proposed district as provided in this chapter. A management district may contain one or more subdistricts. A subdistrict may be created within an existing district by compliance with the provisions of §§ 45-59-5 and 45-59-6, but excluding § 45-59-5(a)(8), solely with respect to the proposed subdistrict. Any subdistrict will be managed by the district management authority having management authority over the district in which the subdistrict is located.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-21-51 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-21 / Section 45-21-51
§ 45-21-51. Persons eligible for optional benefits  Time of election  Modification or revocation  Effective date.
Status: in_force

(a) The optional provisions of § 45-21-30 are applicable only to a member applying for a service retirement allowance and an accidental disability retirement allowance and an ordinary disability retirement allowance or any inactive member applying for retirement under vested rights. The election under option 1 or 2 is made at the time of retirement of the member as part of his or her application for a retirement allowance. The election is based upon the amount of retirement allowances that may accrue at the date of death of the member, and may be revoked or modified by the member at any time after retirement on a form prescribed by the retirement board, provided that during this time, the named beneficiary has not been divorced from the member or entered into a domestic partnership. The option in the case of death of a retired member becomes effective on the next day following the death of the member and payment of benefits made in accordance with the provisions of this section, subject to the limitations prescribed in § 45-21-30; provided, further, that this section does not apply to anyone who elects the social security supplemental option as provided by § 45-21-17.2.

(b) This section is exempt from the provisions of §§ 45-13-6  45-13-10.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-31-24 — RI Code / Title 45 / Chapter 45-31 / Section 45-31-24
§ 45-31-24. Deactivation or substitution of agency.
Status: in_force

At any time after two (2) years after adopting a resolution declaring that there is need for an agency to function in a community, the legislative body of the community, if the agency has not redeveloped or acquired land for, or commenced the redevelopment of a project or entered into any contracts for redevelopment, may by resolution declare that there is no further need for the agency in the community. Thereupon, the offices of the members of the agency shall be vacated and the capacity of the agency to transact business or exercise any power shall be suspended and remain suspended until the legislative body adopts a resolution declaring the need for the agency to function. However, the Narragansett town council may act as that towns agency during periods when there are no specific projects that are active.