R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-82-10 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-82 / Section 42-82-10
§ 42-82-10. Advances from general fund in anticipation of the issue of notes or bonds.
Status: in_force

The general treasurer is authorized from time to time, with the approval of the governor, in the anticipation of the issue of notes or bonds under the authority of this chapter, to advance to the fund to be used for the purposes specified in § 42-82-8, any funds of the state not specifically held for any purpose; provided, however, that all of the advances shall be returned to the general fund upon the receipt by the fund of proceeds from the issue of notes or bonds.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-72-34 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-72 / Section 42-72-34
§ 42-72-34. Withholding services.
Status: in_force

(a) It is the policy of the department not to require a parent to surrender physical possession or custody of his or her minor child or children based solely upon the departments provisions of services to the family. A surrender shall be determined by the family court or as otherwise provided by law.

(b) In all cases the best interest of the minor child or children shall be paramount.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-164-1 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-164 / Section 42-164-1
§ 42-164-1. Short title.
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the Address Confidentiality Program Act.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-167-1 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-167 / Section 42-167-1
§ 42-167-1. Executive office of housing established.
Status: in_force

Effective January 1, 2023, there is hereby established within the executive branch of the state government an executive office of housing with the responsibility for developing plans, policies, standards, programs, interagency coordination, and providing technical assistance for housing and homelessness. The executive office of housing shall be the states lead agency for addressing issues related to housing, homelessness, and community development in the state of Rhode Island.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-116-15 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-116 / Section 42-116-15
§ 42-116-15. Bonds eligible for investment.
Status: in_force

Bonds issued by the corporation under this chapter are made securities in which all public officers and agencies of the state and its political subdivisions, all insurance companies, trust companies in their commercial departments, savings banks, cooperative banks, banking associations, investment companies, executors, administrators, trustees, and other fiduciaries may properly invest funds, including capital in their control or belonging to them. These bonds are made securities which may properly be deposited with and received by any state or municipal officer of any corporation or political subdivision of the state for any purpose for which the deposit of bonds or obligations of the state or any political subdivision is now or may hereafter be authorized by law.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-166-4 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-166 / Section 42-166-4
§ 42-166-4. Reporting.
Status: in_force

The executive office of health and human services shall provide quarterly reports to the speaker of the house of representatives and senate president documenting the progress of the implementation of the program.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-133-1 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-133 / Section 42-133-1
§ 42-133-1. Short title.
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be known as the Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation Act.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-7-2 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-7 / Section 42-7-2
§ 42-7-2. Secretary and employees.
Status: in_force

There shall be in the executive department an executive secretary and a chief clerk. The governor may appoint such clerical assistants and other employees as the governor may deem necessary.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-18-8 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-18 / Section 42-18-8
§ 42-18-8. Cooperation with the department of corrections.
Status: in_force

The director of the department of health shall coordinate and cooperate with the director of the department of corrections to ensure collaboration around existing department of health programs and initiatives, with regard to people under the care of the department of corrections, on probation, during incarceration, and upon release to the community.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-20-2 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-20 / Section 42-20-2
§ 42-20-2. Assignment of functions by department heads.
Status: in_force

Whenever it is provided by law that an officer under the direction of a department head shall perform certain duties or functions, the department head may designate some person in the department to perform those duties or functions, and the person designated shall have and possess all the rights, duties, and privileges appertaining thereto, notwithstanding any change in the title or designation of the office.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-12-19 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-12 / Section 42-12-19
§ 42-12-19. Permanent advisory commission on traumatic brain injuries  Commission established.
Status: in_force

(a) There is hereby established a permanent advisory commission on traumatic brain injuries.

(b) The purpose of the commission shall be to:

(1) Report on all matters relating to traumatic brain injury in Rhode Island to the governor and the general assembly.

(2) Advise the executive office of health and human services, the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals, and the department of health regarding the development of priorities and criteria for disbursement of moneys in response to both individual requests and grant-seeking entities from the traumatic brain injury fund. The priorities and criteria shall be in accordance with the expenditure guidelines set forth in § 42-12-28.

(3) Advise the executive office of health and human services, the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals, and the department of health on all matters regarding traumatic brain injury.

(c) The commission shall consist of twenty-six (26) members. They shall meet not less than four (4) times a year and report their findings annually to the governor and general assembly. The members of the commission shall serve without compensation. The commissioners shall elect their own officers on a biennial basis.

(d) The membership of the commission shall be as follows: The secretary of the executive office of health and human services or the secretarys designee, the director of the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals or the directors designee; the director of the department of health or the directors designee; the director of the department of human services or the directors designee; the director of the department of education or the directors designee, all of whom shall serve ex-officio; the chief of neurosurgery at Rhode Island Hospital or the chiefs designee; the president and executive director or two (2) designees of the Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island; the director of the Rhode Island Disability Law Center or the directors designee; the governor or the governors designee; and sixteen (16) persons appointed by the governor as follows: eight (8) persons who are unrelated, seven (7) of whom must have a traumatic brain injury, and one of whom may be an immediate family member of an individual with a traumatic brain injury; one person who is a neurologist; one person who is a physiatrist; one person who is a neuropsychologist; one person who is a cognitive rehabilitation specialist; one of whom is a traumatic brain injury case manager; one of whom is a physical therapist or occupational therapist; one of whom is a representative of a post-acute rehabilitation facility; and one person who is a community-based service provider.

(e) The first meeting of the members of the commission shall be called to order by the governor or the governors designee within ninety (90) days of the effective date of this act [July 7, 2006]. Of the sixteen (16) members appointed by the governor, three (3) shall serve a term of one year, three (3) shall serve a term of two (2) years, and four (4) shall serve a term of three (3) years. Upon expiration of the initial term, commission members shall serve terms of three (3) years. The initial terms of commission members shall be determined by lot.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-46-6 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-46 / Section 42-46-6
§ 42-46-6. Notice.
Status: in_force

(a) All public bodies shall give written notice of their regularly scheduled meetings at the beginning of each calendar year. The notice shall include the dates, times, and places of the meetings and shall be provided to members of the public upon request and to the secretary of state at the beginning of each calendar year in accordance with subsection (f).

(b) Public bodies shall give supplemental written public notice of any meeting within a minimum of forty-eight (48) hours, excluding weekends and state holidays in the count of hours, before the date. This notice shall include the date the notice was posted; the date, time, and place of the meeting; and a statement specifying the nature of the business to be discussed. Copies of the notice shall be maintained by the public body for a minimum of one year. Nothing contained herein shall prevent a public body, other than a school committee, from adding additional items to the agenda by majority vote of the members. School committees may, however, add items for informational purposes only, pursuant to a request, submitted in writing, by a member of the public during the public comment session of the school committees meetings. Said informational items may not be voted upon unless they have been posted in accordance with the provisions of this section. Such additional items shall be for informational purposes only and may not be voted on except where necessary to address an unexpected occurrence that requires immediate action to protect the public or to refer the matter to an appropriate committee or to another body or official.

(c) Written public notice shall include, but need not be limited to, posting a copy of the notice at the principal office of the public body holding the meeting, or if no principal office exists, at the building in which the meeting is to be held, and in at least one other prominent place within the governmental unit, and electronic filing of the notice with the secretary of state pursuant to subsection (f); however, nothing contained herein shall prevent a public body from holding an emergency meeting, upon an affirmative vote of the majority of the members of the body when the meeting is deemed necessary to address an unexpected occurrence that requires immediate action to protect the public. If an emergency meeting is called, a meeting notice and agenda shall be posted as soon as practicable and shall be electronically filed with the secretary of state pursuant to subsection (f) and, upon meeting, the public body shall state for the record and minutes why the matter must be addressed in less than forty-eight (48) hours in accordance with subsection (b) of this section and only discuss the issue or issues that created the need for an emergency meeting. Nothing contained herein shall be used in the circumvention of the spirit and requirements of this chapter.

(d) Nothing within this chapter shall prohibit any public body, or the members thereof, from responding to comments initiated by a member of the public during a properly noticed open forum even if the subject matter of a citizens comments or discussions were not previously posted, provided such matters shall be for informational purposes only and may not be voted on except where necessary to address an unexpected occurrence that requires immediate action to protect the public or to refer the matter to an appropriate committee or to another body or official. Nothing contained in this chapter requires any public body to hold an open-forum session to entertain or respond to any topic nor does it prohibit any public body from limiting comment on any topic at such an open-forum session. No public body, or the members thereof, may use this section to circumvent the spirit or requirements of this chapter.

(e) A school committee may add agenda items not appearing in the published notice required by this section under the following conditions:

(1) The revised agenda is electronically filed with the secretary of state pursuant to subsection (f), and is posted on the school districts website and the two (2) public locations required by this section at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance of the meeting in accordance with subsection (b) of this section;

(2) The new agenda items were unexpected and could not have been added in time for newspaper publication;

(3) Upon meeting, the public body states for the record and minutes why the agenda items could not have been added in time for newspaper publication and need to be addressed at the meeting;

(4) A formal process is available to provide timely notice of the revised agenda to any person who has requested that notice, and the school district has taken reasonable steps to make the public aware of this process; and

(5) The published notice shall include a statement that any changes in the agenda will be posted on the school districts website and the two (2) public locations required by this section and will be electronically filed with the secretary of state at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance of the meeting in accordance with subsection (b) of this section.

(f) All notices required by this section to be filed with the secretary of state shall be electronically transmitted to the secretary of state in accordance with rules and regulations that shall be promulgated by the secretary of state. This requirement of the electronic transmission and filing of notices with the secretary of state shall take effect one year after this subsection takes effect.

(g) If a public body fails to transmit notices in accordance with this section, then any aggrieved person may file a complaint with the attorney general in accordance with § 42-46-8.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-119-7 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-119 / Section 42-119-7
§ 42-119-7. Grants and gifts.
Status: in_force

The commission is empowered to apply for and receive, from any federal, state, or local agency, private foundation or from any individual, any grants, appropriations, or gifts which shall be deposited as restricted revenues. Appropriations shall be utilized in order to carry out the purpose of this commission.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-165-6 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-165 / Section 42-165-6
§ 42-165-6. Participating agencies.
Status: in_force

(a) Participating agencies shall transfer data, as applicable, to the RIIDS in accordance with the data security policies as approved by the board, and pursuant to the requirements of state and federal privacy laws and policies.

(b) Any agencies providing data on a recurring basis to the RILDS shall provide a representative to the board and be governed in the same manner as the initial agencies and entities and shall be subject to applicable board policies.

(c) All Rhode Island state agencies shall:

(1) Participate in the RIIDS to the extent practical;

(2) Identify datasets of greatest value for policy analysis efforts and investigate the feasibility of making them available for the federated data system and other internal policy analysis efforts; and

(3) Share data to the greatest extent possible as practical and permissible under law.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-11-9 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-11 / Section 42-11-9
§ 42-11-9. Appropriation for medical education.
Status: in_force

The general assembly shall annually appropriate such sums as it deems sufficient for the payment of support for medical education.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-92-8 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-92 / Section 42-92-8
§ 42-92-8. Severability.
Status: in_force

If any clause, sentence, paragraph, section, or part of this chapter shall be adjudged by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, the judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder of this chapter. The judgment shall be confined in operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph, section, or part directly in the controversy in which the judgment shall have been rendered.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-9-19 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-9 / Section 42-9-19
§ 42-9-19. Acceptance of settlements  Multi-state initiatives  Attorney general settlement restricted account.
Status: in_force

(a) The attorney general is hereby authorized and empowered to accept in the name of the state any settlement resulting from a multi-state initiative. The attorney general is additionally authorized and empowered to recover attorneys fees and costs that shall be considered settlement proceeds for purposes of this chapter.

(b) The settlement proceeds shall be transferred to the general treasurer for deposit in the general fund. The general treasurer shall transfer proceeds, up to seven hundred fifty thousand dollars ($750,000) in any fiscal year, to the attorney general multi-state initiative restricted receipt account. Any balance in excess of seven hundred fifty thousand dollars ($750,000) remaining in the account at the end of the fiscal year shall be transferred back to the state general fund. The restricted receipt account shall be used to pay for staff, operational, and litigation costs associated with multi-state initiatives.

(c) Expenditure of all settlement proceeds accepted by the attorney general as part of the terms of the relevant master settlement agreement shall be subject to the annual appropriation process and approval by the general assembly.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-55-1 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-55 / Section 42-55-1
§ 42-55-1. Short title.
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the Rhode Island Housing and Mortgage Finance Corporation Act.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-11-14.2 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-11 / Section 42-11-14.2
§ 42-11-14.2. Personal use of state credit cards prohibited.
Status: in_force

(a) It is unlawful for any employee of the state of Rhode Island, or the employees designee, to use or permit others to use state-issued credit cards for personal use.

(b) For purposes of this section, personal use means any use the purpose of which is for personal enjoyment, private gain or advantage, or an outside endeavor not related to the business of the state.

(c) Any person who violates this section is liable for a civil penalty equal to three (3) times the value of the unlawful use plus an amount not to exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000). The penalty shall be assessed and recovered in a civil action brought in the name of the people of the state of Rhode Island by the attorney general. If two (2) or more persons are responsible for any violation, they are jointly and severally liable for the penalty. If the action is brought by the attorney general, the moneys recovered shall be paid into the general fund. Nothing in this section prevents the attorney general from pursuing criminal charges against any person who violates this section.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-148-2 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-148 / Section 42-148-2
§ 42-148-2. Definitions.
Status: in_force

When used in this chapter:

(1) Conversion differential means transition costs and costs associated with starting up or closing down during conversion to purchased services or in the event of the need to bring services back in-house.

(2) Cost comparison means an analysis of the comparative costs of providing the service in-house or by privatization.

(3) In-house bid shall mean the cost of the proposal proffered by in-house state programs and employees and their representatives pursuant to § 42-148-3(b)(3).

(4) In-house costs means a detailed budget breakdown of the current costs of providing the service or program proposed for privatization.

(5) Privatization or privatization contract means an agreement or combination or series of agreements by which a nongovernmental person or entity agrees with an agency to provide services expected to result in a fiscal year expenditure of at least one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) (as of July 1 of each year, the amount shall increase to reflect increases in the consumer price index calculated by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics for all urban consumers nationally during the most recent twelve-month (12) period for which data are available or more), which would contract services which are substantially similar to and in replacement of work normally performed by an employee of an agency as of June 30, 2007.

Privatization or privatization contract excludes:

(i) Contracts resulting from an emergency procurement;

(ii) Contracts with a term of one hundred eighty (180) days or less on a nonrecurring basis;

(iii) Contracts to provide highly specialized or technical services not normally provided by state employees;

(iv) Any subsequent contract that: (a) renews or rebids a prior privatization contract that existed before June 30, 2007; or (b) renews or rebids a privatization contract that was subject to the provisions of this statute after its enactment; and

(v) An agreement to provide legal services or management consulting services.

(6) Statement of work and performance standards means a clear statement of the nature and extent of the work to be performed with measurable performance standards as set forth in § 42-148-3(b)(2).

(7) Transition costs means the cost of contracting including monitoring vendors for accountability, costs associated with unemployment compensation, payment of accrued leave credits, bumping, and retention factors for those with statutory status. Transition costs shall not include department overhead or other costs that would continue even if the services were privatized.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-142-3 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-142 / Section 42-142-3
§ 42-142-3. Office of revenue analysis.
Status: in_force

(a) There is hereby established within the department of revenue an office of revenue analysis. The head of the office shall be the chief of revenue analysis, who shall hold office for the term of five (5) years from the time of his or her appointment and until his or her successor is duly appointed and qualified. The chief shall be eligible for reappointment, and shall not engage in any other occupation. The head of the office shall have an advanced degree in economics or statistics.

(b) The director of revenue shall grant to the chief of revenue analysis reasonable access to appropriate expert staff and access to taxation data sufficient to carry out the duties of the office.

(c) The division shall analyze, evaluate, and appraise the tax system of the state, and make recommendations for its revision in accordance with the best interests of the economy of the state.

(d) The division shall be responsible for preparing the tax expenditures report as required in § 44-48.1-1.

(e) The division shall be responsible for preparing cost benefit analyses of all tax expenditures.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-73-8 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-73 / Section 42-73-8
§ 42-73-8. Access to information.
Status: in_force

The child advocate shall have access to the following information:

(1) The names of all children in protective services, treatment, or other programs under the jurisdiction of the department of children, youth and families, and their location if in custody;

(2) All written reports of child abuse and neglect; and

(3) All current records required to be maintained under the provisions of chapter 72 of this title.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-55-15 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-55 / Section 42-55-15
§ 42-55-15. Issuance of refunding obligations.
Status: in_force

The corporation may provide for the issuance of refunding obligations for the purpose of refunding any obligations then outstanding which have been issued under the provisions of this chapter, including the payment of any redemption premium and any interest accrued or to accrue to the date of redemption of those obligations and for any corporate purpose of the corporation. The issuance of those obligations, the maturities and other details, the rights of the holders, and the rights, duties, and obligations of the corporation in respect of the refunding obligations shall be governed by the provisions of this chapter which relate to the issuance of obligations, insofar as those provisions may be appropriate.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-13-5 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-13 / Section 42-13-5
§ 42-13-5. Severability.
Status: in_force

If any provision of this chapter and §§ 24-12-50, 31-10-19, 31-13-1, 39-18-2, 39-18-20, and 46-9-5 or of any rule or regulation made thereunder, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of the act, rule, or regulation, and the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby. The invalidity of any section or sections of this chapter and §§ 24-12-50, 31-10-19, 31-13-1, 39-18-2, 39-18-20 and 46-9-5 shall not affect the validity of the remainder.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-102-8 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-102 / Section 42-102-8
§ 42-102-8. Application of other laws.
Status: in_force

The workforce board (board) shall be subject to the provisions as outlined in chapter 2 of title 38 (Access to Public Records); chapter 35 of this title (Administrative Procedures); and chapter 46 of this title (Open Meetings). In addition, the members of the board shall be subject to the provisions outlined in chapter 14 of title 36 (Code of Ethics).
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-144-2 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-144 / Section 42-144-2
§ 42-144-2. Mission and term of commission.
Status: in_force

The commission shall have as its mission the proposal of specific actions to strengthen the position of the University of Rhode Island as a national competitive public research university and a key institution in Rhode Islands effort to strengthen its innovative economy. The commission shall expire on September 30, 2008.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-162-2 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-162 / Section 42-162-2
§ 42-162-2. Definitions.
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, the following terms, unless the context requires a different interpretation, shall have the following meanings:

(1) Department means the department of transportation.

(2) Electric vehicle charging infrastructure means equipment that supplies electricity to charge electric vehicles, including charging stations and balance of plant.

(3) Electric vehicle charging infrastructure funds means but is not limited to, federal funds allocated for electric vehicle charging infrastructure from the federal infrastructure investment and jobs act and any funds allocated as state match to federal funds.

(4) Federal funds means monies allocated for electric vehicle charging infrastructure from the infrastructure investment and jobs act.

(5) Office means the office of energy resources.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-115-3 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-115 / Section 42-115-3
§ 42-115-3. Organization.
Status: in_force

The members of the commission shall meet at the call of the house of representatives and organize and shall select from among themselves a chairperson.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-3-6 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-3 / Section 42-3-6
§ 42-3-6. Jurisdiction over waters.
Status: in_force

The jurisdiction of counties separated by, or bordering on, the public waters within the jurisdiction of the state, shall be concurrent over those waters, except as is hereinafter provided. The waters of Narragansett Bay, and the lands and rocks therein, situated to the northward of a line drawn from the mouth of Pawtuxet River to Sabins Point, shall be deemed a part of the county of Providence, and be within the jurisdiction of Providence County; and all the other waters of Narragansett Bay shall not be deemed to make a part of or be within the sole jurisdiction of any one particular county.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-133-9 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-133 / Section 42-133-9
§ 42-133-9. Trust funds.
Status: in_force

All money received pursuant to the authority of this chapter, whether as provided from the sale of bonds or states tobacco receipts purchased by the corporation, or investment income, shall be trust funds to be held and applied solely as provided in the proceedings under which the bonds of the corporation are authorized. Any officer with whom, or any bank or trust company with which monies shall be deposited as trustee, shall hold and apply the trust funds for the purposes for which the bonds are authorized, subject to the applicable provisions of this chapter, the proceedings authorizing the bonds, and the trust agreement securing the bonds, if any.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-158-2 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-158 / Section 42-158-2
§ 42-158-2. Fundamental purpose.
Status: in_force

This chapter is enacted to protect and promote the right of each person who is served by a covered facility to be free from the use of prone restraint. Research has shown that prone restraint is a hazardous and potentially lethal position.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-90-1 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-90 / Section 42-90-1
§ 42-90-1. Public disclosure required.
Status: in_force

(a) All departments, commissions, boards, councils, other agencies in the government of the state, and public corporations shall annually prepare and submit to the budget office by October 1 a list containing:

(1) The name of any person, privatization contractor, or vendor who performed legal, medical, accounting, engineering, or any other professional, technical, or consultant service to the department, commission, board, council, agency, or public corporation on a contractual basis during the previous fiscal year; and

(2) The amount of compensation received by each consultant during the previous fiscal year.

(b) All departments, commissions, boards, councils, other agencies in the government of the state, and public corporations shall prepare and submit to the budget office on an annual basis by October 1 a contracting report containing:

(1) Digital/electronic copies of all contracts or agreements by which a nongovernmental person or entity agrees with the department, commission, board, council, agency, or public corporation to provide services, valued at one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) or more, that are substantially similar to and in replacement of work normally performed by an employee of the department, commission, board, council, agency, or public corporation.

(2) [Deleted by P.L. 2014, ch. 145, art. 9, § 4.]

(c) The budget office shall post electronic/digital copies of all contracts and reports online using the states transparency portal or an equivalent website, available for public inspection, annually no later than December 1 of each year.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-9-19.1 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-9 / Section 42-9-19.1
§ 42-9-19.1. Acceptance of settlements  Non-multi-state initiatives  Attorney general settlement restricted account.
Status: in_force

(a) There is hereby established a restricted receipt account within the department of attorney general entitled attorney general non-multi-state initiative restricted-receipt account. Funds consisting of attorneys fees previously recovered pursuant to the Distributors  Rhode Island Settlement Agreement resolving opioid-related claims against McKesson Corporation, Cardinal Health, Inc., and/or AmerisourceBergen Corporation in the case State of Rhode Island v. Purdue Pharma L.P. et al., CA No. PC-2018-4455, shall be deposited into this restricted receipt account.

(b) The following funds shall also be deposited into this restricted receipt account:

(1) All future attorneys fees recovered from the case referenced in subsection (a) of this section; and

(2) Twenty percent (20%) of attorneys fees recovered in other non-multi-state initiatives.

(c) This restricted receipt account shall be used to pay for staff and other operational expenses of the department.

(d) Expenditures from this restricted receipt account shall be subject to the annual appropriation process and approval by the general assembly.

(e) All settlement proceeds from non-multi-state initiatives, except those deposited in this restricted receipt account pursuant to this section, shall be deposited into the general fund.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-4-13 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-4 / Section 42-4-13
§ 42-4-13. Official state fruit.
Status: in_force

The variety of apple known as the Rhode Island greening is hereby designated as the official state fruit for the state.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-21-8 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-21 / Section 42-21-8
§ 42-21-8. Pending proceedings.
Status: in_force

Any proceeding or other business or matter undertaken or commenced, prior to the passage of chapter 660 of the Public Laws of 1939, by a department, division, or other administrative agency, the functions, powers, and duties whereof were assigned and transferred to a new department, and still pending at the time of the passage of chapter 660, may be conducted and completed by the head of the new department, or by a subordinate under his or her direction, in the same manner and under the same terms and conditions and with the same effect as though it were undertaken or commenced and were conducted or completed by the department, division, or other administrative agency prior to the transfer.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-56-7 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-56 / Section 42-56-7
§ 42-56-7. Parole and probation.
Status: in_force

(a) Authority. The division of rehabilitative services, subject to the authority of the director, shall perform the functions relating to the parole and probation of adults as prescribed by this chapter and chapters 18 and 19 of title 12, and under those rules and regulations adopted by the director of corrections with the approval of the governor and the parole board in the executive department.

(b) Assessments. The division of rehabilitative services shall adopt risk and needs screens and assessments and behavioral health assessments that are validated at least once every five (5) years for the purpose of informing the following decisions:

(1) Probation supervision intensity, case management, and treatment objectives, adopted in collaboration with the superior courts;

(2) Correctional treatment and classification; and

(3) Parole supervision intensity, case management, and treatment objectives, adopted in collaboration with the parole board, and parole release decisions, adopted in collaboration with, and for implementation by, the parole board.

(c) Special conditions. The assessment implemented under subsection (b)(1) of this section should be performed prior to placement on probation, whenever possible, to support judicial decisions affecting conditions of supervision under § 12-19-8.1.

(d) Supervision. The division of rehabilitative services shall:

(1) Provide limited supervision for probationers who qualify based on offense level, time under supervision without a violation, and the results from a validated risk and needs assessment;

(2) Provide high-intensity supervision and treatment for probationers who, based on screening and assessments, are high risk to re-offend and present high needs for behavioral health services;

(3) Collaborate with the executive office of health and human services to implement Medicaid payment incentives designed to ensure timely access to quality behavioral health treatment and cognitive-behavioral programs for probationers; and

(4) Require that program providers serving probationers pursuant to a contract with the department use cognitive-behavioral programs to reduce criminal thinking.

(e) Behavioral change guidelines. The division of rehabilitative services shall adopt guidelines for probation and parole officers, governing:

(1) Incentives for compliance and risk-reducing behavior;

(2) Swift, certain, and proportionate non-confinement sanctions in response to corresponding violations of probation conditions; and

(3) The use of confinement as a sanction after the consideration of all other appropriate non-confinement sanctions in response to corresponding violations of probation conditions.

(f) Training. The division of rehabilitative services shall organize and conduct evidence-based training programs for probation and parole officers. The training shall include:

(1) Scoring and use of validated risk and needs assessments under subsection (b) of this section;

(2) Risk-based supervision strategies;

(3) Cognitive behavioral interventions;

(4) Targeting criminal risk factors to reduce recidivism;

(5) Use of incentives for compliance and risk-reducing behavior;

(6) Use of swift, certain, and proportionate sanctions in response to corresponding violations of probation conditions pursuant to subsection (e)(2) of this section;

(7) Recognizing symptoms of substance use and mental health needs and making treatment referrals; and

(8) De-escalating erratic criminal behavior.

(g) All probation and parole officers employed on or after the effective date of this act shall complete the training requirements set forth in this section. Selected probation and parole officers shall become trainers to ensure sustainability of these training requirements.

(h) Information. The division of rehabilitative services shall develop or adopt an automated case management and reporting system for probation and parole officers.

(i) Implementation. Deadlines for implementation of this section by the department of corrections shall be as follows: subsection (b) (initial assessment validation), subsection (c) (special condition recommendations), subsection (d) (supervision intensity), and subsection (f) (for training of existing probation and parole officers), one year from the effective date of this section [September 28, 2017]; subsection (e) (behavior change guidelines), six (6) months from the effective date of this section; subsections (f) and (g) (for training of new probation and parole officers) and subsection (h) (case management system), two (2) years from the effective date of this section.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-57-5 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-57 / Section 42-57-5
§ 42-57-5. Reports.
Status: in_force

The annual report of the commission to the general assembly shall include a complete report of the operations and financial status of the foundation.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-60-9 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-60 / Section 42-60-9
§ 42-60-9. Orders, rules, and regulations.
Status: in_force

(a) The governor may make, amend, and rescind any orders, rules, and regulations that the governor may deem advisable to carry out the provisions of this chapter.

(b) All orders, rules, and regulations promulgated by the governor shall become effective immediately except as provided in subsection (c).

(c) All orders by the governor to amend or suspend certain state rules and regulations in effect prior to the declaration of an energy crisis may become effective no sooner than forty-eight (48) hours after the governor has notified the joint committee on legislative services of the orders and the effective dates of these orders. The orders to amend or suspend state rules and regulations shall become effective unless the committee disapproves the orders within forty-eight (48) hours by a majority vote; provided, however, that the orders shall be effective immediately if approved by the majority of the committee. Thereafter, all of the effective orders, rules, or regulations shall have the full force and effect of law, when, in the event of issuance by the governor, a copy is filed in the office of the secretary of state. All existing provisions of any regulatory statute prescribing the procedures for the conduct of state business, rules and regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter, or inconsistent with any order, rule, or regulation issued under the authority of this chapter shall be suspended during the period of time and to the extent that the conflict exists. All orders, rules, and regulations promulgated by the governor pursuant to this chapter shall terminate with the termination of the energy crisis.

(d) In order to attain uniformity so far as practicable throughout the country in measures taken to aid in energy crisis management, all action taken under this chapter and all orders, rules, and regulations made pursuant to this chapter, where not already specifically provided for, shall be taken or made with due consideration to the orders, rules, regulations, actions, recommendations, and requests of federal authorities relevant to these and, to the extent permitted by law, shall be consistent with these orders, rules, regulations, actions, recommendations, and requests.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-99-4 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-99 / Section 42-99-4
§ 42-99-4. Creation of a corporation  Composition  Personnel  Compensation.
Status: in_force

(a) There is created and established a public corporation of the state, having a distinct legal existence from the state and not constituting a department of the state government, with those corporate powers that are set forth in this chapter to be known as convention center authority, or by any other name that the board of commissioners may select which appropriately identifies the corporations activities or location, to carry out the provisions of this chapter. The corporation is constituted a public instrumentality exercising public and essential governmental functions, and the exercise by the corporation of the powers conferred by this chapter shall be deemed and held to be the performance of an essential governmental function of the state. The corporation shall be deemed a state agency or department for the purposes of chapter 75.2 of this title. It is the intent of the general assembly by the passage of this chapter to incorporate a public corporation and instrumentality and agency of the state for the purpose of carrying on the activities authorized, and to vest that corporation with all powers, authority, rights, privileges, and titles that may be necessary to enable it to accomplish those purposes. This chapter shall be liberally construed in conformity with the purpose expressed.

(b) The corporation is created, established, and incorporated for the following purposes: to construct, manage, and operate a convention center and to acquire by purchase or otherwise land therefor.

(c) The convention center shall be located in one of the cities or towns in the state in which the mayor (if a city) or a president of the town council (if a town) and the governor agree that the convention center shall be located.

(d)(1) The powers of the corporation shall be vested in a board of commissioners having nine (9) members through June 30, 2006, and eleven (11) members thereafter, who shall be appointed in the manner set forth in this section. Forthwith upon the enactment of this chapter, the governor and chief municipal officer (sometimes referred to as the appointing authorities) will each appoint four (4) commissioners for terms ending respectively on June 30, 1988, June 30, 1989, and June 30, 1990, and June 30, 1991, and thereafter until their respective successors are appointed and shall have qualified. Beginning on June 30, 1988, and on each June 30 thereafter, the appointing authorities shall appoint commissioners to succeed the commissioners whose terms are then ending and to serve for terms of four (4) years.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, on and after June 30, 1991, the governor shall have the power to appoint seven (7) commissioners and the appropriate municipal authority shall have the power to appoint three (3) commissioners to serve for terms of four (4) years. This change shall be effected as follows:

On June 30, 1991, and June 30, 1992, the governor shall appoint a commissioner to succeed one commissioner, previously appointed by the governor whose term is then ending to serve terms of four (4) years. On June 30, 1991, and June 30, 1992, the chief municipal officer shall appoint a commissioner to succeed one commissioner, previously appointed by the chief municipal officer, whose term is then ending, to serve terms of four (4) years. On June 30, 1993, and on June 30, 1994, the governor shall appoint both commissioners to succeed the commissioners whose terms are then ending, to serve for terms of four (4) years. On July 1, 2006, the governor and the city council of the city of Providence shall each appoint one additional commissioner, to serve terms of four (4) years. The appointments by the governor are designated gubernatorial commissioners. The commissioners appointed by the chief municipal officer or the city council of the city of Providence are designated municipal commissioners. The governor and the appropriate municipal authority shall have the power to appoint commissioners to succeed the gubernatorial commissioners and the municipal commissioners respectively when the terms of the gubernatorial commissioners and the municipal commissioners end, for a period of four (4) years.

(2) Forthwith upon the enactment of this chapter, the governor and the chief municipal officer will jointly appoint a ninth (9th) commissioner who will act as chairperson of the corporation and whose four-year (4) term will end on June 30, 1991. On June 30, 1991, the governor shall appoint a ninth (9th) commissioner who will serve as chairperson until the expiration of a second full four-year (4) term on June 30, 1995. Thereafter, the ninth (9th) or, as appropriate after July 1, 2006, the eleventh (11th), commissioner will be appointed (for successive four-year (4) terms) by the governor and the chairperson will be elected from among its members by the board of commissioners.

(3) All commissioners, whether appointed by the governor, the chief municipal officer, or the city council of Providence shall require the advice and consent of the senate.

(e) Any commissioner may be reappointed with the advice and consent of the senate for successive terms. Any commissioner may be removed by the appointing authority for misfeasance, malfeasance, or willful neglect of duty. Any vacancy resulting from the death, disability, or other failure of a commissioner to continue to serve may be filled by the person given the power to make the original appointment.

(f) The board of commissioners shall elect from among its members, a vice chairperson, any other officers that they may determine, including a secretary and a treasurer, and, beginning on July 1, 1995, a chairperson. Meetings shall be held at the call of the chairperson or whenever two (2) commissioners request. Action by the corporation may be taken by the board of commissioners at any regular or special meeting at which a quorum is present. Five (5) commissioners of the corporation shall constitute a quorum for meetings prior to July 1, 2006, and six (6) commissioners of the corporation shall constitute a quorum for meetings thereafter. Any action taken by the corporation under the provisions of this chapter shall require the affirmative vote of not less than five (5) commissioners for meetings prior to July 1, 2006, and six (6) commissioners for meetings thereafter. No vacancy in the membership of the corporation shall impair the right of a quorum to exercise all of the rights and perform all of the duties of the corporation.

(g) Commissioners shall receive no compensation for the performance of their duties, but each commissioner shall be reimbursed for his or her reasonable expenses incurred in carrying out the duties under this chapter.

(h) Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, no officer or employee of the state shall be deemed to have forfeited or shall forfeit his or her office or employment by reason of his or her acceptance of membership of the corporation or his or her service thereto.

(i) The commissioners may employ an executive director who shall administer, manage, and direct the affairs and business of the corporation, subject to the policies, control, and direction of the commissioners. The commissioners may employ technical experts and any other officers and agents and fix their qualification, duties, and compensation. The executive director and technical experts, officers, agents, and attorneys so employed shall not be subject to the provisions of the classified service. The commissioners may employ other employees, permanent and temporary, as they deem necessary. The commissioners may delegate to one or more of the corporations agents or employees those administrative duties they may deem proper.

(j) The commissioners may authorize the engagement of any other person, corporation, or other entity including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any public body corporate and politic located within the municipality as they may select to undertake the staffing and management of the convention center (including the scheduling of events and related activities) upon any terms and for any periods of time that they may deem proper.

(k) The secretary shall keep a record of the proceedings of the corporation and shall be custodian of all books, documents, and papers filed with the corporation and of its minute book and seal. The secretary shall have the authority to cause to be made copies of all minutes and other records and documents of the corporation and to give certificates under the seal of the corporation to the effect that the copies are true copies and all persons dealing with the corporation may rely upon the certificates.

(l) No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall be distributable to, or inure to the benefit of, any private person.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-137-5 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-137 / Section 42-137-5
§ 42-137-5. Duties.
Status: in_force

The select commission shall:

(1) Analyze and recommend changes that will improve police-community relations in Rhode Island.

(2) Study and recommend changes needed to statutes, ordinances, institutional policies, procedures, and practices deemed necessary to:

(i) Improve law enforcement work and accountability;

(ii) Reduce racism;

(iii) Enhance the administration of justice; and

(iv) Affect reconciliation between diverse segments of the statewide community.

(3) Study, recommend, promote, and implement methods to achieve greater citizen participation in law enforcement policy development, review of law enforcement practices, and advocacy for the needs of law enforcement agencies, officers, and the public at large in the prevention of crime, administration of justice, and public safety.

(4) Study, recommend, promote, and assist in the incorporation of evolving homeland security needs with effective models of neighborhood-oriented community policing, crime prevention, and public safety.

(5) Promote greater understanding of the need to incorporate cultural diversity in everyday as well as extraordinary activities involving law enforcement, public safety, and the administration of justice.

(6) Analyze, review, recommend, assist in, and monitor changes to police policies, procedures, and practices related to:

(i) Recruitment, hiring, promotion, and training of police officers;

(ii) The level and quality of diversity training, sensitivity awareness, and cultural competency;

(iii) The level and quality of efforts related to building and improving overall community relations;

(iv) The use of firearms by on-duty and off-duty police officers;

(v) The use of force, the use of excessive force, or the excessive use of force;

(vi) The use of racial profiling and other forms of bias based policing; and

(vii) Legislation reforming police policies, practices, or procedures involving community relations.

(7) To assist the select commission in its duties pursuant to subsection (6), all police departments shall submit to the select commission on an annual basis beginning on January 15, 2004, and for six (6) years thereafter, a report indicating what action, if any, has been taken to address any racial disparities in traffic stops and/or searches documented in the study authorized by §§ 31-21.1-4 and 31-21.2-6, and to otherwise implement any recommendations of that study. The reports shall be public records.

(8) Collect and publish data regarding complaints of police misconduct pursuant to § 31-21.2-8.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-35-2.4 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-35 / Section 42-35-2.4
§ 42-35-2.4. Electronic filing.
Status: in_force

In addition to all other requirements imposed by law, all agencies and authorities (as defined in this chapter) shall be required to electronically submit their annual reports to the general assembly for posting on the general assembly website in lieu of a printed copy. However, an agency or authority shall produce a printed copy on demand.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-21-1 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-21 / Section 42-21-1
§ 42-21-1. Transferred functions performed by department head  Rights of appeal.
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise provided in this title, the head of a department or any other agency assuming any duties formerly imposed upon any other department or agency, and transferred by chapter 660 of the Public Laws of 1939, shall perform the duties of such department or agency, notwithstanding that the department or agency formerly performing those duties was a board, commission, or single officer. Any ruling, decision, or order made by the department or agency head with regard to matters within his or her jurisdiction shall be subject to any existing right of appeal to a court of competent jurisdiction.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-83-1 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-83 / Section 42-83-1
§ 42-83-1. Commission established.
Status: in_force

There shall be an American and Polish cultural exchange commission to consist of nine (9) members, all of whom shall be American citizens descended from Polish ancestry and residents of the state, three (3) of whom shall be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, three (3) of whom shall be appointed by the president of the senate, and three (3) of whom shall be appointed by the governor. The commission shall establish, maintain, and develop cultural ties between Polish and American people; foster a special interest in the historical and cultural background of both groups, as well as the social and artistic life of the countries involved; and shall help establish or promote Polish language programs in the schools of the state.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-8-17 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-8 / Section 42-8-17
§ 42-8-17. Payment of employees.
Status: in_force

The general assembly shall annually appropriate such sum as it may deem necessary for the purposes of § 42-8-15, and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of that sum, or so much thereof as may from time to time be required, upon receipt by him or her of proper vouchers approved by the secretary of state.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-1-2.1 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-1 / Section 42-1-2.1
§ 42-1-2.1. Retrocession of Veterans Administration property.
Status: in_force

(a) The governor may accept, on behalf of the state, retrocession of jurisdiction over Veterans Administration property within the state, to establish concurrent jurisdiction between the federal government and the state over lands and interests, including any roads, highways, or other lands and buildings of the Veterans Administration, within the city of Providence where retrocession has been offered by the administrator of Veterans Affairs on behalf of the United States.

(b) Documents concerning such action shall be filed in the office of the secretary of state and in the office of the registry of deeds of the city of Providence.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-96-8 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-96 / Section 42-96-8
§ 42-96-8. Federal funds.
Status: in_force

The commission and its director are authorized to take any action that is required to meet the requirements of the federal Justice Assistance Act (enacted October 1984) for federal assistance to organizations for the purposes of this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-3-3 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-3 / Section 42-3-3
§ 42-3-3. Washington County.
Status: in_force

The towns of South Kingstown, North Kingstown, New Shoreham, Westerly, Charlestown, Exeter, Richmond, Hopkinton, and Narragansett, shall constitute the county of Washington; and South Kingstown shall be the county town.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-12-20 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-12 / Section 42-12-20
§ 42-12-20. Responsibility of director  Traumatic brain injury.
Status: in_force

It shall be the responsibility of the director of the department of human services to provide rehabilitative services for persons with traumatic brain injury including the development of instate comprehensive community-based services.

The department of human services, in consultation with the permanent advisory commission on traumatic brain injuries, shall promulgate such rules and regulations in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act, chapter 35 of this title, as are necessary and proper to ensure responsible management and operation of §42-12-30.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-75-2 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-75 / Section 42-75-2
§ 42-75-2. Creation of commission.
Status: in_force

There is created and established within the executive department a state commission to be known as the Rhode Island council on the arts, hereinafter referred to as the commission.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-155-5 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-155 / Section 42-155-5
§ 42-155-5. Executive compensation.
Status: in_force

Each quasi-public corporation shall establish a committee on executive compensation, comprised solely of board members, that shall:

(1) Recommend to the full board the compensation packages of the executive and senior management of the corporation. The compensation package of the executive officer shall be based on a comprehensive and objective analysis of comparable compensation of similar officers of state government, other authorities, quasi-public corporations, and private-sector employees with similar functions and responsibilities. The committee may retain a consultant to assist in the comparability study. When calculating compensation, the committee shall consider the value of the retirement plan in the overall compensation package;

(2) Prepare clear, written job descriptions and clear, written expectations of job performance for the executive officer and senior management;

(3) Conduct the job performance review of the executive officer at least annually; and

(4) Negotiate the employment contract of the executive officer which shall be approved by the full board during an open meeting.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-60-4 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-60 / Section 42-60-4
§ 42-60-4. Information collection.
Status: in_force

In order to determine whether or not abnormal market disruptions, as they relate to energy, exist or are impending, there is created the governors technical assistance committee, which shall convene at the call of the governor, and shall meet at least semi-annually. The committee shall consist of nine (9) members: a representative of the governors office, appointed by the governor who shall serve as chairperson; the attorney general or the attorney generals designee; the director of the department of business regulation or the director's designee; a representative of the governors energy office; the executive director of the Rhode Island oil heat institute or the executive directors designee; the executive director of the Rhode Island petroleum association or the executive directors designee; a representative of the public utilities commission to be appointed by the director; a representative of the propane retailers organization; and a representative of the American Automobile Association of South Central New England to be appointed by governing bodies of the organization and association. The committee is authorized and empowered to conduct investigations, studies, and surveys and to collect data on energy supplies, prices, demand, and consumption. In conducting investigations, studies, and surveys, the committee, on behalf of the governor, is authorized and empowered to compel by subpoena the attendance of witnesses and the production of books, papers, records, and documents of individuals, firms, associations, and corporations. All officers, boards, commissions, and departments of the state, and the political subdivisions of the state, having information with respect to energy supplies, prices, demand and consumption, shall cooperate with and assist the committee in conducting investigations, studies, and surveys.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-164-5 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-164 / Section 42-164-5
§ 42-164-5. Agency acceptance of designated address  Waiver.
Status: in_force

(a) A program participant may request that state and local agencies use the substitute address. When creating, modifying, or maintaining a public record, state and local agencies shall accept the substitute address when the program participant provides documentation of certification in the program.

(b) An agency may request the secretary of state waive the application of subsection (a) of this section, upon showing:

(1) The agency has a bona fide statutory or administrative requirement for the use of the participants actual address that would otherwise be confidential under this chapter; and

(2) The agency has explained how its acceptance of the substitute address will prevent the agency from meeting its obligations under the law and why it cannot meet its statutory or administrative obligation by a change in its internal procedures.

(c) Any agency receiving a waiver shall maintain the confidentiality of the program participants address by redacting the actual address when the record is released to any person and shall not make the program participants actual address available for inspection or copying, except under the following circumstances:

(1) There is a bona fide statutory or administrative requirement for the communication of an actual address to another agency that has received a waiver from the secretary of state; provided that, each waiver specifically authorizes such communication with the specified agency; or

(2) If directed by a court order, to a person identified in the order.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-4-10 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-4 / Section 42-4-10
§ 42-4-10. State representation at presidential inauguration activities.
Status: in_force

Whenever the governor designates a school to represent the state in connection with any presidential inauguration activities or at the inaugural parade in Washington, the state shall reimburse that school for expenses in an amount not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000).
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-35-7 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-35 / Section 42-35-7
§ 42-35-7. Declaratory judgment on validity or applicability of rules.
Status: in_force

The validity or applicability of any rule may be determined in an action for declaratory judgment in the superior court of Providence County, when it is alleged that the rule, or its threatened application, interferes with or impairs, or threatens to interfere with or impair, the legal rights or privileges of the plaintiff. The agency shall be made a party to the action. A declaratory judgment may be rendered whether or not the plaintiff has requested the agency to pass upon the validity or applicability of the rule in question.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-55-16 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-55 / Section 42-55-16
§ 42-55-16. Sale of refunding obligations.
Status: in_force

Refunding obligations issued as provided in § 42-55-15 may be sold or exchanged for outstanding obligations issued under this chapter and, if sold, the proceeds may be applied, in addition to any other authorized purposes, to the purchase, redemption, or payment of outstanding obligations. Pending the application of the proceeds of any refunding obligations, with any other available funds, to the payment of the principal, accrued interest, and any redemption premium on the obligations being refunded, and, if provided or permitted in the resolution authorizing the issuance of refunding obligations or in the trust agreement securing the refunding obligations, to the payment of any interest on the refunding obligations and any expenses in connection with the refunding, the proceeds may be invested in direct obligations of, or obligations the principal of and the interest on which are unconditionally guaranteed by the United States which shall mature or which shall be subject to redemption by their holders, at the option of those holders, not later than the dates when the proceeds, together with the interest accruing on the proceeds, will be required for the purposes intended.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-13-4 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-13 / Section 42-13-4
§ 42-13-4. Liberal construction.
Status: in_force

This chapter and §§ 24-12-50, 31-10-19, 31-13-1, 39-18-2, 39-18-20, and 46-9-5 shall be construed liberally in aid of their stated purpose.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-66-1 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-66 / Section 42-66-1
§ 42-66-1. Declaration of purpose.
Status: in_force

The legislature finds and declares:

(1) That the state has an obligation to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of its elderly citizens;

(2) That to develop and implement innovative programs to insure the dignity and independence of our elderly citizens is essential to insure and protect their rights;

(3) That upgrading and maintenance of services and programs pertaining to our elderly citizens deserves priority consideration as a means of preventing ineffective responses to their health, safety, and welfare needs;

(4) That the establishment of a department of state government to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of elderly citizens is the most effective way to insure that they are better prepared and equipped to lead productive and meaningful lives; and

(5) The abuse of elderly persons is a social and moral problem in our state and nationally and the state has a responsibility to provide protection to vulnerable elderly persons who are abused and/or neglected. The legislature recognizes that reports of elder abuse have grown significantly and are reaching alarming proportions and that there is an immediate need to clarify and strengthen the states role and responsibilities in the prevention and alleviation of elder abuse.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-12-22 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-12 / Section 42-12-22
§ 42-12-22. Confidentiality of personal information  Authorized uses.
Status: in_force

(a) All personal information contained in the records of the department of human services which is identifiable to an applicant for or recipient of vocational rehabilitation services under this chapter is hereby declared to constitute a confidential matter. Except as expressly provided herein, it shall be unlawful for any person to make use of, or cause to be used, any of such personal information contained in the records of the department of human services for purposes not directly connected with the administration of the vocational rehabilitation programs of the department of human services. The director of the department of human services shall have the power to establish rules and regulations governing the custody, preservation, disclosure, or release of the records, papers, files, and communications containing that personal information.

(b) The department shall release or disclose the personal information described in subsection (a):

(1) Upon the written request of the applicant or recipient, or their authorized representative; or

(2) If required by federal law or regulations; or

(3) In response to law enforcement investigations and fraud or abuse investigations, except where release or disclosure is expressly prohibited by federal or state law or regulations; or

(4) In response to judicial order.

Provided, however, that when the personal information has been obtained by the department from another department, agency, organization, or individual, it shall be released by, or under the conditions established by, the other department, agency organization, or individual. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to prohibit the director of the department of human services, or the directors agents duly authorized for that purpose, from issuing any statistical material or data, or publishing or causing the same to be published whenever he or she shall deem it to be in the public interest.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-34-16 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-34 / Section 42-34-16
§ 42-34-16. Interest of members of authority.
Status: in_force

No member of the authority shall participate in any decision on any contract of insurance in which the member has any interests, direct or indirect, in any firm, partnership, corporation, or association that would be the mortgagee, whose loan to a local development corporation is insured by the authority, or if the member has any interest, direct or indirect, in any firm, partnership, corporation, or association that would rent, lease, or otherwise occupy the premises constructed by the local development corporation where the corporations mortgage is insured by the authority, or if the member is a director or officer or otherwise associated with the local development corporation whose mortgage is insured by the authority.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-133-15 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-133 / Section 42-133-15
§ 42-133-15. Credit of the state.
Status: in_force

Bonds issued under the provisions of this chapter shall not constitute a debt, liability, or obligation of the state or of any political subdivision thereof other than the corporation, or a pledge of the faith and credit of the state or any political subdivision, but shall be payable solely from the assets of the corporation. Bonds shall state on their face that the bonds are payable both as to principal and interest solely out of the assets of the corporation pledged for such purpose, and neither the faith and credit nor the taxing power of the state or any political subdivision thereof is pledged to the payment of the principal of or the interest on the bonds; do not constitute an indebtedness of the state or any political subdivision of the state; are secured solely by and payable solely from the tobacco receipts sold to the corporation and other moneys of the corporation; and do not constitute a general, legal, or moral obligation of the state or any political subdivisions thereof, and that the state has no obligation or intention to satisfy any deficiency or default of any payment of the bonds.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-132-1 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-132 / Section 42-132-1
§ 42-132-1. Purpose.
Status: in_force

The purpose of this chapter is to provide a convenient, accessible, and timely one-stop system that will enable the business community to acquire, maintain, and file the necessary state licenses required to start and conduct business in Rhode Island. It is the intent of the general assembly that use of the fast-start system by a business be optional and that any business may continue to work directly with the appropriate state agency if preferred.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-64-7.6 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-64 / Section 42-64-7.6
§ 42-64-7.6. Transfer of functions from the governors office of intergovernmental relations.
Status: in_force

(a) All functions formerly administered by the governors office of intergovernmental relations in the executive department relating to community development block grants are hereby transferred to the department of administration, division of planning.

(b) In addition to any of its other powers and responsibilities, the Rhode Island commerce corporation is authorized and empowered to accept any grants made available by the United States government or any agency of the United States government, and the corporation, with the approval of the governor, is authorized and empowered to perform any acts and enter into all necessary contracts and agreements with the United States or any agency of the United States as may be necessary in any manner and degree that shall be deemed to be in the best interest of the state. The proceeds of the received grants shall be paid to the general treasurer and deposited in a separate fund to be used solely for the purposes of the grant or grants.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-99-6 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-99 / Section 42-99-6
§ 42-99-6. General powers.
Status: in_force

The corporation shall have power:

(1) To have perpetual succession.

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

(3) To have a corporate seal which may be altered at its 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, or otherwise acquire, own, hold, improve, use, and otherwise deal in and with, real or personal property, or any interest therein, wherever situated.

(5) To sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, transfer, and otherwise dispose of all or any part of its property and assets; any such transfers or dispositions may be for nominal or other consideration, by public, or private sale, with or without public bidding, notwithstanding the provisions of any other law.

(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, other domestic or foreign corporations, associations, partnerships or individuals, 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 and enter into all contracts, agreements, and guarantees and incur liabilities, borrow money at those rates of interest that the corporation may determine, issue its notes, bonds, and other obligations, and secure any of its obligations by mortgage or pledge of all or any of its property, franchises, and income, necessary or incidental to the performance of its duties and the execution of its powers under this chapter.

(8) To conduct its business, carry on its operations, and have offices and exercise the powers granted by this chapter.

(9) To elect or appoint officers and agents of the corporation, and define their duties.

(10) To make and alter bylaws, not inconsistent with this chapter.

(11) To make contracts with, and to receive and accept grants from, the state or any political subdivision thereof, including the municipality.

(12) The corporation shall at all times have the power to sell, convey, lease, exchange, transfer, and otherwise dispose of, any or all property previously acquired by the corporation (which is subsequently determined to be unnecessary to the project) whether acquired by the exercise of the right and power of eminent domain or through negotiation and purchase or otherwise.

(13) Upon any conveyance or lease by the corporation of property previously acquired by the corporation, irrespective of whether the property was acquired by the exercise of the right and power of eminent domain, through negotiation and sale or otherwise, neither the person or persons from whom the property was taken, any other former owner or owners nor any other person or persons formerly having any estate or right or interest in the property, shall have any preferred, special or first right to repurchase or lease the property or any other preemptive right with respect to the property.

(14) To enter into joint ventures with third parties for the purpose of owning a hotel or any undivided interest in a hotel, provided that the fair market value of any real or personal property contributed to any joint venture by any third party shall be determined by the following appraisal procedure:

(i) The corporation shall secure an independent appraisal of the fair market value of the contributed property;

(ii) The third party shall secure a second independent appraisal of the fair market value of the contributed property;

(iii) Following receipt of the two (2) independent appraisals, if the corporation and the third party still do not agree on the fair market value of the contributed property, then the two (2) appraisers selected by the parties shall select a third independent appraiser, the cost of which shall be shared equally by the two (2) parties; and

(iv) The determination of fair market value by the third appraiser shall be binding and conclusive of the fair market value; provided, however, the final value established by the third appraisal may not be greater than the amount set forth in the higher of the two (2) prior appraisals, nor may it be below the amount set forth in the lower of the two (2) prior appraisals.

(15) To enter into an agreement with the municipality which shall provide reasonable reimbursement to the municipality for certain public safety services and to hold the municipality harmless for any debt service incurred by the authority in connection with the convention center project.

(16) To have and exercise all powers necessary or convenient to effect its purposes.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-168-2 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-168 / Section 42-168-2
§ 42-168-2. Use of state-owned/operated printing facilities.
Status: in_force

Any state agency, state institution of higher education, and quasi-public agency which engages in the printing of more than fifty (50) copies of a contract, publication, brochure, mail piece, notice, and/or promotional material shall, when practicable, use an existing state-owned/operated print shop/facility as long as said state-owned/operated print shop/facility is capable of processing and manufacturing the aforementioned materials.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-8-7 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-8 / Section 42-8-7
§ 42-8-7. Correspondence records.
Status: in_force

The secretary of state shall keep a copy of every official letter sent by the secretary of state, and shall preserve all public letters received by the secretary of state.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-61-10 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-61 / Section 42-61-10
§ 42-61-10. Prizes to lottery employees.
Status: in_force

No lottery prize award shall be awarded to or for any officer or employee of the state lottery division, or any blood relative of that officer or employee living as a member of that officer or employees household.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-116-25 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-116 / Section 42-116-25
§ 42-116-25. Duration of corporation  Termination.
Status: in_force

The corporation and its corporate existence shall continue until it is dissolved in accordance with procedures contained in §§ 7-6-50  7-6-55 after its board of directors has determined that the purposes for which it has been created have been substantially fulfilled; provided, however, that no dissolution shall take effect so long as the corporation has bonds outstanding unless adequate provision has been made for the payment or satisfaction of their payment or unless there is a consent to a dissolution by an authorized action of the holders of these bonds or their trustee or other authorized representative. Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary in §§ 7-6-50  7-6-55, upon termination of the corporation, title to all funds and other properties owned by it which remain after provision for the payment or satisfaction of all bonds, certificates of indebtedness, promissory notes, and other obligations of the corporation shall be transferred to and shall vest in the sinking fund as provided in chapter 8 of title 35. Net proceeds, after expenses, arising from any assets and legal settlements that have reverted to the sinking fund shall be deposited into the sinking fund as provided in chapter 8 of title 35.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-64-9.8 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-64 / Section 42-64-9.8
§ 42-64-9.8. Procedure for hearings on orders.
Status: in_force

The provisions of §§ 42-64-9.542-64-9.7 relative to hearings and judicial review shall be applicable to all hearings and decisions held pursuant to this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-64-7.13 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-64 / Section 42-64-7.13
§ 42-64-7.13. National security infrastructure support fund.
Status: in_force

The Rhode Island commerce corporation is hereby authorized and empowered to administer the national security infrastructure support fund in accordance with the powers and terms enumerated in chapter 32 of title 30.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-11-2.4 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-11 / Section 42-11-2.4
§ 42-11-2.4. State Fleet Replacement Revolving Loan Fund.
Status: in_force

(a) There is hereby created as a separate fund within the treasury to be known as the state fleet replacement revolving loan fund which shall be administered by the general treasurer in accordance with the same laws and fiscal procedures as the general funds of the state. This fund, hereafter referred to as the revolving loan fund, shall consist of such sums as the state may from time to time appropriate, as well as money received from the disposal of used vehicles, loan, interest and service charge payments from benefiting state agencies, as well as interest earnings, money received from the federal government, gifts, bequests, donations, or otherwise from any public or private source.

(b) This fund shall be used for the purpose of acquiring motor vehicles, both new and used, and vehicle-related equipment and attachments for state departments and agencies.

(c) The proceeds from the repayment of any loans made for the purposes authorized under this chapter shall be deposited in and returned to the revolving loan fund in order to constitute a continuing revolving fund for the purposes listed above.

(d) The office of state fleet operations of the Rhode Island department of administration shall adopt rules and regulations consistent with the purposes of this chapter and chapter 35 of title 42, in order to provide for the orderly and equitable disbursement and repayment of funds from the revolving loan fund.

(e) Provided; however, a total of four million two hundred thousand dollars ($4,200,000) shall be made available as a direct grant from the revolving loan fund for the required twenty percent (20%) match for the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority to obtain federal funds to purchase buses through FY 2017. Any such sums need not be repaid to the revolving loan fund.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-99-13 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-99 / Section 42-99-13
§ 42-99-13. Credit of state or municipality not pledged.
Status: in_force

Obligations issued under the provisions of this chapter shall not be deemed to constitute a debt or liability or obligation of the state or of any political subdivision of the state, including the municipality, or a pledge of the faith and credit of the state or of any political subdivision, including the municipality, but shall be payable solely from the revenues or assets of the corporation. Each obligation issued under this chapter shall contain on the face of the obligation a statement to the effect that the corporation shall not be obligated to pay the obligation nor the interest on the obligation except from the revenues or assets pledged therefor and that neither the faith and credit nor the taxing power of the state or of any political subdivision of the obligation, including the municipality, is pledged to the payment of the principal of or the interest on the obligation.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-75-1 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-75 / Section 42-75-1
§ 42-75-1. Declaration of policy.
Status: in_force

It is declared to be the policy of the state to join with the federal government, private patrons, and institutions and professional organizations concerned with the arts to insure that the role of the arts in the life of Rhode Island communities will continue to grow and will play an ever more significant part in the welfare and educational experience of our citizens.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-20-7 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-20 / Section 42-20-7
§ 42-20-7. Assignment of office space.
Status: in_force

The director of administration or a subordinate designated by the director shall assign space in the state house and state office building, and in any other state property that may be required, to the various departments and other agencies in accordance with their needs.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-99-9 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-99 / Section 42-99-9
§ 42-99-9. Bonds and notes of the corporation.
Status: reserved

(a) The corporation is authorized to issue its negotiable bonds and notes from time to time for any of its corporate purposes; provided, however, that the authorization be limited such that the aggregate principal amount of such negotiable bonds and notes outstanding at any time does not exceed the sum of three hundred five million dollars ($305,000,000); provided further, however, there shall be excluded from any calculation of the foregoing limitations, the principal amount of any bond anticipation notes retired with the proceeds of notes or bonds, as well as the portion of any refunding bonds issued after January 1, 2002, that exceeds the outstanding principal amount of the bonds being refunded, as well as the principal amount of any other obligation issued to fund operating reserve accounts or debt service reserve accounts. All bonds and notes issued by the corporation may be secured by the full faith and credit of the corporation or may be payable solely out of the revenues and receipts derived from the lease, mortgage, or sale by the corporation of its facilities or of any part thereof or from any other financing arrangement with respect thereto as may be designated in the proceedings of the corporation under which the bonds or notes shall be authorized to be issued. The bonds and notes may be executed and delivered by the corporation at any time and from time to time, may be in a form and denominations and of that tenor and maturities, may be in bearer form or in registered form, as to principal and interest or as to principal alone, may be payable in installments and at a time or times, may be payable at places whether within or without the state, may bear interest at a rate or rates payable at a time or times and at a place or places and evidenced in a manner, and may contain provisions not inconsistent herewith, all that shall be provided in the proceedings of the corporation under which the bonds shall be authorized to be issued; provided, however, that bonds of the corporation shall be payable not more than forty (40) years from the date thereof and notes shall be payable not more than ten (10) years from the date thereof. If deemed advisable by the corporation, there may be retained in the proceedings under which any bonds or notes of the corporation are authorized to be issued an option to redeem all or any part thereof as may be specified in the proceedings, at a price or prices and after notice or notices and on the terms and conditions as may be set forth in the proceedings and as may be recited in the face of the bonds or notes, but nothing herein contained shall be construed to confer on the corporation any right or option to redeem any bonds or notes except as may be provided in the proceedings under which they shall be issued. Any bonds or notes of the corporation may be sold at a price or prices, at public or private sale, in a manner and from time to time as may be determined by the corporation, and the corporation may pay all expenses, premiums, and commissions which it may deem necessary or advantageous in connection with the issuance and sale thereof. Any moneys of the corporation, including proceeds from the sale of any bonds or notes, and revenues, receipts, and income from any of its projects, may be invested and reinvested in such obligations, securities and other investments that shall be provided in the resolution or resolutions under which the bonds or notes are authorized.

(b) Issuance by the corporation of one or more series of bonds or notes for one or more purposes shall not preclude it from issuing other bonds or notes in connection with the project or any other projects, but the proceedings whereunder any subsequent bonds or notes may be issued shall recognize and protect any prior pledge or mortgage made for any prior issue of bonds or notes unless in the proceedings authorizing prior issue the right is reserved to issue subsequent bonds or notes on a parity with prior issue.

(c) The corporation is authorized to provide for the issuance of its bonds or notes for the purpose of refunding any bonds or notes of the corporation then outstanding, including the payment of any redemption premium thereon and any interest accrued or to accrue to the earliest or subsequent date of redemption, purchase, or maturity of the bonds or notes, and, if deemed advisable by the corporation, for the additional purpose of paying all or any part of the cost of constructing and acquiring additions, improvements, extensions, or enlargements of a project or any portion thereof.

(d) The proceeds of any bonds or notes issued for the purpose of refunding outstanding bonds or notes may, in the discretion of the corporation, be applied to the purchase or retirement at maturity or redemption of the outstanding bonds or notes either on their earliest or any subsequent redemption date, and may, pending the application, be placed in escrow to be applied to the purchase or retirement at maturity or redemption on such date as may be determined by the corporation.

(e) Any escrowed proceeds, pending this use, may be invested and reinvested in obligations of or guaranteed by the United States of America, or in certificates of deposit or time deposits secured by direct obligations of or guaranteed by the United States of America, maturing at a time or times that shall be appropriate to assure the prompt payment, as to principal, interest and redemption premium, if any, on the outstanding bonds or notes to be refunded. The interest, income and profits, if any, earned or realized on any investment may also be applied to the payment of the outstanding bonds or notes to be refunded. After the terms of the escrow have been fully satisfied and carried out, any balance of the proceeds and interest, income and profits, if any, earned or realized on the investments thereof may be returned to the corporation for use by it in any lawful manner. The portion of the proceeds of any bonds or notes issued for the additional purpose of paying all or any part of the cost of constructing and acquiring additions, improvements, extensions, or enlargements of a project may be invested and reinvested in obligations of or guaranteed by the United States of America, or in certificates of deposit or time deposits secured by direct obligations of or guaranteed by the United States of America, maturing not later than the time or times when the proceeds will be needed for the purpose of paying all or any part of the cost. The interest, income and profits, if any, earned or realized on the investments may be applied to the payment of all or any part of the cost or may be used by the corporation in any lawful manner.

(f) All of the bonds or notes shall be issued and secured and shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter in the same manner and to the same extent as any other bonds and notes issued pursuant to this chapter. All bonds and notes authorized under this section and the interest coupons, if any, applicable to these are made and shall be construed to be negotiable instruments.

(g) Money borrowed by the corporation for the purpose of providing temporary financing of a project pending the issuance of bonds or other notes shall be evidenced by notes or other obligations. The principal of and interest on all notes or other obligations of the corporation issued under the provisions of this section shall be payable from the following:

(i) From the proceeds of bonds subsequently issued; or

(ii) From the proceeds of subsequent borrowings which comply with the provisions of this chapter.

(h) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, all notes shall be deemed to be negotiable instruments under the laws of the state subject only to the provisions for registration contained therein. These notes or other obligations or any issue of these shall be in a form and contain any other provisions as the corporation may determine and any votes or resolutions or proceedings authorizing those notes or other obligations or any issue of these may contain, in addition to any provisions, conditions, covenants, or limitations authorized by this chapter, any provisions, conditions, covenants, or limitations which the corporation is authorized to include in any resolution or resolutions authorizing bonds or notes or in any trust indenture relating thereto. The corporation may issue notes or other obligations in a manner either publicly or privately on any terms it may determine to be in its best interests. These notes or other obligations may be issued under the provisions of this chapter without obtaining the consent of any department, division, commission, board, body, or agency of the state, without any other proceedings or the happening of any conditions or things other than those proceedings, conditions or things which are specifically required by this chapter and by the provisions and resolutions authorizing the issuance of the notes or obligations. Notwithstanding anything in this chapter or any other general or special law to the contrary, the issuance of bonds or notes or other evidences of indebtedness hereunder for the purpose of financing the development of any hotel, parking garages, connection walkways, or any facilities ancillary to a hotel shall be subject to chapter 18 of title 35.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-12-15 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-12 / Section 42-12-15
§ 42-12-15. Acceptance of federal vocational rehabilitation act  Custody of funds.
Status: in_force

The state of Rhode Island hereby accepts the provisions of the act passed by the United States Congress entitled An Act to Provide for the Promotion of Vocational Rehabilitation of Persons Disabled in Industry or Otherwise, and Their Return to Civil Employment, approved by the president, June 2, 1920. The state department of human services is hereby empowered and directed to cooperate with the Federal Office of Vocational Rehabilitation in the administration of that act of Congress within the state of Rhode Island. The general treasurer shall receive and provide for the proper custody of all money paid to the state from the federal treasury under the provisions of that act of Congress, and shall disburse the money upon orders drawn under the direction of the state department of human services and signed by the executive officer of the department.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-35-2.8 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-35 / Section 42-35-2.8
§ 42-35-2.8. Public participation.
Status: in_force

(a) An agency proposing a rule shall specify a public comment period of at least thirty (30) days after publication of notice of the proposed rulemaking, during which a person may submit information and comment on the proposed rule. The information or comment may be submitted in an electronic or written format. The agency shall consider all information and comments on a proposed rule which is submitted pursuant to this subsection within the comment period.

(b) An agency may consider any other information it receives concerning a proposed rule during the public comment period. Any information considered by the agency must be incorporated into the record under § 42-35-2.3. The information need not be submitted in an electronic or written format. Nothing in this section prohibits an agency from discussing with any person at any time the subject of a proposed rule.

(c) Unless a hearing is required by law of this state other than this chapter, an agency is not required to hold a hearing on a proposed rule but may do so. Opportunity for a hearing must be granted if a request is received by twenty-five (25) persons, or by a governmental agency, or by an association having not less than twenty-five (25) members, within ten (10) days of a notice posted in accordance with subsection (a). A hearing must be open to the public, recorded, and held at least five (5) days before the end of the public comment period.

(d) A hearing on a proposed rule may not be held earlier than ten (10) days after notice of its location, date, and time is published on the secretary of states website.

(e) An agency representative shall preside over a hearing on a proposed rule. If the representative is not the agency head, the representative shall prepare a memorandum summarizing the contents of the presentations made at the hearing for consideration by the agency head.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-28-9 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-28 / Section 42-28-9
§ 42-28-9. Offices of superintendent.
Status: in_force

The superintendent shall have suitable offices furnished and assigned to the superintendent by the department of administration.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-35-13 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-35 / Section 42-35-13
§ 42-35-13. Ex parte consultations.
Status: in_force

Unless required for the disposition of ex parte matters authorized by law, members or employees of an agency assigned to render an order or to make findings of fact and conclusions of law in a contested case shall not, directly or indirectly, in connection with any issue of fact, communicate with any person or party, nor, in connection with any issue of law, with any party or the partys representative, except upon notice and opportunity for all parties to participate; but any agency member:

(1) May communicate with other members of the agency; and

(2) May have the aid and advice of one or more personal assistants.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-140-2 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-140 / Section 42-140-2
§ 42-140-2. Creation.
Status: in_force

There is hereby authorized, created, and established an office of energy resources in the executive department of state government, which may be assigned by executive order for administrative purposes to a department within state government. The office of energy resources shall be the successor to the state energy office.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-35-5 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-35 / Section 42-35-5
§ 42-35-5. Public access to agency law and policy publication, compilation, indexing, and public inspection of rulemaking documents.
Status: in_force

(a) The secretary of state may promulgate rules or guidance documents governing the filing, codification, and publication of the rules and other rulemaking documents of state agencies submitted to the secretary of state under this chapter. The secretary of state shall be the codifier of the rules of state agencies. The secretary of state may assign numbers to any rule in order to develop and maintain a comprehensive system of codification. The number shall be the official administrative code number of the rule. Any number so assigned shall be published in any publication of the Rhode Island administrative code. Rules of the Rhode Island administrative code shall be cited and referred to by their official numbers. The office of the secretary of state shall publish on its website, in a searchable format, the full text of all rules promulgated by agencies pursuant to this chapter.

(b) The secretary of state shall oversee the publication of an updated code of state regulations. The code of state regulations shall be compiled and published in a format and medium prescribed by the secretary of state. Upon completion of the updated code, it shall be made available on the secretary of states website. The rules of an agency shall be published and indexed in the code of state regulations. Agencies must resubmit all existing rules with the secretary of state for publication into the code of state regulations by December 31, 2018. All rules shall be written in plain language. To promote the efficient development of a code of state regulations, the office of regulatory reform is authorized to coordinate and direct agencies in the effort to develop a regulatory code. The office of regulatory reform shall establish a phased approach which requires agencies to submit portions of regulatory content prior to December 31, 2018. Any rule that is not resubmitted by December 31, 2018, and is not published in the code of state regulations, shall not be enforceable until the rule appears in the code of state regulations. The secretary of state shall make the code of state regulations available for public inspection and, for a reasonable charge, copying.

(c) The secretary of state may display on its website the state register. The secretary of state shall provide the following to the publisher of the state register:

(1) Notices of proposed rulemaking prepared so that the text of the proposed rule shows the text of any existing rule proposed to be changed and the change proposed;

(2) Newly filed final rules prepared so that the text of a newly filed amended rule shows the text of the existing rule and the change that is made.

(d)(1) The secretary of state may approve as acceptable a commercial publication of the code which conforms to all of the provisions of this section. If the secretary of state does not approve of a commercial publication of the code, the secretary of state shall prepare and publish the code, or contract with any person under this section to prepare and publish the code. Any code published by the secretary of state, or by any person under a contract let under this section, shall include all of the requirements of this section. In addition, the secretary of state shall furnish any volume or issue of the code or supplement to any person who requests the material upon payment of a charge established by the secretary of state, not to exceed the cost of publication and handling.

(2) Upon the request of the secretary of state, the director of administration shall advertise and accept competitive bids and let a contract for the compilation and printing of the code of state regulations and supplements between the secretary of state and the person able to perform the contract at the lowest cost.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-8-13 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-8 / Section 42-8-13
§ 42-8-13. Sale of surplus publications.
Status: in_force

The secretary of state is hereby authorized and empowered to sell or dispose of all duplicate books, pamphlets, or other surplus supplies that in the secretarys judgment are not available for use by the state. All sums received from the sales shall be deposited into the secretary of state preservation/conservation account.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-72-36 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-72 / Section 42-72-36
§ 42-72-36. Residential placement capacity.
Status: in_force

Effective January 1, 2009, and for any day thereafter, the departments approved capacity for out-of-home residential placements, excluding foster homes, shall not exceed the total of one thousand (1,000) out-of-home residential placements. The department is authorized to reinvest any savings that result from reductions in out-of-home residential placements, into developing additional community-based services for children and their families.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-56-10 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-56 / Section 42-56-10
§ 42-56-10. Powers of the director.
Status: in_force

In addition to exercising the powers and performing the duties, which are otherwise given to the director by law, the director of the department of corrections shall:

(1) Designate, establish, maintain, and administer those state correctional facilities that the director deems necessary, and may discontinue the use of those state correctional facilities that the director deems appropriate for that action;

(2) Maintain security, safety, and order at all state correctional facilities, utilize the resources of the department to prevent escapes from any state correctional facility, take all necessary precautions to prevent the occurrence or spread of any disorder, riot, or insurrection of any state correctional facility, including, but not limited to, the development, planning, and coordination of emergency riot procedures, and take suitable measures for the restoration of order;

(3) Establish and enforce standards for all state correctional facilities;

(4) Supervise and/or approve the administration by the assistant directors of the department;

(5) Manage, direct, and supervise the operations of the department;

(6) Direct employees in the performance of their official duties;

(7) Hire, promote, transfer, assign, and retain employees and suspend, demote, discharge, or take other necessary disciplinary action;

(8) Maintain the efficiency of the operations of the department;

(9) Determine the methods, means, and personnel by which those operations of the department are to be conducted;

(10) Relieve employees from duties because of lack of work or for other legitimate reasons;

(11) Establish, maintain, and administer programs, including, but not limited to, education, training, and employment, of persons committed to the custody of the department, designed as far as practicable to prepare and assist each person to assume the responsibilities and exercise the rights of a citizen of this state;

(12) Establish a system of classification of persons committed to the custody of the department for the purpose of developing programs for each person. In order to effectively develop an individualized program for each sentenced inmate that will address each offenders individual treatment and rehabilitative needs, the department of corrections is authorized to receive, with the express consent of the inmate, and upon request to the department of children, youth and families, the offenders juvenile arrest and/or adjudication records. Information related to the juveniles family members and other third parties, excluding law enforcement personnel, shall be redacted from the records provided prior to their release to the department. The records will be disclosed to only those department personnel directly responsible for, and only for the purpose of, developing the individualized program for the offender;

(13) Determine at the time of commitment, and from time to time thereafter, the custody requirements and program needs of each person committed to the custody of the department and assign or transfer those persons to appropriate facilities and programs;

(14) Establish training programs for employees of the department, including the use of an application system for the departments correctional officer training academy that leverages other law enforcement entity recruiting and the establishment of any fee associated with such system, provided that a state application process compliant with § 28-6.3-1 also be provided;

(15) Investigate grievances and inquire into alleged misconduct within the department;

(16) Maintain adequate records of persons committed to the custody of the department;

(17) Establish and maintain programs of research, statistics, and planning, and conduct studies relating to correctional programs and responsibilities of the department;

(18) Utilize, as far as practicable, the services and resources of specialized community agencies and other local community groups in the development of programs, recruitment of volunteers, and dissemination of information regarding the work and needs of the department;

(19) Make and enter into any contracts and agreements necessary or incidental to the performance of the duties and execution of the powers of the department, including, but not limited to, contracts to render services to committed offenders, and to provide for training or education for correctional officers and staff;

(20) Seek to develop civic interest in the work of the department and educate the public to the needs and goals of the corrections process;

(21) Expend annually in the exercise of the directors powers, performance of the directors duties, and for the necessary operations of the department those sums that may be appropriated by the general assembly;

(22) Make and promulgate necessary rules and regulations incident to the exercise of the directors powers and the performance of the directors duties, including, but not limited to, rules and regulations regarding nutrition, sanitation, safety, discipline, recreation, religious services, communication, and visiting privileges, classification, education, training, employment, care, and custody for all persons committed to correctional facilities;

(23) Make and promulgate regulations to provide:

(i) Written notice to licensed nursing facilities, licensed assisted-living residences, and housing for the elderly whenever a person seeking to reside in one of these facilities or residences is being released on parole for any of the following offenses: murder, voluntary manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter, first-degree sexual assault, second-degree sexual assault, third-degree sexual assault, assault on persons sixty (60) years of age or older, assault with intent to commit specified felonies (murder, robbery, rape, or burglary), felony assault, patient abuse, neglect or mistreatment of patients, burglary, first degree arson, felony larceny, or robbery;

(ii) A risk assessment process to identify and recommend safety or security measures necessary for the protection of other residents or clients, including whether the parolee should be prohibited from residing in any such facility or residence or segregated from other residents or clients to protect the security and safety of other residents;

(iii) The written notice to licensed nursing facilities, assisted living residences, or housing for the elderly shall include charge information and disposition about the offense for which the resident or client has been paroled, contact information for the residents or clients parole supervisor, a copy of the risk assessment and recommendations, if any, regarding safety and security measures. A copy of the written notice shall be provided to the parolee; and

(iv) A process for notifying the appropriate state regulatory agency and the state long-term care ombudsman whenever notice as required in subsection (23)(i) of this section has been given;

(24) Notwithstanding the enumeration of the powers of the director as set forth in this section, and notwithstanding any other provision of the general laws, the validity and enforceability of the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement shall not be contested, affected, or diminished, nor shall any arbitration award be vacated, remanded or set aside on the basis of an alleged conflict with this section or with any other provision of the general laws.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-117-9 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-117 / Section 42-117-9
§ 42-117-9. Coal burning power plants  Exemption.
Status: in_force

The provisions of this chapter do not apply to applications arising from or related to coal burning power plants.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-148-7 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-148 / Section 42-148-7
§ 42-148-7. Report of general assembly.
Status: in_force

(a) The director of the department of administration shall notify the chairpersons of the house and senate finance committees of their intent to request bids or proposals to privatize state services. The notice to the committees shall be provided thirty (30) days prior to issuing the request.

(b) Upon the final decision of an award the director of the department of administration shall provide a report to the chairpersons of the house and senate finance committees outlining the bid process and analysis conducted in issuing an award.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-109-9 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-109 / Section 42-109-9
§ 42-109-9. Legislative oversight commission.
Status: in_force

(a) There is created a legislative commission entitled Legislative Oversight Commission on Special Substance Abuse Programs, the purpose of which shall be to oversee the implementation and administration of all moneys and programs involving the Benjamin Rush Detox Program, and the Driving While Intoxicated Program, and to report to the director of the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals and to the general assembly with advice and recommendations as to the adequacy, efficacy and efficiency of all statutes, rules, regulations, guidelines, practices, and programs relating to those substance abuse programs, and any other matters it deems appropriate.

(b) The commission shall consist of five (5) members: two (2) of whom shall be appointed by the president of the senate as follows: one member who shall be a physician licensed to practice medicine in this state and whose medical practice concentrates on substance abuse treatment and prevention; one member who shall be a registered nurse (R.N.) who is licensed in this state and concentrates in substance abuse treatment and prevention; three (3) of whom shall be appointed by the speaker of the house as follows: one member who shall be a certified chemical dependency professional (C.C.D.P.); one member who shall be clinical supervisor of a private or public substance abuse treatment and prevention clinic; and one member who shall be an executive director of a private or public substance abuse treatment agency; provided, however, that no member of the general assembly shall be appointed to the commission. The chairperson of the commission shall be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives. Members of the commission shall serve without compensation. The commission may request and shall receive from any instrumentality of the state, including the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals, department of children, youth and families, department of human services and other departments as the commission sees fit and from any municipality or any instrumentality thereof, any information and assistance that it deems necessary for the proper execution of its powers and duties under this section. The commission shall meet at least quarterly and shall report at least annually to the general assembly on its findings and recommendations with respect to any matters relating to those substance abuse treatment programs listed herein.

(c) The commission shall operate in conjunction with the permanent legislative oversight commission on substance abuse prevention established pursuant to the provisions of § 16-21.2-9 and with the permanent legislative oversight commission on substance abuse treatment established pursuant to the provisions of § 40.1-1-12; provided, however, that primary oversight of the Benjamin Rush Detox Program, and the Driving While Intoxicated Program shall be the function of the commission established in this section.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-28-19 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-28 / Section 42-28-19
§ 42-28-19. Police powers of members  Fees  Duties  Suppression of riots.
Status: in_force

Members of the division shall have and may exercise in any part of the state, with regard to the enforcement of the criminal laws, all powers of deputy sheriffs, town sergeants, chiefs of police, police officers, and town constables. Any person authorized to issue criminal process may direct that process to any member of the division. All fees received by members of the division in connection with the performance of their duties shall be paid to the general treasurer for the use of the state. It shall be the duty of its members to prevent and detect crime; to apprehend and assist in the prosecution of offenders; and to assist in the investigation and prosecution of any criminal matters within the state. The governor may command their services in the suppression of riots, but they shall not exercise their powers within the limits of any city to suppress rioting except by direction of the governor and upon the request of the mayor or chief of police of any city.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-56-30 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-56 / Section 42-56-30
§ 42-56-30. Classification board.
Status: in_force

For the purpose of the study and in order to regulate a system of classification of persons committed to the custody of the department, there shall be within the department a classification board consisting of five (5) persons to be appointed by the director of the department of corrections to serve at the directors pleasure. The director shall also have the authority to establish an additional classification board to facilitate the classification system when the director deems it necessary.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-140-7 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-140 / Section 42-140-7
§ 42-140-7. Conduct of activities.
Status: in_force

To the extent reasonable and practical, the conduct of activities under the provisions of this chapter shall be open and inclusive.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-34-15.1 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-34 / Section 42-34-15.1
§ 42-34-15.1. Agreement of state.
Status: in_force

The state of Rhode Island does hereby pledge to and agree with the mortgagees holding mortgage insurance issued by the authority under this chapter that the state of Rhode Island will not limit or alter the rights hereby vested in the authority to fulfill the terms of any agreements made with the mortgagees relating to that mortgage insurance until the agreements have been performed in full.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-66-5 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-66 / Section 42-66-5
§ 42-66-5. Divisions of department.
Status: in_force

There shall be within the department of elderly affairs a division of program planning, development and operations and a division of community services.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-28-47 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-28 / Section 42-28-47
§ 42-28-47. Stolen or fire damaged vehicle report forms.
Status: in_force

(a) The state police shall draft a uniform statewide report form to be utilized by all the police departments in the state when a motor vehicle is reported stolen or is damaged by fire. Once drafted, the report shall be made available to the several police departments within the state. Every owner of a motor vehicle that is stolen or damaged by fire shall be required to complete the standardized report form according to the instructions contained therein upon the request of any police department within the state. Any person willfully failing to complete and submit a report form as required by this section may be fined one hundred dollars ($100).

(b) No payment shall be made by an insurer for loss or damage to an insureds vehicle until the insured has filed a report in conformity with the provisions of this section and the insurer has within thirty (30) days received said report and determined that there is no fraud involved.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-34-4 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-34 / Section 42-34-4
§ 42-34-4. Organization of authority.
Status: in_force

(a) The Rhode Island industrial-recreational building authority, hereinafter in this chapter called the authority, hereby created and established a body corporate and politic, is constituted a public instrumentality of the state, and the exercise by the authority of the powers conferred by the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed and held to be the performance of essential governmental functions. The authority shall consist of five (5) members, appointed by the governor for a period of five (5) years, as herein provided.

(b) During the month of January, 1959, the governor shall appoint one member to serve until the first day of February, 1960, and until the member's successor is appointed and qualified, one member to serve until the first day of February, 1961, and until the member's successor is appointed and qualified, one member to serve until the first day of February, 1962, and until the member's successor is appointed and qualified, one member to serve until the first day of February, 1963, and until the member's successor is appointed and qualified, and one member to serve until the first day of February, 1964, and until the member's successor is appointed and qualified.

(c) During the month of January, 1960, and during the month of January annually thereafter, the governor shall appoint a member to succeed the member whose term will then next expire, to serve for a term of five (5) years commencing on the first day of February then next following and until the member's successor is appointed and qualified. A member shall be eligible to succeed himself or herself.

(d) A vacancy in the office of a member, other than by expiration, shall be filled in like manner as an original appointment, but only for the remainder of the term of the retiring member. Members may be removed by the governor for cause.

(e) The authority may elect such officers from among its members as may be required to conduct the authoritys business. The chief executive officer of the commerce corporation shall serve as executive director and chief executive officer, ex officio, of the authority. Three (3) members of the authority shall constitute a quorum and the affirmative vote of a majority of the members, present and voting, shall be necessary for any action taken by the authority; except that, in no case shall any action taken by the authority be taken by an affirmative vote of less than three (3) members. No vacancy in the membership of the authority or disqualification of a member under § 42-34-16 shall impair the right of the quorum to exercise all rights and perform all the duties of the authority. All of the members of the authority shall be reimbursed for their actual expenses necessarily incurred in the performance of their duties.

(f) Appointments made under this section after the effective date of this act [April 20, 2006] shall be subject to the advice and consent of the senate.

(g) Newly appointed and qualified public members and designees of ex-officio members shall, within six (6) months of their qualification or designation, attend a training course that shall be developed with authority approval and conducted by the chairperson of the authority and shall include instruction in the following areas: the provisions of this chapter and chapter 46 of this title, chapter 14 of title 36, and chapter 2 of title 38; and the authoritys rules and regulations. The director of the department of administration shall, within ninety (90) days of the effective date of this act [April 20, 2006], prepare and disseminate training materials relating to the provisions of chapter 46 of this title, chapter 14 of title 36, and chapter 2 of title 38.

(h) Members of the authority shall be removable by the governor pursuant to § 36-1-7 and for cause only, and removal solely for partisan or personal reasons unrelated to capacity or fitness for the office shall be unlawful.

(i) The authority shall approve and submit a biannual report, each October 1 and each April 1, to the governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate, and the secretary of state, of its activities during the previous six (6) months. The report shall provide: an operating statement summarizing meetings or hearings held, meeting minutes if requested, subjects addressed, decisions rendered, rules or regulations promulgated, studies conducted, policies and plans developed, approved, or modified, and programs administered or initiated; a detailed review of the authoritys loan guarantee program, including a summary of each approved project, the guarantee amount for each approved project, and estimated jobs created or retained for each approved project; a consolidated financial statement of all funds received and expended including the source of the funds, a listing of any staff supported by these funds, and a summary of any clerical, administrative, or technical support received; a summary of performance during the previous fiscal year including accomplishments, shortcomings, and remedies; a synopsis of hearings, complaints, suspensions, or other legal matters related to the authority of the authority; a summary of any training courses held pursuant to subsection (g) of this section; a briefing on anticipated activities in the upcoming fiscal year; and findings and recommendations for improvements. The report shall be posted electronically on the general assembly and the secretary of states websites as prescribed in § 42-20-8.2. The director of the department of administration shall be responsible for the enforcement of this provision.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-95-2 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-95 / Section 42-95-2
§ 42-95-2. Proceeds of funds.
Status: in_force

(a) All monies in the fund shall be expended in accordance with the general laws of the state and the terms and conditions of the agreement or agreements by and between the city of Providence and the state with respect to the Providence river relocation  memorial boulevard extension project, so called, as defined in the agreement(s), and any other agreement(s) between the state and other public or private entities (hereinafter referred to as the project). Expenses incurred from and after November 12, 1984, shall include, but not be limited to, expenses related to design, engineering, land acquisition, survey, legal fees, construction, maintenance, equipment, supplies, administration, easements, and all other expenses necessary and incidental to carrying out the purposes of this chapter and the agreement(s). The governor, or the governors delegate, shall be vested with all power and authority necessary or incidental to carrying out the purpose of this chapter.

(b) With respect to the project, the state controller is authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment out of the fund of any sum or sums as may be required, from time to time, upon receipt by the controller of properly authenticated vouchers approved by the governor or the governors delegate.

(c) The powers and authorities granted by this act to the governor, or the governors delegate, shall be in addition to, and not in substitution for, all other power provided by law.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-103-1 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-103 / Section 42-103-1
§ 42-103-1. Declaration of policy.
Status: in_force

The general assembly finds and declares that the improper treatment, storage, or disposal of solid and hazardous waste generated in this state poses a significant threat to the integrity of the environment and the public health; that ensuring the proper treatment, storage, or disposal of solid and hazardous waste is a public purpose in the best interests of all citizens of this state; and that the only way to accomplish this purpose is to provide for the siting, design, construction, operation, and use of environmentally acceptable solid and hazardous waste facilities.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-102-1.2 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-102 / Section 42-102-1.2
§ 42-102-1.2. Change of name.
Status: in_force

(a) The council known as the Rhode Island human resource investment council shall now be known as the governors workforce board Rhode Island. Whenever in any general law, or public law, rule, regulation, and/or bylaw, reference is made to the Rhode Island human resource investment council or the human resource investment council, the reference shall be deemed to refer to and mean the governors workforce board Rhode Island, which may also be referred to as the state workforce investment board or the board.

(b) Nothing in this act shall be construed to change or modify the corporate existence of the former Rhode Island human resource investment council, which shall now be known as the governors workforce board Rhode Island, or to change or modify any contracts or agreements of any kind by, for, between, or to which the human resource investment council is a party or to effect in any way the property or assets of the Rhode Island human resource investment council. The workforce board is the successor in interest to the Rhode Island human resource investment council.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-87-1.2 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-87 / Section 42-87-1.2
§ 42-87-1.2. Qualification standards.
Status: in_force

A covered entity shall not use qualification standards, employment tests, or other selection criteria based on an individuals uncorrected vision unless the standard, test, or other selection criteria, as used by the covered entity, is shown to be job-related for the position in question and consistent with business necessity.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-132-4 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-132 / Section 42-132-4
§ 42-132-4. Services optional.
Status: in_force

(a) The services offered to persons by the fast-start office are optional. Any person may deal directly with a state agency in obtaining information, assistance, or in applying for a license if the person so prefers.

(b) The authority for determining whether a requested license shall be issued shall remain with the state agency legally authorized to issue the license.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-21-2 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-21 / Section 42-21-2
§ 42-21-2. Delegation of transferred functions.
Status: in_force

Wherever the duties of the head of any existing department or agency or of a subdivision thereof or of any other officer were prescribed by law and the functions of that head of a department or agency or other officer were transferred to a new department under chapter 660 of the Public Laws of 1939, the head of the department to which the function was transferred may designate some officer or other subordinate within his or her department to perform such duties.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-55-29 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-55 / Section 42-55-29
§ 42-55-29. Liberal construction.
Status: in_force

Neither this chapter nor anything contained in this section is or shall be construed as a restriction or limitation upon any powers which the corporation might otherwise have under any laws of this state, and this chapter is cumulative to those powers. The corporation shall use its restricted fund balances only (i) for the provision of housing, including, but not limited to, the acquisition, retention, rehabilitation, construction, development, operation, and maintenance of housing units for low and moderate income persons; activities that support and assist the development of housing for low and moderate income persons; and the incidental expenses related to the financing of those activities and (ii) for the general administrative costs of the corporation. This chapter does and shall be construed to provide a complete, additional, and alternative authority for doing the things authorized hereby, and shall be regarded as supplemental and additional to powers conferred by other laws. The issuance of bonds, notes, and other obligations of the corporation under the provisions of this chapter need not comply with the requirements of any other state law applicable to the issuance of bonds, notes, and other obligations, and contracts for the construction and acquisition of any housing developments undertaken pursuant to this chapter need not comply with the provisions of any other state law applicable to contracts for the construction and acquisition of state owned property. No proceedings, notice, or approval under chapter 35 of this title or otherwise, shall be required for the issuance of any bonds, notes, and other obligations, any instrument as security therefor, or in connection with the adoption of any bond resolution, except as is provided in this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-28-22.3 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-28 / Section 42-28-22.3
§ 42-28-22.3. Separate plan and trust for retirement program of state police.
Status: in_force

(a) The retirement program established by § 42-28-22.1 shall constitute a separate retirement program known as the State Police Retirement Program which shall be deemed to be a separate plan for purposes of § 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [26 U.S.C. § 401(a)], as amended. The provisions of § 36-8-20(a)  (i) shall be applicable to such program, shall be administered and interpreted in a manner consistent with maintaining the tax qualification of such program, and shall supersede any conflicting provision of law.

(b) Any trust established for the purpose of providing retirement benefits under the state police retirement program, including the trust described in § 42-28-22.1, shall be maintained pursuant to a written document which expressly provides that it shall be impossible at any time prior to the satisfaction of all liabilities with respect to employees and their beneficiaries, for any part of the corpus or income of the trust to be used for, or diverted to, purposes other than the payment of retirement allowances and other pension benefits to employees and their beneficiaries. However, this requirement shall not prohibit: (1) the return of a contribution made by a mistake of fact within six (6) months; or (2) the payment of expenses in accordance with applicable law; nor shall this provision restrict the collective investment of the funds of such trust with the funds of the state and municipal retirement systems or other retirement programs administered by the retirement board, as determined by the state investment commission.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-21-10 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-21 / Section 42-21-10
§ 42-21-10. Offenses and penalties prior to transfer.
Status: repealed

No offense committed and no penalty or forfeiture incurred under any of the acts repealed by chapter 660 of the Public Laws of 1939, and before the time when chapter 660 took effect, shall be affected by chapter 660, except that whenever any punishment, penalty, or forfeiture shall have been mitigated by the provisions of chapter 660, that provision may be extended and applied to any judgment pronounced after February 7, 1939.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-165-2 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-165 / Section 42-165-2
§ 42-165-2. Findings.
Status: in_force

(a) Purpose. The Rhode Island Integrated Data System (RIIDS) DATA RI is Rhode Islands statewide integrated data system that integrates and links individual or unit-level data. The purpose of the RIIDS is to connect federated data across sectors and over time to support research aligned with the states priorities; inform policymaking and program evaluation; and improve the well-being of all Rhode Islanders.

(b) The general assembly finds and declares that:

(1) The state is committed to maintaining a longitudinal data system that the public, researchers, and policymakers can use to analyze and assess Rhode Islanders aggregate progress from early learning programs through postsecondary education and into employment; and

(2) A national collaborative effort among federal and state policymakers, state officials, and national education organizations has defined the essential components of a statewide longitudinal data system; and

(3) The RI Longitudinal Data System (RILDS) is the state education and workforce longitudinal data system, aligned to the U.S. Department of Educations Statewide Longitudinal Data System (SLDS) grant program and the U.S. Department of Labors Workforce Data Quality Initiative grant program.

(4) The Ecosystem is the states health and human services integrated data system focused on improving the outcomes of these related programs and starting from the base of the Medicaid program.

(5) The Ecosystem, the RILDS and individual programs can be connected in a federated manner that enables programs to retain control of their data but also allows secure sharing of data when there is an approved data analysis project.

(6) Unified governance across the Ecosystem and RILDS will allow more efficient and secure operation of the states data infrastructure.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-28-49 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-28 / Section 42-28-49
§ 42-28-49. Acceptance of gifts and bequests.
Status: reserved

The general treasurer is authorized and empowered, with the approval of the director of administration, to accept on behalf of the state police any gift or bequest of personal property, funds, securities, or other similar gift or bequest, given to the state police absolutely by any person or organization; provided, that no acceptance by the state shall make the state in any manner legally or equitably liable to any person, or organization relative to the care, preservation, or use of the gift, bequest, or property; provided further, that the right shall be reserved by the general treasurer, and/or the director of administration, to refuse any gift or bequest so offered to the state; and provided further, that to the extent any such gift or bequest is placed in a restricted receipt account, the gift and any identifiable earnings thereon shall remain in that account in the event that any existing and/or future funds in the account are diverted or otherwise transferred or withdrawn to the general fund or used for any other use whatsoever.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-9-8.2 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-9 / Section 42-9-8.2
§ 42-9-8.2. Local police officers assigned to attorney general.
Status: in_force

Local police officers assigned to the attorney general for the purposes of a specific investigation shall exercise the same powers of arrest exercised by an investigator if the power is exercised in that investigation. If a local police officer is assigned to the department of attorney general for the purpose of investigation into criminal matters, generally, the local police officer shall exercise the same powers of arrest exercised by an investigator. The authorization for such local police officers acting under the authority of this statute shall be on file at the department of attorney general, and the police officers local department. A local police officers power of arrest obtained pursuant to this section shall be authorized only for as long as the local police officer is under the direct supervision of the department of the attorney general. The officers assignment shall be a one-year appointment unless sooner terminated by the attorney general and the attorney general shall have the authority to reappoint a local police officer to an additional one-year term.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-133-7 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-133 / Section 42-133-7
§ 42-133-7. Sale of states tobacco receipts.
Status: in_force

(a) On or before June 30, 2002, the state shall sell and assign to and the corporation shall acquire all or a portion of the states tobacco receipts. The attorney general shall assist the governor in the preparation and review of all necessary documentation to effect such sale and transfer by such date. The terms and conditions of the sale shall be established in order to accomplish the purpose and intent set forth in this chapter and shall include, but not be limited to, the price, the net proceeds of the sale of the bonds to be issued by the corporation and secured by a portion of the states tobacco receipts, and the beneficial interest of the state in any trust fund created in accordance with this chapter.

(b) The sale of the states tobacco receipts to the corporation shall be irrevocable during the time when any bonds issued by the corporation are outstanding, and shall constitute a contractual obligation owed to the holders of such bonds. The sale of the states tobacco receipts shall be treated as a true sale and absolute transfer of the property so transferred and not as a pledge or other security interest for any borrowing. The characterization of such a sale as an absolute transfer shall not be negated or adversely affected by the fact that only a portion of the states tobacco receipts is being sold or by the states acquisition or retention of an ownership interest in any residual assets.

(c) On or after the effective date of the sale, the state shall not have any right, title, or interest in all or such portion of the states tobacco receipts sold which shall be the sole property of the corporation, and not of the state, and shall be owned, received, held, and disbursed by the corporation or its trustee or assignee in accordance with this chapter, and not by the state.

(d) On or before the effective date of the sale and at the request of the corporation, the state, through the attorney general, shall notify the independent auditor of the sale and instruct the independent auditor to direct the escrow agent that, subsequent to that date and irrevocably during the time when any bonds are outstanding, the states tobacco receipts acquired by the corporation are to be paid directly to the corporation or its designee.

(e) With respect to the issuance of the corporations bonds and in compliance with all applicable federal law, including, but not limited to, the Internal Revenue Code, the state and the corporation may enter into agreements for the benefit of the corporations bondholders with respect to the application of the proceeds of the bonds and certain other monies of the state, the investment thereof, and the periodic reporting of certain information, and such other matters related thereto.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-46-13 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-46 / Section 42-46-13
§ 42-46-13. Accessibility for persons with disabilities.
Status: in_force

(a) All public bodies, to comply with the nondiscrimination on the basis of disability requirements of R.I. Const., Art. I, § 2 and applicable federal and state nondiscrimination laws (29 U.S.C. § 794, chapter 87 of this title, and chapter 24 of title 11), shall develop a transition plan setting forth the steps necessary to ensure that all open meetings of said public bodies are accessible to persons with disabilities.

(b) The state building code standards committee shall, by September 1, 1989, adopt an accessibility of meetings for persons with disabilities standard that includes provisions ensuring that the meeting location is accessible to and usable by all persons with disabilities.

(c) This section does not require the public body to make each of its existing facilities accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities so long as all meetings required to be open to the public pursuant to this chapter are held in accessible facilities by the dates specified in subsection (e).

(d) The public body may comply with the requirements of this section through such means as reassignment of meetings to accessible facilities, alteration of existing facilities, or construction of new facilities. The public body is not required to make structural changes in existing facilities where other methods are effective in achieving compliance with this section.

(e) The public body shall comply with the obligations established under this section by July 1, 1990, except that where structural changes in facilities are necessary in order to comply with this section, such changes shall be made by December 30, 1991, but in any event as expeditiously as possible unless an extension is granted by the state building commissioner for good cause.

(f) Each municipal government and school district shall, with the assistance of the state building commission, complete a transition plan covering the location of meetings for all public bodies under their jurisdiction. Each chief executive of each city or town and the superintendent of schools will submit their transition plan to the governors commission on disabilities for review and approval. The governors commission on disabilities with assistance from the state building commission shall approve or modify, with the concurrence of the municipal government or school district, the transition plans.

(g) The provisions of §§ 45-13-7  45-13-10, inclusive, shall not apply to this section.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-28-14 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-28 / Section 42-28-14
§ 42-28-14. Salary limits preserved  Honorable discharges.
Status: in_force

Nothing in §§ 42-28-12 and 42-28-13 shall be construed to make it lawful for the superintendent or anyone acting for the superintendent to incur in behalf of the state any obligation for salaries in excess of the amount appropriated therefor, and the superintendent shall have the power to honorably discharge any member of the division of state police, notwithstanding the provisions of § 42-28-10, and any member so discharged shall be eligible for reappointment.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-158-1 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-158 / Section 42-158-1
§ 42-158-1. Short title.
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the Freedom From Prone Restraint Act.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-133-14 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-133 / Section 42-133-14
§ 42-133-14. Agreement by the state.
Status: in_force

The state does hereby pledge to and agree with the holders of any bonds issued under this chapter that the state will not limit or alter the rights vested in the corporation to fulfill the terms of any agreements made with the holders, or otherwise take any action that materially and adversely affects the rights of the holders, until the bonds, together with the interest thereon, with interest on any unpaid installments of interest, and all costs and expenses in connection with any action or proceeding by or on behalf of holders, are fully met and discharged. The corporation is authorized to include this pledge and agreement of the state in any agreement with the holders of the bonds.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-119-9 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-119 / Section 42-119-9
§ 42-119-9. Severability.
Status: in_force

If any provision or part of this chapter, or application of this chapter to any person or circumstances is held unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, the remaining provisions of this chapter and the application of those provisions to any other person or persons or circumstances, other than those to which it is held invalid, shall not be affected by that invalidity.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-133-11 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-133 / Section 42-133-11
§ 42-133-11. Bankruptcy.
Status: in_force

Prior to the date which is one year and one day after the date on which the corporation no longer has any bonds outstanding, the corporation has no authority to file a voluntary petition under chapter 9 of the United States Bankruptcy Code or such corresponding law as may, from time to time, be in effect, and neither any public official nor any other organization, entity, or other person shall authorize the corporation to be or become a debtor under the United States Bankruptcy Code or any corresponding law during such periods. The provisions of this section are for the benefit of the holders of any bonds and are a part of the contractual obligation owed to such bondholders, and the state hereby agrees that it shall not modify or delete the provisions of this section during the periods described in this section. The corporation is authorized to include this agreement of the state in any agreement with the holders of the bonds.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-124-3 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-124 / Section 42-124-3
§ 42-124-3. Organization and terms.
Status: in_force

(a) Forthwith upon the passage of this chapter, the members of the commission shall meet at the call of the speaker of the house and organize and shall select from among its members a chairperson.

(b) Legislative appointments shall continue for the elected term and terminate upon non-election. All other appointments shall be for three (3) years on a staggered basis. Initial terms shall be determined by lot at the first meeting. Vacancies in the commission shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-149-2 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-149 / Section 42-149-2
§ 42-149-2. Legislative intent.
Status: in_force

The legislature is committed to increasing fiscal efficiency and accountability for all state expenditures.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-40-3 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-40 / Section 42-40-3
§ 42-40-3. Authority to interchange employees.
Status: in_force

(a) Any department, agency, or instrumentality of the state or any city or town or any school, college, or university operated by the state is authorized to participate in a program of interchange of employees with departments, agencies, or instrumentalities of the federal government, another state or locality, or other agencies, municipalities, or instrumentalities of this state as a sending and/or receiving agency.

(b) The period of individual assignment or detail under an interchange program shall not exceed thirty-six (36) months, nor shall any person be assigned or detailed for more than thirty-six (36) months during any sixty-month (60) period. Details relating to any matter covered in this chapter may be the subject of an agreement between the sending and receiving agencies. (Elected officials shall not be assigned from a sending agency nor detailed to a receiving agency.)
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-72-36.3 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-72 / Section 42-72-36.3
§ 42-72-36.3. Reporting.
Status: in_force

Annual reports showing progress in residential-care system reform and rebalancing shall be submitted by April 1, 2017, and annually thereafter on or before April 1 of each year by the department to the finance committees of both the senate and the house of representatives and shall include:

(1) The number of congregate-care placements and associated funds;

(2) The number of foster-care placements and associated funds;

(3) The percentage of screenings completed within thirty (30) days of placement;

(4) Recommendations to promote the expansion of foster homes and community-based service capacity, including payment methodology reforms, that increase access to foster homes and community-based services; and

(5) Recommendations for options to pay for certain services and supports necessary to transition or divert children from restrictive settings and optimize their health and safety when receiving care in a home or the community.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-12-21 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-12 / Section 42-12-21
§ 42-12-21. Traumatic brain injury defined.
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, traumatic brain injury means an injury to the skull, the brain contents or its coverings, not of a degenerative or congenital nature, which may or may not produce an altered state of consciousness or result in temporary or permanent decrease of mental, cognitive, behavioral, or physical functioning which causes partial or total disability.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-91-2 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-91 / Section 42-91-2
§ 42-91-2. Membership of council.
Status: in_force

(a) The council shall consist of twenty-one (21) members, ten (10) of whom shall be public members, two (2) to be appointed by the governor, two (2) by the lieutenant governor, two (2) by the speaker of the house, two (2) by the president of the senate, one by the secretary of state, and one by the general treasurer; provided, however, that all of the public members shall be officers, partners, or proprietors of Rhode Island companies that are small businesses or nonprofit corporations as defined by the United States Small Business Administration; one of whom shall be affiliated with a business-related department of a Rhode Island institution of higher learning, to be appointed by the lieutenant governor; one of whom shall be a member of the minority party, to be appointed by the speaker of the house; one of whom shall be a minority party member of the senate, to be appointed by the president of the senate; one of whom shall be the chair of the house of representatives small business committee; one of whom shall be the chair of the senate committee on commerce; one of whom shall be a member of the governors staff, to be appointed by the governor; and the secretary of the Rhode Island commerce corporation or the secretarys permanent designee, ex officio; the director of the department of labor and training, or the directors permanent designee, ex officio; the secretary of state, or the secretarys permanent designee, ex officio; the general treasurer, or the treasurers permanent designee, ex officio; and the lieutenant governor, ex officio. The lieutenant governor shall serve as chairperson of the council.

(b) One of the public members appointed by each of the appointing authorities shall be appointed to serve until the first day of June, 1987, and the other to serve until the first day of June, 1988; and all members shall serve until their successors are appointed and qualified. In the month of May in any year in which a public members term of office expires, the respective appointing authorities shall appoint successors to the members whose terms shall expire in that year, to hold office commencing on the first day of June in the year of appointment for a term of three (3) years or until their respective successors are appointed and qualified. Any vacancy of an appointed member that may occur in the council shall be filled by appointment by the respective appointing authority for the remainder of the unexpired term. Ex-officio members shall serve until the end of their term of office; the member of the governors staff shall serve until the end of the governors term of office.

(c) The council shall meet at the call of the lieutenant governor and shall elect from among themselves a vice-chairperson, who shall be one of the public members, and a secretary. The council shall meet at least quarterly during each calendar year.

(d) The membership shall receive no compensation for their services. The council may request, through the commerce corporation, any clerical and technical assistance it may deem necessary to accomplish its purpose.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-32-2 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-32 / Section 42-32-2
§ 42-32-2. Duties of council.
Status: in_force

It shall be the duty of the science and research council:

(1) To promote Rhode Island as a center for scientific research;

(2) To promote industrial research and research related to state institutions and health programs;

(3) To study and explore the areas in which government may expand its research facilities;

(4) To promote the utilization of available scientific facilities and personnel;

(5) To receive and administer research funds when made available by public or private sources and to plan for their use; provided, however, that any disbursement of one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more by the council shall be made only on the approval of the governor or the governor's designated agent;

(6) To formulate potential research projects;

(7) To provide facilities and liaison with federal research agencies;

(8) To cooperate with all institutions in this state for the purpose of developing and coordinating scientific research; and

(9) To advise the governor and the general assembly from time to time as to the status of scientific research in the state of Rhode Island and to make any recommendations as it may deem necessary.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-84-7 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-84 / Section 42-84-7
§ 42-84-7. Severability.
Status: in_force

If any provision of this chapter or of any rule or regulation made under this chapter, or the application of this chapter to any person or circumstance, is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of the chapter, rule, or regulation and the application of that provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected. The invalidity of any section or sections or parts of any section or sections of this chapter shall not affect the validity of the remainder of the chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-82-1 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-82 / Section 42-82-1
§ 42-82-1. Statement of legislative purpose.
Status: in_force

(a) The general assembly recognizes that land suitable for food production in the state has become an extremely scarce and valuable resource. The amount of good farmland has declined so dramatically that unless a comprehensive program is initiated by the state to preserve what remains it will be lost forever. It is in the best interest of the people that the state identify and acquire the development rights to the remaining land most endangered by development so as to maintain farming, productive open spaces, and ground water recharge areas.

(b) The general assembly finds that productive farmland is being converted to other uses because its development value at present far exceeds its value for agricultural purposes; that agriculture is an important part of the states economy, environment, and quality of life; and that local food production will become increasingly important to the people of the state. It also finds that agricultural preservation will allow more orderly development and permit the cities and towns to plan for and provide services more adequately and at lower cost. Therefore, the general assembly establishes an agricultural lands preservation commission to conduct the inventory and acquisition of development rights to farmland in this state.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-13-8 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-13 / Section 42-13-8
§ 42-13-8. Maintenance of drainage systems  Consent decree compliance.
Status: in_force

The Rhode Island department of transportation (RI DOT) shall, on or before December 15 of each year, provide an annual report to the speaker of the house of representatives and the president of the senate illustrating its compliance with the consent decree issued by the United States District Court in the case of United States of America v. Rhode Island Department of Transportation (Civil Action No. CV-15-433), which requires maintenance of drainage systems in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, or regulations.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-116-33 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-116 / Section 42-116-33
§ 42-116-33. Performance review committee.
Status: in_force

(a) There is created a seven (7) member performance review committee. The members shall be: (1) the governor or his or her designee; (2) the speaker of the house of representatives or his or her designee; (3) the president of the senate or his or her designee; (4) a minority party member of the general assembly to be designated by the minority leader of the house of representatives and the minority leader of the senate acting jointly; (5) one member selected by the board of directors of the Rhode Island Society of Certified Public Accountants; (6) one member selected by the board of directors of the Rhode Island Association of Realtors, Inc.; and (7) one member who shall be a depositor selected by the joint committee on small business.

(b) The committee shall meet and issue its biannual reports by February 15th and August 15th of each year. The document shall contain the following:

(1) Information regarding the disposition of the assets and liabilities of the corporation;

(2) Information regarding the interest and income, if any, earned by the corporation and the administrative expenses of the corporation;

(3) Information, which updates projections as regards cash inflow and outflow;

(4) Information as to the general fiscal condition of the state and how that condition relates to the activities and operation of the corporation;

(5) Information as to the principal amount of outstanding bonded indebtedness;

(6) A review, which considers subdivisions (1)  (5), of the schedule of payments and a recommendation as to the acceleration or modification of the schedule;

(7) A recommendation, if any, as to necessary and appropriate legislation; and

(8) A brief summary of the document shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the state on two (2) successive days.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-56-27 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-56 / Section 42-56-27
§ 42-56-27. Clothing and payment of discharged prisoners.
Status: in_force

Whenever a prisoner shall be discharged he or she shall be decently clothed, and the director, or the directors designee, shall pay to him or her all moneys credited to his or her account at the time of his or her discharge; provided, however, that in the case of every prisoner who shall have been sentenced for more than one year, the prisoner shall be paid not less than twenty dollars ($20.00) at his or her discharge.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-34-18 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-34 / Section 42-34-18
§ 42-34-18. Appropriations.
Status: in_force

For the purpose of establishing the mortgage insurance fund and carrying out the intent of this chapter and the provisions thereof, the general assembly annually shall appropriate out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated, such sums as it may deem necessary not to exceed the sum of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) each year. Any unexpended balance of any or all such appropriations shall be carried forward to succeeding fiscal years for the purposes aforesaid. The state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of the sums or so much thereof as shall be required from time to time upon receipt by him or her of vouchers approved by the authority.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-167-5 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-167 / Section 42-167-5
§ 42-167-5. Powers and duties of the secretary of housing.
Status: in_force

(a) The secretary of housing shall have the following powers and duties:

(1) All powers and duties pursuant to § 42-167-3 and § 42-167-4;

(2) To supervise the work of the executive office of housing and to act as its chief administrative officer;

(3) To coordinate the administration and financing of various departments or offices within the executive office of housing;

(4) To serve as the governors chief advisor and liaison to federal policymakers on housing, homelessness, and community development as well as the principal point of contact on any such related matters;

(5) To coordinate the housing, homelessness, and community development programs of the state of Rhode Island and its departments, agencies, commissions, corporations, and subdivisions. All departments, agencies, commissions, corporations, and subdivisions shall cooperate with the executive office of housing to facilitate the purposes of this chapter;

(6) To employ such personnel and contracts for such consulting services as may be required to perform the powers and duties conferred upon the secretary of the executive office of housing;

(7) To oversee and direct the administration of funds that may be appropriated from time to time to the executive office of housing;

(8) Creation of a written guide for consumers relating to the rights and duties of landlords and tenants pursuant to chapter 18 of title 34, which the secretary shall update at minimum on a biennial basis. The guide shall be posted on the website of the executive office of housing and shall be published in both English and Spanish; and

(9) To chair the Rhode Island housing mortgage and finance corporation; to chair the interagency council on homelessness; and to chair the interagency council on housing production and preservation.

(b) In addition to such other powers as may otherwise be delegated elsewhere to the executive office of housing, the executive office of housing is hereby expressly authorized, by and through the secretary of housing:

(1) To purchase, receive, lease, or otherwise acquire, own, hold, improve, use, and otherwise deal in and with, real or personal property, or any interest in real or personal property, wherever situated;

(2) To accept any gifts or grants or loans of funds or property or financial or other aid in any form from the federal government or any agency or instrumentality of the federal government, or from the state or any agency or instrumentality of the state, or from any other source and to comply, subject to the provisions of this chapter, with the terms and conditions of the gifts, grants, or loans;

(3) Subject to the provisions of § 37-2-1 et seq., to negotiate and to enter into contracts, agreements, and cooperative agreements with agencies and political subdivisions of the state, not-for-profit corporations, for-profit corporations, and other partnerships, associations, and persons for any lawful purpose necessary and desirable to effectuate the purposes of the executive office of housing; and

(4) To carry out this chapter and perform the duties of the general laws and public laws insofar as those provisions relate to any regulatory areas within the jurisdiction of the executive office of housing.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-160-1 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-160 / Section 42-160-1
§ 42-160-1. Short title.
Status: in_force

This act shall be known and may be cited as the Rhode Island Pay for Success Act.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-35-2.5 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-35 / Section 42-35-2.5
§ 42-35-2.5. Advance notice of proposed rulemaking.
Status: in_force

(a) An agency may gather information relevant to the subject matter of a potential rulemaking proceeding and may solicit comments and recommendations from the public by publishing an advance notice of proposed rulemaking in the state register and on its agency website, and indicating where, when, and how persons may comment before the rulemaking process begins.

(b) An agency may create a committee or workshop to comment or make recommendations on the subject matter of a proposed rulemaking under active consideration within the agency. In making appointments to the committee, the agency shall make reasonable efforts to establish a balance in representation among members of the public known to have an interest in the subject matter of the proposed rulemaking. At least annually, the agency shall publish in the state register a list of all committees with their membership. Notice of a meeting of the committee must be published in the state register and on its agency website at least fifteen (15) calendar days before the meeting. Any meeting, as defined in § 42-46-2, held under this subsection is open to the public and subject to the open meetings chapter pursuant to chapter 46 of this title.

(c) If a committee is appointed under subsection (b), it shall attempt to reach a consensus on the terms or substance of a proposed rule in consultation with one or more agency representatives. The committee shall present the consensus recommendation, if any, to the agency. The agency shall consider whether to use it as the basis for a proposed rule under this chapter, but the agency is not required to use the recommendation.

(d) This section does not prohibit an agency from obtaining information and opinions from members of the public on the subject of a proposed rule by any other method or procedure.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-29-18 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-29 / Section 42-29-18
§ 42-29-18. Power to investigate and prosecute offenses.
Status: in_force

Any member of the division of sheriffs may investigate the same and apprehend and bring to justice the person or persons committing such offense, and may make complaint in behalf of the state against such person or persons and may prosecute said complaint to final conviction.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-98-14 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-98 / Section 42-98-14
§ 42-98-14. Discovery.
Status: in_force

The filing of an application under this chapter constitutes consent by the applicant(s) and its (their) affiliates to the jurisdiction of this state for the purposes of discovery relevant to the application.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-7-6 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-7 / Section 42-7-6
§ 42-7-6. Transfer of functions from the department of community affairs to the governors office of intergovernmental relations.
Status: in_force

(a) There is hereby transferred to the governors office of intergovernmental relations, or its successor, those functions formerly administered by the department of community affairs relating to:

(1) Administration support to federal grants;

(2) Community development block grants; and

(3) Federal housing assistance programs.

(b) In addition to any of its other powers and responsibilities, the department is authorized and empowered to accept any grants made available by the United States government or any agency thereof, and the department, with the approval of the governor, is authorized and empowered to perform those acts and enter into all necessary contracts and agreements with the United States of America or any agency thereof that may be necessary in the manner and degree that shall be deemed to be in the best interest of the state. The proceeds of any grants so received shall be paid to the general treasurer of the state and deposited by the general treasurer in a separate fund and shall be utilized for the purposes of those grants.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-161-4 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-161 / Section 42-161-4
§ 42-161-4. Rules and regulations  Statewide policies, procedures, and guidelines for the use and operation of body-worn cameras.
Status: in_force

(a) The director of the department of public safety in consultation with the attorney general shall promulgate rules and regulations, pursuant to chapter 35 of this title, to develop the criteria and manner in which funds are awarded to Rhode Island police departments under this chapter.

(b) The attorney general and the director of the department of public safety, in consultation with the Rhode Island police chiefs association, shall promulgate rules and regulations, pursuant to chapter 35 of this title, after holding a public hearing, to create a policy for the use and operation of body-worn cameras. This policy shall address at a minimum, but not be limited to:

(1) Proper use of equipment;

(2) Data and equipment security;

(3) Activation and deactivation of cameras;

(4) Notification to the public of recording;

(5) Records retention procedures and timelines;

(6) Access to data by law enforcement and the public;

(7) Privacy protections, including redaction procedures; and

(8) Compliance monitoring.

(c) The public safety grant administration office shall condition the award of money under this chapter on the certification of a police chief, or highest ranking sworn member of a law enforcement agency, that the certifying chiefs department has adopted the policy referenced in subsection (b) of this section.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-2-1 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-2 / Section 42-2-1
§ 42-2-1. Consent to acquisition of land.
Status: in_force

The consent of the state of Rhode Island is given to the purchase by the government of the United States, or under the authority of the government of the United States, of any tract, piece, or parcel of land from any person within the limits of the state for the purpose of erecting thereon post offices, lighthouses, beacon lights, range lights, lifesaving stations, and light keepers dwellings, and other needful public buildings or for the location, construction, or prosecution of forts, fortifications, coast defenses, and appurtenances thereto, or for the location and maintenance of any cable lines, landing places, terminal stations, and other needful buildings connected therewith for weather bureau purposes, or for the establishment of naval stations or coal depots, or the erection of buildings, piers, wharves, or other structures for naval uses, or for the establishment of fish or lobster cultural stations or hatcheries, or the erection or construction of other needful buildings connected therewith or for the erection or construction of piers, wharves, dams, or other structures for use in connection with the fish or lobster cultural stations or hatcheries; and all deeds, conveyances, or title papers for the purchases shall be recorded, as in other cases, upon the land records of the town in which the land so conveyed may lie; the consent herein given being in accordance with U.S. Const., Art. I, § 8, cl. 17, and with the acts of Congress in such cases made and provided.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-5-2 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-5 / Section 42-5-2
§ 42-5-2. Effect of time change.
Status: in_force

In all laws, statutes, orders, decrees, rules, and regulations relating to the time of performance of any act by any officer or department of the state, or of any county, city, town, or district thereof, or relating to the time in which any rights shall accrue or determine, or within which any act shall or shall not be performed by any person subject to the jurisdiction of the state, and in all public schools and in all institutions of the state, or of any county, city, town, or district thereof, and in all contracts or choses in action made or to be performed in the state, it shall be understood and intended that the time shall be United States standard eastern time as changed by § 42-5-1.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-105-4 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-105 / Section 42-105-4
§ 42-105-4. General powers.
Status: in_force

Except to the extent inconsistent with any specific provision of this chapter, the corporation shall have power:

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

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

(3) To purchase, take, receive, lease, or otherwise acquire, own, hold, improve, use, and otherwise deal in and with, personal property, or any interest therein, wherever situated;

(4) To sell, convey, pledge, lease, exchange, transfer, and otherwise dispose of all or any part of its property and assets for any consideration and upon any terms and conditions as that corporation shall determine;

(5) To make and execute agreements of lease, conditional sales contracts, installment sales contracts, loan agreements, construction contracts, operation contracts, and other contracts and instruments necessary or convenient in the exercise of the powers and functions of the corporation granted by this chapter;

(6) To conduct its activities, carry on its operations, and have offices and exercise the powers granted by this chapter, within or without the state;

(7) To elect or appoint officers, and agents of the corporation, and define their duties and fix their compensation;

(8) To make and alter bylaws, not inconsistent with this chapter, for the administration and regulation of the affairs of the corporation, and those bylaws may contain provisions indemnifying any person who is or was a director, officer, employee, or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, in the manner and to the extent provided in § 7-1.2-814;

(9) To hire and fire employees as is necessary to properly conduct the daily operation of the corporation; and

(10) To have and exercise all powers necessary or convenient to effect its purposes.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-20-8.2 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-20 / Section 42-20-8.2
§ 42-20-8.2. Audits.
Status: in_force

In the interest of open government and ease of access to public records, all state agencies and departments of state government, including without limitation, public and quasi-public agencies, authorities, boards, and commissions, which are required by law to prepare audits, shall prepare the three (3) most recent audits for read-only internet posting. The audits shall be posted on the appropriate website, for public viewing, within thirty (30) days of their completion. The state agency or department posting any such audit shall so notify the office of secretary of state. The office of secretary of state shall then post, on its own website, notice of the availability and website location of all such audits. The office of secretary of state is hereby authorized to promulgate the rules and regulations regarding the postings.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-109-4 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-109 / Section 42-109-4
§ 42-109-4. Health education drug-free community program.
Status: in_force

(a) The division of substance abuse services in the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals, with the assistance of and the cooperation of the permanent legislative commission on substance abuse prevention, shall issue a request for proposals for a municipal model program to be known as the health education drug-free community program. The purpose of the program is to provide to children and adolescents of the state from kindergarten through grade 8, healthful, enjoyable, social, athletic, and recreational activities within the community.

(b) There is appropriated the sum of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) from the restricted receipt account established in § 16-21.3-3 to the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals in addition to all other sums appropriated to it for the purpose of funding the model program(s) set forth above. The permanent legislative oversight commission on substance abuse prevention shall review the award of the funds in conformity with this chapter and make recommendations to the director.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-81-5 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-81 / Section 42-81-5
§ 42-81-5. Provisions.
Status: in_force

Rules and regulations as promulgated under provisions of this chapter shall provide that:

(1) A prime supplier inform the governor, or the governors designee, each month of the monthly volume of each product subject to fuel set-aside that is intended to be sold into the state distribution system for consumption within the state, provided the governor, or the governors designee, determines that the information is needed.

(2) The governor, or the governors designee, shall notify each prime supplier of the monthly fuel set-aside percentage applicable to each product subject to fuel set-aside. The governor, or the governors designee, may review and revise the percentages from time to time as he or she deems appropriate.

(3) The amount of fuel to be set aside for a particular month cannot be accumulated or deferred; it shall be made available from stocks of prime suppliers, whether directly or through distributors.

(4) Procedures shall be established for making an application for an allocation from the fuel set-aside reserves and for approval or disapproval of the application by the governor, or the governors designee.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-35-2.12 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-35 / Section 42-35-2.12
§ 42-35-2.12. Guidance document.
Status: in_force

(a) An agency may issue a guidance document without following the procedures set forth in §§ 42-35-2.6 through 42-35-2.9.

(b) An agency that proposes to rely on a guidance document to the detriment of a person in any administrative proceeding shall afford the person an adequate opportunity to contest the legality or wisdom of a position taken in the document. The agency may not use a guidance document to foreclose consideration of issues raised in the document.

(c) A guidance document may contain binding instructions to agency staff members if, at an appropriate stage in the administrative process, the agencys procedures provide an affected person an adequate opportunity to contest the legality or wisdom of a position taken in the document.

(d) If an agency proposes to act in a contested case at variance with a position expressed in a guidance document, it shall provide a reasonable explanation for the variance. If an affected person in a contested case may have relied reasonably on the agencys position, the explanation must include a reasonable justification for the agencys conclusion that the need for the variance outweighs the affected persons reliance interest.

(e) An agency shall maintain an index of all of its effective guidance documents; publish the index on its website; make all guidance documents available to the public; and file the index annually with the secretary of state. The agency may not rely on a guidance document, or cite it as precedent against any party to a proceeding, unless the guidance document is published on its agency website.

(f) A guidance document may be considered by a presiding officer or final decision maker in an agency contested case, but it does not bind the presiding officer or the final decision maker in the exercise of discretion.

(g) A person may petition an agency under § 42-35-6 to promulgate a rule in place of a guidance document.

(h) A person may petition an agency to revise or repeal a guidance document. Not later than sixty (60) days after submission of the petition, the agency shall:

(1) Revise or repeal the guidance document;

(2) Initiate a proceeding to consider a revision or repeal; or

(3) Deny the petition in a record and state its reasons for the denial.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-56-6 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-56 / Section 42-56-6
§ 42-56-6. Management of institutions.
Status: in_force

The director, or the directors designee, shall have the management, supervision, and control of the adult correctional institutions. The department or the appropriate division of the department also shall operate and repair the buildings, grounds, and other physical property at those institutions.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-45-1 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-45 / Section 42-45-1
§ 42-45-1. Legislative findings.
Status: in_force

The general assembly finds that the historical, architectural, and cultural heritage of the state of Rhode Island should be preserved as a part of our life to enrich the experience of present and future generations, and that the continued expansion of urban development threatens the existence of our historical sites and structures.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-45-4 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-45 / Section 42-45-4
§ 42-45-4. Expenses of members.
Status: in_force

The members of the commission shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for their reasonable actual expenses necessarily incurred in the performance of their duties.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-12-3 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-12 / Section 42-12-3
§ 42-12-3. Parole and probation.
Status: in_force

The department of human services and director of human services shall perform the functions relating to parole and probation as prescribed by chapter 18 of title 12, and under such rules and regulations as may be adopted by the director of social and rehabilitative services with the approval of the governor and the parole board in the executive department.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-64-8.2 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-64 / Section 42-64-8.2
§ 42-64-8.2. Role and responsibilities of board members.
Status: in_force

(a) Board members of the corporation shall:

(1) Execute direct oversight of the corporation in the effective and ethical management of the corporation;

(2) Understand, review, and monitor the implementation of fundamental financial and management controls and operational decisions of the corporation;

(3) Adopt a code of ethics applicable to each officer, director and employee of the corporation that, at a minimum, includes the standards established in chapter 14 of title 36 (Code of Ethics);

(4) Adopt a mission statement expressing the purpose and goals of the corporation, a description of the stakeholders of the corporation and their reasonable expectations from the corporation;

(5) Adopt and periodically update an indemnification policy which shall be set forth in the bylaws of the corporation; and

(6) Perform each of their duties as board members, including, but not limited to, those imposed by this section, in good faith and with that degree of diligence, care, and skill which an ordinarily prudent person in like position would use under similar circumstances and ultimately apply independent judgment in the best interest of the corporation, its mission, and the public.

(b) Board members of the corporation shall establish and maintain written policies and procedures for the following:

(1) Internal accounting and administrative controls in accordance with the provisions of chapter 20 of title 35 (Public Corporation Financial Integrity and Accountability Act of 1995);

(2) Travel, including lodging, meals, and incidental expenses, provided that no reimbursement shall exceed the allowable state employee reimbursement amount per day;

(3) Charitable and civic donations and/or contributions; provided, however, that all such donations or contributions shall be voted by the full board during an open meeting and the vote shall be recorded in the minutes of the meeting, together with:

(i) The citation to the specific state statute authorizing the action;

(ii) An explanation of how the donation or contribution relates to the mission of the corporation;

(iii) The identity of any board member or employee of the corporation that will receive any benefit from the donation or contribution;

(iv) Any disclosure required by chapter 14 of title 36 (Code of Ethics); and

(v) Each such donation or contribution shall be clearly identified in the financial statements of the corporation;

(4) Credit card use, provided, that pursuant to § 35-20-10, no credit card shall be used for personal use;

(5) Employee reimbursement, including requests by management for business expenses, and expenses classified as gifts or entertainment;

(6) Personnel, including hiring, dismissing, promoting, and compensating employees of the corporation, and provided that no employee of the corporation shall be compensated for sick, vacation, or other leave time to an extent greater than state employees;

(7) Severance pay;

(8) Marketing expenses; and

(9) Lobbyists expenses.

(c) The written policies and procedures required by this section and any additional written policies and procedures that the board may adopt shall be approved by the board during an open meeting and the vote shall be recorded in the minutes of the meeting.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-165-4 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-165 / Section 42-165-4
§ 42-165-4. Creation.
Status: in_force

(a) The RIIDS DATA RI is hereby established and is granted and authorized to use all the powers set forth in this chapter.

(b) Functions. The RIIDS DATA RI shall:

(1) Transmit, store, enable access to, permit the use, and dispose of linked data and information in accordance with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework and associated NIST 800-53 security controls commensurate with data sensitivity level and in accordance with all applicable state and privacy laws and state security policies;

(2) Serve as a central repository of the states inter-agency, longitudinal, linked and individual data;

(3) Enable the integration, linkage, and management of information;

(4) Report on and provide public access to aggregate data to, among other things, address inequities in access, opportunities, and outcomes and improve student and educator decision-making;

(5) Provide clarity to university and other researchers on the process to request data and what data is available to request;

(6) Nothing in this chapter shall negate or otherwise adversely affect the validity and legal enforceability of any existing data sharing and/or research agreements executed between and among the states participating agencies and the states RILDS or Ecosystem; and

(7) Nothing in this section and chapter shall negate or overrule the right of an agency, institution, or entity that has provided and/or transferred data to the RIIDS, RILDS, or the Ecosystem to determine the use of and access to its data.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-72-29.1 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-72 / Section 42-72-29.1
§ 42-72-29.1. Annual increases for childrens residential programs.
Status: in_force

(a) There is a five percent (5%) annual funding increase to provide quality residential programming and treatment for children in out-of-home care to all department of children, youth and families contracted residential providers which will be effective for fiscal years 2001 and 2002. These annualized increases shall be utilized for direct care staff for the purpose of achieving skill development and improving staff retention rates through measures including pay increases.

(b) These annualized increases shall not prohibit contracted residential providers from seeking, from the department, increases for other costs as may be required, either individually or collectively, in the future due to clinical, environmental, economic, or other factors.

(c) These annualized increases do not apply to nonresidential programs nor to those programs that do not contract with the state. The department shall report to the general assembly and the chairpersons of the house and senate finance committees not later than April 30, 2001, and April 30, 2002, as to the methods whereby the increased funding was allocated to residential service providers and the extent to which the funding has contributed to positive outcomes for children. In the 2002 report, the department shall have in place and shall describe a performance measure system which shall include incentives to residential programs for positive outcomes.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-120-2 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-120 / Section 42-120-2
§ 42-120-2. Terms of office  Chairperson.
Status: in_force

The members shall be appointed for terms of three (3) years except that of the three (3) members originally appointed by each of the appointing authorities; one shall be appointed for a term of one year, one shall be appointed for a term of two (2) years and one for a term of three (3) years. The members shall annually elect one of them as chairperson of the commission.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-18-7 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-18 / Section 42-18-7
§ 42-18-7. Transfer of functions from the department of human services.
Status: in_force

There is hereby transferred to the department of health those functions and resources formerly administered by the department of human services relating to the administration and management of the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (WIC) authorized by § 23-13-17.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-156-6 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-156 / Section 42-156-6
§ 42-156-6. Annual report.
Status: in_force

No later than March 15, 2015, and every March 15th thereafter, the Task Force shall submit a report to the governor and the chairpersons of the house finance committee and senate finance committee summarizing the Task Forces activities during the preceding calendar year. The report shall, without limitation:

(1) Describe the Task Forces efforts and accomplishments during the year;

(2) Identify any administrative or legal barriers impeding the more effective operation of the Task Force, including any barriers to information sharing or joint action; and

(3) Propose appropriate administrative, legislative, or regulatory changes to strengthen the Task Forces operations and reduce or eliminate any barriers to those efforts.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-13-2 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-13 / Section 42-13-2
§ 42-13-2. Organization and functions of the department.
Status: in_force

(a) The department shall be organized in accordance with a project management-based program and shall utilize an asset management system.

(1) A project management-based program manages the delivery of the departments portfolio of transportation improvement projects from project conception to the project completion. Project management activities include:

(i) Managing and reporting on the delivery status of portfolio projects;

(ii) Developing overall workload and budget for the portfolio;

(iii) Developing and implementing the tools to estimate the resources necessary to deliver the projects; and

(iv) Developing and implementing processes and tools to improve the management of the projects.

(2) Asset management is the process used for managing transportation infrastructure by improving decision making for resource allocation. Asset management activities include a systemic process based on economic, engineering, and business principles which includes the following functions:

(i) Completing a comprehensive inventory of system assets;

(ii) Monitoring system performance; and

(iii) Performing analysis utilizing accurate data for managing various assets within the transportation network.

(b) The director of transportation shall appoint a chief operating officer to oversee the day-to-day operations of the department.

(c) The department shall be organized into such divisions as are described in this section and such other divisions, subdivisions, and agencies as the director shall find are necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the department, including: division of finance; division of planning; division of project management; division of operations and maintenance; office of civil rights; office of safety; office of external affairs; office of legal; office of personnel; and office of information services.

(d) The director may assign such other responsibilities as the director shall find appropriate and may reassign functions other than as set out in this section if the director finds the reassignment necessary to the proper and efficient functioning of the department or of the states transportation system.

(e) The department shall submit a report annually no later than March 31 to the speaker of the house, the president of the senate, and the house and senate fiscal advisors concerning the status of the ten-year (10) transportation plan.

(f) Any functions, duties, and staff relating to the Rhode Island department of transportations external audit section shall be transferred to the Rhode Island department of administrations office of internal audit and program integrity, or its successor, upon passage [Feb. 11, 2016].

(1) The chief of the office of internal audit and program integrity, or its successor, who shall be the administrative head of the office of internal audit and program integrity, or its successor, shall supervise, coordinate, and/or conduct audits, civil and administrative investigations, and inspections or oversight reviews, when necessary, relating to programs and operations listed in this section.

(2) The office of internal audit and program integritys (or its successors) authorization shall include, but not be limited to, evaluating the efficiency of operations and internal controls, preventing and detecting fraud, waste, abuse, or mismanagement in the expenditure of public funds, whether state, federal, or those revenues collected by the use of tolls and related to any and all transportation-related programs and operations as well as the procurement of any supplies, services, or construction, by the department of transportation or related institutions of the department of transportation. Investigations may include the expenditures by nongovernmental agencies of federal, state, and local public funds. As deemed necessary or expedient by the office of internal audit and program integrity, or its successor, audits may be made relative to the financial affairs or the economy and efficiency of management of the department of transportation or related institutions.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-4-5 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-4 / Section 42-4-5
§ 42-4-5. State bird.
Status: in_force

The breed of fowl, commonly known as the Rhode Island red, is designated, and shall be known, as the official state bird.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-122-6 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-122 / Section 42-122-6
§ 42-122-6. Procedures for designation of state-owned land as a natural area preserve.
Status: in_force

(a) A request for designation of state-owned land as a natural area preserve shall be made to the director, that request specifying the area to be designated, the reasons for the designation, the proposed management strategy necessary to protect the critical environmental resources within the area, and the changes that would be required in current management practices. The request for designation may be made by the director of any state agency for any parcel of land under the agencys control.

(b) The director may approve the designation of state-owned land as a preserve only after consultation with the managing agency, and after a public hearing. Notice requirements for the public hearing shall be the same as required under § 42-122-5(a). Before a preserve is designated, a management plan must be approved by the director and adopted by the department managing the preserve.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-157-6 — RI Code / Title 42 / Chapter 42-157 / Section 42-157-6
§ 42-157-6. Audit.
Status: in_force

(a) Annually, the exchange shall cause to have a financial and/or performance audit of its functions and operations performed in compliance with the generally accepted governmental auditing standards and conducted by the state office of internal audit and program integrity or a certified public accounting firm qualified in performance audits.

(b) If the audit is not directly performed by the state office of internal audit and program integrity, the selection of the auditor and the scope of the audit shall be subject to the approval of the state office of internal audit and program integrity.

(c) The results of the audit shall be made public upon completion, posted on the departments website and otherwise made available for public inspection.