reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
RI Gen L § 39-1-3 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers|Chapter 39-1 - Public Utilities Commission|Section 39-1-3 - Commission and division established - Functions of commission - Administrator.

§ 39-1-3. Commission and division established — Functions of commission — Administrator.(a) To implement the legislative policy set forth in § 39-1-1 and to serve as the agencies of the state in effectuating the legislative purpose, there are hereby established a public utilities commission and a division of public utilities and carriers. The commission shall serve as a quasi-judicial tribunal with jurisdiction, powers, and duties to implement and enforce the standards of conduct under § 39-1-27.6 and to hold investigations and hearings involving the rates, tariffs, tolls, and charges, and the sufficiency and reasonableness of facilities and accommodations of railroad, gas, electric distribution, water, telephone, telegraph, and pipeline public utilities; the location of railroad depots and stations, and the control of grade crossings; the revocation, suspension, or alteration of certificates issued pursuant to § 39-19-4; appeals under § 39-1-30; petitions under § 39-1-31; and proceedings under § 39-1-32.(b) The administrator shall be a person who is not a commissioner and who shall exercise the jurisdiction, supervision, powers, and duties not specifically assigned to the commission, including the execution of all laws relating to public utilities and carriers and all regulations and orders of the commission governing the conduct and charges of public utilities and who shall perform other duties and have powers as are hereinafter set forth. The administrator shall be a person who is appointed by the governor for an initial term of six (6) years. The administrator shall be appointed with the advice and consent of the senate. The director of administration, with the approval of the governor, shall allocate the administrator to one of the grades established by the pay plan for unclassified employees. The public utilities administrator also shall have powers and duties as provided in § 46-15.3-20.History of Section.P.L. 1969, ch. 240, § 1; P.L. 1973, ch. 199, § 1; P.L. 1980, ch. 335, § 6; P.L. 1995, ch. 188, § 3; P.L. 1996, ch. 316, § 1.
RI Gen L § 39-1-4 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers|Chapter 39-1 - Public Utilities Commission|Section 39-1-4 - Composition of commission - Terms - Vacancies.

§ 39-1-4. Composition of commission — Terms — Vacancies.(a) The public utilities commission shall consist of three (3) electors selected with regard to their qualifications and experience in law and government, energy matters, economics and finance, engineering and accounting, and appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate. The term of each commissioner shall be six (6) years. The director of administration, with the approval of the governor, shall allocate the position of each commissioner to one of the grades established by the pay plan for unclassified employees.(b) During the month prior to the expiration of the term of a commissioner, the governor, with the advice and consent of the senate shall appoint a commissioner to succeed the commissioner whose term will then next expire, to serve for a term of six (6) years commencing on the first day of March then next following, and until his or her successor is appointed and qualified. A commissioner shall be eligible to succeed him or herself. Upon the expiration of the term of the chairperson, the governor may designate any commissioner as chairperson.(c) A vacancy in the office of a commissioner, other than by expiration, shall be filled in like manner as an original appointment, but only for the unexpired portion of the term. If a vacancy occurs when the senate is not in session, the governor shall appoint a person to fill the vacancy, but only until the senate shall next convene and give its advice and consent to a new appointment.History of Section.P.L. 1969, ch. 240, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 144, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 23, art. 7, § 12.
RI Gen L § 39-1-5 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers|Chapter 39-1 - Public Utilities Commission|Section 39-1-5 - Removal of commissioner from office.

§ 39-1-5. Removal of commissioner from office.Commissioners may at any time be removed from office by the governor for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office, but no commissioner shall be removed from office without an opportunity to be heard, publicly before the governor and after being given notice in writing of the charges against him or her. A copy of the charges and a transcript of the record of the hearing shall be filed with the secretary of state.History of Section.P.L. 1969, ch. 240, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 316, § 1.
RI Gen L § 39-1-6 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers|Chapter 39-1 - Public Utilities Commission|Section 39-1-6 - Holding over in office.

§ 39-1-6. Holding over in office.When the term of office of a commissioner shall expire, and he or she has participated in hearing all or a substantial part of the evidence in a proceeding pending before the commission, he or she shall remain a commissioner for the sole purpose of completing the hearing and deciding the pending matter and signing the findings, orders, and judgments therein. For such services, the commissioner shall be paid reasonable compensation and necessary expenses as fixed by the commission as composed following the expiration of his or her term of office. For this purpose, a proceeding shall be deemed completed when the commission enters its final order therein regardless of whether the order is or may be appealed to the supreme court and the case remanded to the commission for further proceedings.History of Section.P.L. 1969, ch. 240, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 316, § 1.
RI Gen L § 39-1-7 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers|Chapter 39-1 - Public Utilities Commission|Section 39-1-7 - Powers of commission - Seal.

§ 39-1-7. Powers of commission — Seal.(a) The commission shall have the powers of a court of record in the determination and adjudication of all matters over which it is given jurisdiction. It may make orders and render judgments and enforce the same by any suitable process issuable by the superior court. The commission shall have an official seal, which shall have engraved thereon the words: "State of Rhode Island. Public Utilities Commission Seal."(b) The commission shall have the power to do a complete audit of the books of all public utilities doing business in this state. The audit shall consider the cost of energy acquisition and all other aspects that the commission deems necessary.History of Section.P.L. 1912, ch. 795, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 253, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 122, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 39-1-4; G.L. 1956, § 39-1-7; P.L. 1969, ch. 240, § 1; P.L. 1979, ch. 102, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 316, § 1.
RI Gen L § 39-1-8 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers|Chapter 39-1 - Public Utilities Commission|Section 39-1-8 - Quorum - Meetings.

§ 39-1-8. Quorum — Meetings.Two (2) commissioners shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business, except as provided in § 39-1-11. Meetings of the commission may be held at any time or place upon the call of any member, after a reasonable notice by mail or telephone to the other members, and shall be held at such times and places as in the judgment of the commission will best serve the convenience of all parties in interest.History of Section.P.L. 1969, ch. 240, § 1; P.L. 1979, ch. 95, § 2; P.L. 2002, ch. 144, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 23, art. 7, § 12.
RI Gen L § 39-1-9 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers|Chapter 39-1 - Public Utilities Commission|Section 39-1-9 - Clerk - Oath of office.

§ 39-1-9. Clerk — Oath of office.The commission shall appoint an employee of the division as its clerk, who shall serve during its pleasure. The commissioners and clerk shall be sworn to the faithful discharge of the duties of their offices and, before entering upon their offices, shall file a certificate of their oaths for record in the office of the secretary of state.History of Section.P.L. 1969, ch. 240, § 1.
RI Gen L § 39-1-10 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers|Chapter 39-1 - Public Utilities Commission|Section 39-1-10 - Powers and duties of clerk.

§ 39-1-10. Powers and duties of clerk.The clerk shall have the custody of the seal of the commission; have general charge of the office; keep a full record of its proceedings; file and preserve at its office all documents and papers entrusted to his or her care; prepare such papers and notices as may be required of him or her by the commission; and perform such other duties as it may prescribe. The clerk shall have power to issue subpoenas for witnesses and to administer oaths in all cases before the commission or pertaining to the duties of the office.History of Section.P.L. 1969, ch. 240, § 1.
RI Gen L § 39-1-11 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers|Chapter 39-1 - Public Utilities Commission|Section 39-1-11 - Proceedings before commission.

§ 39-1-11. Proceedings before commission.The commission shall adopt reasonable rules and regulations governing the procedure to be followed in any matter that may come before it for a hearing, and in the hearing the commission shall not be bound by technical rules of evidence. The commission shall sit as an impartial, independent body, and is charged with the duty of rendering independent decisions affecting the public interest and private rights based upon the law and upon the evidence presented before it by the division and by the parties in interest. The presence of one commissioner shall constitute a quorum at all hearings, provided that the concurrence of a majority of the commission shall be required for the rendering of a decision.History of Section.P.L. 1969, ch. 240, § 1; P.L. 1979, ch. 95, § 2.
RI Gen L § 39-1-12 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers|Chapter 39-1 - Public Utilities Commission|Section 39-1-12 - Prehearing procedure - Formulating issues - Copies of exhibits.

§ 39-1-12. Prehearing procedure — Formulating issues — Copies of exhibits.Prior to the commencement of any formal hearing, the commission may, in its discretion, direct the parties or their attorneys to appear before it for a conference. At or before the conference, the commission may order any party to file a number of copies, as it may specify, of all exhibits it intends to use in the hearing, and the names and addresses of witnesses it intends to produce in its direct case, together with a short statement of the purposes of each exhibit and of the testimony of each witness. After entry of an order, a party shall not be permitted, except in the discretion of the commission, to introduce into evidence, in its direct case, exhibits that are not filed in accordance with the order. At the conference, the commission may designate a date before which it requires any party in interest to specify what items shown by the filed exhibits are conceded, and further proof of conceded items shall not be required. The commission may also require the parties to simplify the issues; to consider admissions of fact and of documents that will avoid unnecessary proof; and to limit the number of expert witnesses. The commission shall enter an order reciting the concessions and agreements made by the parties, and unless modified at the hearing to prevent manifest injustice, the hearing shall be controlled by the order.History of Section.P.L. 1969, ch. 240, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 316, § 1.
RI Gen L § 39-1-13 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers|Chapter 39-1 - Public Utilities Commission|Section 39-1-13 - Subpoena powers of commissioners.

§ 39-1-13. Subpoena powers of commissioners.The commissioners are hereby severally authorized and empowered to administer oaths; and the commission, in all cases of every nature pending before it, is hereby authorized and empowered to summon and examine witnesses and to compel the production and examination of papers, books, accounts, documents, records, certificates, and other legal evidence that may be necessary or proper for the determination and decision of any question before or the discharge of any duty required by law of the commission. All subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum shall be signed by the chairperson or by the clerk, and shall be served as subpoenas are served in civil cases in the superior court; and witnesses so subpoenaed shall be entitled to the same fees for attendance and travel as are provided for witnesses in civil cases in the superior court. If any person fails to obey the command of the subpoena, without reasonable cause, or if a person in attendance before the commission shall, without reasonable cause, refuse to be sworn, or to be examined, or to answer a legal and pertinent question, any commissioner may apply to any justice of the superior court, upon proof by affidavit of the fact, for a rule or order returnable in not less than two (2) nor more than five (5) days, directing the person to show cause why he or she should not be adjudged in contempt. Upon the return of the order, the justice before whom the matter is brought for a hearing shall examine under oath the person, and the person shall be given an opportunity to be heard, and if the justice shall determine that the person has refused without reasonable cause or legal excuse to be examined, or to answer a legal and pertinent question, or to produce books, accounts, papers, records, and documents material to the issue that he or she was ordered to bring or produce, he or she may forthwith commit the person to the adult correctional institutions, there to remain until he or she submits to do the act that he or she was so required to do, or is discharged according to law.History of Section.P.L. 1969, ch. 240, § 1.
RI Gen L § 39-1-14 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers|Chapter 39-1 - Public Utilities Commission|Section 39-1-14 - [Repealed.]

§ 39-1-14. [Repealed.]History of Section.G.L. 1956, § 39-1-14; P.L. 1969, ch. 240, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 1979, ch. 95, § 1.
RI Gen L § 39-1-15 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers|Chapter 39-1 - Public Utilities Commission|Section 39-1-15 - Investigators and examiners.

§ 39-1-15. Investigators and examiners.For effective administration, supervision, and regulation of public utilities, communications carriers, and common or contract carriers, the administrator, at his or her discretion, may designate examiners, investigators, hearing officers, or one or more agents of the division to make investigations and conduct hearings. In conducting investigations and hearings, the administrator and every person designated therefor by him or her shall be vested with all the powers conferred on the chairperson of the commission by § 39-1-13. Upon completion of his or her investigation and hearing, the person hearing or investigating shall file his or her recommended decision and findings in writing with the administrator; and the decision and findings, when approved by the administrator, shall have the same force and effect as a decision and findings by the administrator. The administrator may, however, at his or her discretion, upon considering the evidence in the matter at issue and the written recommended decision as filed by the hearing officer, agent, examiner, or investigator, decide the matter in hearing or under investigation him or herself, and in such case, the decision of the administrator with his or her findings shall become effective when signed and filed by him or her.History of Section.P.L. 1912, ch. 795, § 13; G.L. 1923, ch. 253, § 13; G.L. 1938, ch. 122, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 39-1-12; R.P.L. 1957, ch. 90, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-1-15; P.L. 1969, ch. 240, § 1; P.L. 1973, ch. 199, § 1.
RI Gen L § 39-1-15.1 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers|Chapter 39-1 - Public Utilities Commission|Section 39-1-15.1 - Enforcement powers of inspectors.

§ 39-1-15.1. Enforcement powers of inspectors.Examiners, field investigators, hearing officers, regulatory inspectors, and other employees of the division designated by the administrator with respect to the enforcement of the provisions of chapters 12 through 14.1 inclusive of this title, shall have and exercise, throughout this state, all powers of police officers including the power to arrest, without warrant, any person who violates any provision of the chapters, and the agents may serve all process lawfully issued by the administrator. Whenever a complaint is made of any violation of the provisions of chapters 12 through 14.1 inclusive of this title, by any examiner, field investigator, hearing officer, regulatory inspector, or any other employee of the division, he or she shall not be required to furnish surety for costs or be liable for costs upon any complaint.History of Section.P.L. 2012, ch. 82, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 178, § 1.
RI Gen L § 39-1-15.2 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers|Chapter 39-1 - Public Utilities Commission|Section 39-1-15.2 - Enforcement by police departments.

§ 39-1-15.2. Enforcement by police departments.The administrator is hereby authorized to avail himself or herself of state, city, and town police departments as are, or may hereafter be, existing by law, to enforce the provisions of chapters 12 through 14.1 inclusive of this title and the rules, regulations, and orders of the administrator made under the chapters; and the police departments are hereby given the necessary authority and power, in addition to those they now possess, to carry into effect the directions of this section.History of Section.P.L. 2012, ch. 82, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 178, § 1.
RI Gen L § 39-1-16 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers|Chapter 39-1 - Public Utilities Commission|Section 39-1-16 - Depositions.

§ 39-1-16. Depositions.In any investigation or hearing conducted by virtue of this title, the person designated to conduct the hearing may cause the deposition of witnesses, wherever residing, to be taken in the manner and used for the purposes prescribed by law for taking depositions in civil actions in the superior court.History of Section.P.L. 1969, ch. 240, § 1.
RI Gen L § 39-1-17 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers|Chapter 39-1 - Public Utilities Commission|Section 39-1-17 - Consumers' council participation.

§ 39-1-17. Consumers' council participation.In any inquiry into, or examination of, any matter wherein tariffs, rates, or charges for, or the cost of, or the quality, standard, or extent of, any service or commodities are requested by the division, and in every formal hearing conducted by the division, the consumers' council shall be deemed to be an interested party for all purposes, and as such, shall receive all notices and may file complaints, institute proceedings, participate as a party in administrative hearings, and institute or participate in any appeal to the supreme court as an aggrieved party.History of Section.P.L. 1969, ch. 240, § 1.
RI Gen L § 39-1-18 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers|Chapter 39-1 - Public Utilities Commission|Section 39-1-18 - Hearings and records - Certified copies.

§ 39-1-18. Hearings and records — Certified copies.(a) All hearings and orders of the commission and of the division, and the records thereof, shall be public and any person shall be permitted to record all or any portion of a hearing by way of camera, video, or tape recorder of any kind, unless a party to the hearing requests, and the chairperson or administrator grants the request, that the recording be prohibited for the protection of attorney-client privilege, confidentiality, or other interest of the parties. All reports, records, files, books, and accounts in the possession of the commission or the division shall be open to inspection by the public at all reasonable times. The division may charge and collect reasonable fees for copies of official documents, orders, papers, and records, and for authenticating or certifying the same; provided that no fee shall be charged for single copies of official documents, orders, papers, and records, furnished to public officers of the state for use in their official capacity, or for the annual reports in the ordinary course of distribution.(b) All filings made to the division or commission shall also be provided digitally in a manner established by the division. The commission and division may adopt rules exempting filings from this requirement.(c) In order to support the ability of the public and interested parties to stay informed of the activities of the commission and the division, and to promote awareness of utility restructuring, the division shall maintain a site on the internet through which the public may access:(1) Notices of and agendas of hearings;(2) All filings that are available in digital format and that are not subject to protective orders;(3) All orders, rules, and regulations of the commission or administrator;(4) Announcements of, agendas for, and minutes of open meetings;(5) A calendar of all forthcoming open meetings and hearings;(6) Current tariffs of all public utilities subject to assessment pursuant to § 39-1-23; provided, however, that the division may require any public utility with extensive tariffs to maintain a website and provide access to those tariffs via a link from the division's website;(7) A listing of all public utilities and nonregulated power producers, together with consumer contact information for each;(8) Consumer information on billing dispute resolution, retail access, conservation, and consumer-assistance programs;(9) Demand-side management programs available to residential, commercial, and industrial customers; and(10) Other information as the division deems relevant and useful to the public.History of Section.P.L. 1912, ch. 795, § 9; G.L. 1923, ch. 253, § 9; P.L. 1929, ch. 1394, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 122, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 39-1-7; G.L. 1956, § 39-1-18; P.L. 1969, ch. 240, § 1; P.L. 1973, ch. 199, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 316, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 144, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 409, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 216, § 9.
RI Gen L § 39-1-19 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers|Chapter 39-1 - Public Utilities Commission|Section 39-1-19 - Personnel - Legal representation.

§ 39-1-19. Personnel — Legal representation.(a) To carry out the purposes of this title, the commission and the division, within the appropriation therefor, are authorized to employ such clerks, stenographers, engineers, accountants, and agents as may be required, who shall be in the classified service, and may also retain and employ experts, consultants, and assistants on a contract or other basis for rendering legal, financial, professional, technical, or other assistance or advice.(b) When requested by the administrator, the attorney general, or an assistant designated by him or her, shall appear and represent the division in any hearing, investigation, action, or proceeding under this title, or in reference to any act or proceeding of the division, and intervene in any action or proceeding in which is involved any question arising under this title. In all cases in which the attorney general or an assistant intervenes on behalf of the state as a customer of a public utility, or on behalf of the citizens of the state, as customers of a public utility, the division may employ legal counsel to represent it, as provided for in § 39-1-20.History of Section.P.L. 1912, ch. 795, §§ 10, 12; G.L. 1923, ch. 253, §§ 10, 12; G.L. 1938, ch. 122, §§ 8, 9; G.L. 1956, §§ 39-1-10, 39-1-11; G.L. 1956, § 39-1-19; P.L. 1969, ch. 240, § 1; P.L. 1975, ch. 277, § 1.