reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
RI Gen L § 19-14.8-5 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 19 - Financial Institutions|Chapter 19-14.8 - Uniform Debt-Management Services Act|Section 19-14.8-5 - Application for registration - Form, fee and accompanying documents.

§ 19-14.8-5. Application for registration — Form, fee and accompanying documents.(a) An application for registration as a provider must be in a form prescribed by the director.(b) Subject to adjustment of dollar amounts pursuant to § 19-14.8-32(f), an application for registration as a provider must be accompanied by:(1) The fee established by chapter 14 of this title;(2) The bond required by § 19-14.8-13;(3) Identification of all trust accounts required by § 19-14.8-22 and an irrevocable consent authorizing the director to review and examine the trust accounts;(4) Evidence of insurance in the amount of two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000):(A) Against the risks of dishonesty, fraud, theft, and other misconduct on the part of the applicant or a director, employee, or agent of the applicant;(B) Issued by an insurance company authorized to do business in this state and rated at least "A" by a nationally recognized rating organization;(C) With a deductible of not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000);(D) Payable to the applicant, the individuals who have agreements with the applicant, and this state, as their interests may appear; and(E) Not subject to cancellation by the applicant without the approval of the director;(5) If the applicant is a foreign corporation, proof that the applicant holds a certificate of authority to conduct affairs in this state, as required by chapter 6 of title 7; and(6) If the applicant is organized as a not-for-profit entity or is exempt from taxation, evidence of not-for-profit and tax-exempt status applicable to the applicant under the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C. § 501, as amended.History of Section.P.L. 2006, ch. 243, § 3; P.L. 2006, ch. 291, § 3; P.L. 2014, ch. 106, § 4; P.L. 2014, ch. 125, § 4.
RI Gen L § 19-14.8-7 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 19 - Financial Institutions|Chapter 19-14.8 - Uniform Debt-Management Services Act|Section 19-14.8-7 - Application for registration - Obligation to update.

§ 19-14.8-7. Application for registration — Obligation to update.An applicant or registered provider shall notify the director within ten (10) days after a change in the information specified in § 19-14.8-5(b)(4) or (6) or § 19-14.8-6(1), (3), (6), (12), or (13).History of Section.P.L. 2006, ch. 243, § 3; P.L. 2006, ch. 291, § 3.
RI Gen L § 19-14.8-8 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 19 - Financial Institutions|Chapter 19-14.8 - Uniform Debt-Management Services Act|Section 19-14.8-8 - Application for registration - Public information.

§ 19-14.8-8. Application for registration — Public information.Except for the information required by § 19-14.8-6(7), (14), and (17) and the addresses required by § 19-14.8-6(4), the director shall make the information in an application for registration as a provider available to the public.History of Section.P.L. 2006, ch. 243, § 3; P.L. 2006, ch. 291, § 3.
RI Gen L § 19-14.8-9 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 19 - Financial Institutions|Chapter 19-14.8 - Uniform Debt-Management Services Act|Section 19-14.8-9 - Certificate of registration - Issuance or denial.

§ 19-14.8-9. Certificate of registration — Issuance or denial.(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (b) and (c), the director shall issue a certificate of registration as a provider to a person that complies with §§ 19-14.8-5 and 19-14.8-6.(b) The director may deny registration if:(1) The application contains information that is materially erroneous or incomplete;(2) An officer, director, or owner of the applicant has been convicted of a crime, or suffered a civil judgment, involving dishonesty or the violation of state or federal securities laws;(3) The applicant, or any of its officers, directors, or owners, has defaulted in the payment of money collected for others; or(4) The director finds that the financial responsibility, experience, character, or general fitness of the applicant, or its owners, directors, employees, or agents, does not warrant belief that the business will be operated in compliance with this chapter.(c) The director shall deny registration if:(1) The application is not accompanied by the fee established by the director; or(2) With respect to an applicant that is organized as a not-for-profit entity or has obtained tax-exempt status under the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C. § 501, the applicant's board of directors is not independent of the applicant's employees and agents.(d) Subject to adjustment of the dollar amount pursuant to § 19-14.8-32(f), a board of directors is not independent for purposes of subsection (c) of this section if more than one-fourth (¼) of its members:(1) Are affiliates of the applicant, as defined in § 19-14.8-2(2)(a) or (2)(b)(i), (ii), (iv), (v), (vi), or (vii); or(2) After the date ten (10) years before first becoming a director of the applicant, were employed by, or directors of, a person that received from the applicant more than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) in either the current year or the preceding year.History of Section.P.L. 2006, ch. 243, § 3; P.L. 2006, ch. 291, § 3; P.L. 2007, ch. 13, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 14, § 1.
RI Gen L § 19-14.8-10 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 19 - Financial Institutions|Chapter 19-14.8 - Uniform Debt-Management Services Act|Section 19-14.8-10 - Certificate of registration - Timing.

§ 19-14.8-10. Certificate of registration — Timing.(a) The director shall approve or deny an initial registration as a provider within one hundred twenty (120) days after an application is filed. In connection with a request pursuant to this chapter for additional information, the director may extend the one hundred twenty-day (120) period for not more than sixty (60) days. Within seven (7) days after denying an application, the director, in a record, shall inform the applicant of the reasons for the denial.(b) If the director denies an application for registration as a provider or does not act on an application within the time prescribed in subsection (a), the applicant may appeal and request a hearing pursuant to chapter 35 of title 42.(c) Subject to this chapter, § 19-14.8-11(d), and § 19-14.8-34, a registration as a provider is valid for one year.History of Section.P.L. 2006, ch. 243, § 3; P.L. 2006, ch. 291, § 3.
RI Gen L § 19-14.8-12 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 19 - Financial Institutions|Chapter 19-14.8 - Uniform Debt-Management Services Act|Section 19-14.8-12 - Registration in another state.

§ 19-14.8-12. Registration in another state.If a provider holds a license or certificate of registration in another state authorizing it to provide debt-management services, the provider may submit a copy of that license or certificate and the application for it instead of an application in the form prescribed by § 19-14.8-5(a), § 19-14.8-6, or § 19-14.8-11(b). The director shall accept the application and the license or certificate from the other state as an application for registration as a provider or for renewal of registration as a provider, as appropriate, in this state if:(1) The application in the other state contains information substantially similar to, or more comprehensive than, that required in an application submitted in this state;(2) The applicant provides the information required by § 19-14.8-6(1), (3), (10), (12), and (13); and(3) The applicant, under oath or certified under the penalties of perjury, certifies that the information contained in the application is current or, to the extent it is not current, supplements the application to make the information current.History of Section.P.L. 2006, ch. 243, § 3; P.L. 2006, ch. 291, § 3.
RI Gen L § 19-14.8-14 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 19 - Financial Institutions|Chapter 19-14.8 - Uniform Debt-Management Services Act|Section 19-14.8-14 - Bond required - Substitute.

§ 19-14.8-14. Bond required — Substitute.(a) Instead of the surety bond required by § 19-14.8-13, a provider may deliver to the director, in the amount required by § 19-14.8-13(b), and, except as otherwise provided in subsection (a)(2)(A) of this section, payable or available to this state and to individuals who reside in this state when they agree to receive debt-management services from the provider, as their interests may appear, if the provider or its agent does not comply with this chapter:(1) A certificate of insurance issued by an insurance company authorized to do business in this state and rated at least "A" by a nationally recognized rating organization, with no deductible; or(2) With the approval of the director:(A) An irrevocable letter of credit, issued or confirmed by a bank approved by the director, payable upon presentation of a certificate by the director stating that the provider or its agent has not complied with this chapter; or(B) Bonds or other obligations of the United States or guaranteed by the United States or bonds or other obligations of this state or a political subdivision of this state, to be deposited and maintained with a bank approved by the director for this purpose.(b) If a provider furnishes a substitute pursuant to subsection (a), the provisions of § 19-14.8-13(a), (c), (d), and (e) apply to the substitute.History of Section.P.L. 2006, ch. 243, § 3; P.L. 2006, ch. 291, § 3.
RI Gen L § 19-14.8-15 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 19 - Financial Institutions|Chapter 19-14.8 - Uniform Debt-Management Services Act|Section 19-14.8-15 - Requirement of good faith.

§ 19-14.8-15. Requirement of good faith.A provider shall act in good faith in all matters under this chapter.History of Section.P.L. 2006, ch. 243, § 3; P.L. 2006, ch. 291, § 3.
RI Gen L § 19-14.8-16 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 19 - Financial Institutions|Chapter 19-14.8 - Uniform Debt-Management Services Act|Section 19-14.8-16 - Customer service.

§ 19-14.8-16. Customer service.A provider that is required to be registered under this chapter shall maintain a toll-free communication system, staffed at a level that reasonably permits an individual to speak to a certified counselor or customer-service representative, as appropriate, during ordinary business hours.History of Section.P.L. 2006, ch. 243, § 3; P.L. 2006, ch. 291, § 3.
RI Gen L § 19-14.8-20 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 19 - Financial Institutions|Chapter 19-14.8 - Uniform Debt-Management Services Act|Section 19-14.8-20 - Cancellation of agreement - Waiver.

§ 19-14.8-20. Cancellation of agreement — Waiver.(a) An individual may cancel an agreement before midnight of the third (3rd) business day after the individual assents to it, unless the agreement does not comply with subsection (b) or § 19-14.8-19 or § 19-14.8-28, in which event the individual may cancel the agreement within thirty (30) days after the individual assents to it. To exercise the right to cancel, the individual must give notice in a record to the provider. Notice by mail is given when mailed.(b) An agreement must be accompanied by a form that contains in bold-face type, surrounded by bold black lines:Notice of Right to Cancel You may cancel this agreement, without any penalty or obligation, at any time before midnight of the third business day that begins the day after you agree to it by electronic communication or by signing it.  To cancel this agreement during this period, send an e-mail to_____________ or mail or deliver a signed, dated copy ofE-mail address of providerthis notice, or any other written notice to _____________ Name of providerat ___________ before midnight on ___________. Address of provider Date If you cancel this agreement within the 3-day period, we will refund all money you already have paid us.  You also may terminate this agreement at any later time, but we are not required to refund fees you have paid us.  I cancel this agreement, ___________ Print your name ___________ Signature ___________ Date (c) If a personal financial emergency necessitates the disbursement of an individual's money to one or more of the individual's creditors before the expiration of three (3) days after an agreement is signed, an individual may waive the right to cancel. To waive the right, the individual must send or deliver a signed, dated statement in the individual's own words describing the circumstances that necessitate a waiver. The waiver must explicitly waive the right to cancel. A waiver by means of a standard-form record is void.History of Section.P.L. 2006, ch. 243, § 3; P.L. 2006, ch. 291, § 3.
RI Gen L § 19-14.8-21 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 19 - Financial Institutions|Chapter 19-14.8 - Uniform Debt-Management Services Act|Section 19-14.8-21 - Required language.

§ 19-14.8-21. Required language.Unless the director, by rule, provides otherwise, the disclosures and documents required by this chapter must be in English. If a provider communicates with an individual primarily in a language other than English, the provider must furnish a translation into the other language of the disclosures and documents required by this chapter.History of Section.P.L. 2006, ch. 243, § 3; P.L. 2006, ch. 291, § 3.
RI Gen L § 19-14.8-24 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 19 - Financial Institutions|Chapter 19-14.8 - Uniform Debt-Management Services Act|Section 19-14.8-24 - Voluntary contributions.

§ 19-14.8-24. Voluntary contributions.A provider may not solicit a voluntary contribution from an individual or an affiliate of the individual for any service provided to the individual. A provider may accept voluntary contributions from an individual but, until thirty (30) days after completion or termination of a plan, the aggregate amount of money received from, or on behalf of, the individual may not exceed the total amount the provider may charge the individual under § 19-14.8-23.History of Section.P.L. 2006, ch. 243, § 3; P.L. 2006, ch. 291, § 3.
RI Gen L § 19-14.8-25 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 19 - Financial Institutions|Chapter 19-14.8 - Uniform Debt-Management Services Act|Section 19-14.8-25 - Voidable agreements.

§ 19-14.8-25. Voidable agreements.(a) If a provider imposes a fee or other charge or receives money or other payments not authorized by § 19-14.8-23 or § 19-14.8-24, the individual may void the agreement and recover as provided in § 19-14.8-35.(b) If a provider is not registered as required by this chapter when an individual assents to an agreement, the agreement is voidable by the individual.(c) If an individual voids an agreement under subsection (b), the provider does not have a claim against the individual for breach of contract or for restitution.History of Section.P.L. 2006, ch. 243, § 3; P.L. 2006, ch. 291, § 3.
RI Gen L § 19-14.8-26 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 19 - Financial Institutions|Chapter 19-14.8 - Uniform Debt-Management Services Act|Section 19-14.8-26 - Termination of agreements.

§ 19-14.8-26. Termination of agreements.(a) If an individual who has entered into an agreement fails for sixty (60) days to make payments required by the agreement, a provider may terminate the agreement.(b) If a provider or an individual terminates an agreement, the provider shall immediately return to the individual:(1) Any money of the individual held in trust for the benefit of the individual; and(2) Sixty-five percent (65%) of any portion of the set-up fee received pursuant to § 19-14.8-23(d)(2) that has not been credited against settlement fees.History of Section.P.L. 2006, ch. 243, § 3; P.L. 2006, ch. 291, § 3.
RI Gen L § 19-14.8-27 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 19 - Financial Institutions|Chapter 19-14.8 - Uniform Debt-Management Services Act|Section 19-14.8-27 - Periodic reports and retention of records.

§ 19-14.8-27. Periodic reports and retention of records.(a) A provider shall provide the accounting required by subsection (b):(1) Upon cancellation or termination of an agreement; and(2) Before cancellation or termination of any agreement:(A) At least once each month; and(B) Within five (5) business days after a request by an individual, but the provider need not comply with more than one request in any calendar month.(b) A provider, in a record, shall provide each individual for whom it has established a plan an accounting of the following information:(1) The amount of money received from the individual since the last report;(2) The amounts and dates of disbursement made on the individual's behalf, or by the individual upon the direction of the provider, since the last report to each creditor listed in the plan;(3) The amounts deducted from the amount received from the individual;(4) The amount held in reserve; and(5) If, since the last report, a creditor has agreed to accept as payment in full an amount less than the principal amount of the debt owed by the individual:(A) The total amount and terms of the settlement;(B) The amount of the debt when the individual assented to the plan;(C) The amount of the debt when the creditor agreed to the settlement; and(D) The calculation of a settlement fee.(c) A provider shall maintain records for each individual for whom it provides debt-management services for five (5) years after the final payment made by the individual and produce a copy of them to the individual within a reasonable time after a request for them. The provider may use electronic or other means of storage of the records.History of Section.P.L. 2006, ch. 243, § 3; P.L. 2006, ch. 291, § 3.
RI Gen L § 19-14.8-29 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 19 - Financial Institutions|Chapter 19-14.8 - Uniform Debt-Management Services Act|Section 19-14.8-29 - Notice of litigation.

§ 19-14.8-29. Notice of litigation.No later than thirty (30) days after a provider has been served with notice of a civil action for violation of this chapter by or on behalf of an individual who resides in this state at either the time of an agreement or the time the notice is served, the provider shall notify the director in a record that it has been sued.History of Section.P.L. 2006, ch. 243, § 3; P.L. 2006, ch. 291, § 3.
RI Gen L § 19-14.8-30 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 19 - Financial Institutions|Chapter 19-14.8 - Uniform Debt-Management Services Act|Section 19-14.8-30 - Advertising.

§ 19-14.8-30. Advertising.A provider that advertises debt-management services shall disclose, in an easily comprehensible manner, the information specified in § 19-14.8-17(d)(3) and (d)(4).History of Section.P.L. 2006, ch. 243, § 3; P.L. 2006, ch. 291, § 3.
RI Gen L § 19-14.8-31 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 19 - Financial Institutions|Chapter 19-14.8 - Uniform Debt-Management Services Act|Section 19-14.8-31 - Liability for the conduct of other persons.

§ 19-14.8-31. Liability for the conduct of other persons.If a provider delegates any of its duties or obligations under an agreement or this chapter to another person, including an independent contractor, the provider is liable for conduct of the person that, if done by the provider, would violate the agreement or this chapter.History of Section.P.L. 2006, ch. 243, § 3; P.L. 2006, ch. 291, § 3.
RI Gen L § 19-14.8-32 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 19 - Financial Institutions|Chapter 19-14.8 - Uniform Debt-Management Services Act|Section 19-14.8-32 - Powers of director or director's designee.

§ 19-14.8-32. Powers of director or director's designee.(a) The director may act on its own initiative or in response to complaints; and may receive complaints; take action to obtain voluntary compliance with this chapter; refer cases to the attorney general; and seek or provide remedies as provided in this chapter.(b) The director may investigate and examine, in this state or elsewhere, by subpoena or otherwise, the activities, books, accounts, and records of a person who or that provides or offers to provide debt-management services, or a person to whom or to which a provider has delegated its obligations under an agreement or this chapter, to determine compliance with this chapter. Information that identifies individuals who have agreements with the provider shall not be disclosed to the public. In connection with the investigation, the director may:(1) Charge the person the reasonable expenses necessarily incurred to conduct the examination;(2) Require or permit a person to file a statement under oath as to all the facts and circumstances of a matter to be investigated; and(3) Seek a court order authorizing seizure from a bank at which the person maintains a trust account required by § 19-14.8-22, any or all money, books, records, accounts, and other property of the provider that is in the control of the bank and relates to individuals who reside in this state.(c) The director may adopt rules to implement the provisions of this chapter in accordance with chapter 35 of title 42.(d) The director may enter into cooperative arrangements with any other federal or state agency having authority over providers and may exchange with any of those agencies information about a provider, including information obtained during an examination of the provider.(e) [Reserved].(f) The director, by rule, shall adopt dollar amounts instead of those specified in §§ 19-14.8-2, 19-14.8-5, 19-14.8-9, 19-14.8-13, 19-14.8-23, 19-14.8-33, and 19-14.8-35 to reflect inflation, as measured by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers or, if that index is not available, another index adopted by rule by the director. The director shall adopt a base year and adjust the dollar amounts, effective on July 1 of each year, if the change in the index from the base year, as of December 31 of the preceding year, is at least ten percent (10%). The dollar amount must be rounded to the nearest one hundred dollars ($100), except that the amounts in § 19-14.8-23 must be rounded to the nearest dollar.(g) The director shall notify registered providers of any change in dollar amounts made pursuant to subsection (f) and make that information available to the public.History of Section.P.L. 2006, ch. 243, § 3; P.L. 2006, ch. 291, § 3.