reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-16.1 - Department of Labor and Training › Section 42-16.1-3. - Transfer of functions from the department of labor.

§ 42-16.1-3. Transfer of functions from the department of labor.
(a)
There are hereby transferred to the department of labor and training all functions formerly administered by the department of labor under the provisions of chapter 4 of title 5; chapter 1 of title 25; chapters 1, 2, 4, 10 — 15, inclusive, 18, 20, 25 and 29 — 38, inclusive, of title 28; chapter 13 of title 37; chapters 1 — 4, inclusive, and 6 — 8, inclusive, of title 47; and of all other general laws and public laws heretofore carried out by the existing director of labor and the department of labor.
(b)
Whenever in the general or public laws the words
“director of labor”
or
“department of labor”
shall appear, the same shall be deemed to mean the director of labor and training or the department of labor and training, as the case may be.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 226, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-16.1 - Department of Labor and Training › Section 42-16.1-4. - Transfer of functions from the department of employment and training.

§ 42-16.1-4. Transfer of functions from the department of employment and training.
(a)
There are hereby transferred to the department of labor and training all functions formerly administered by the department of employment and training set forth in chapters 39 — 44, inclusive, of title 28 and chapter 102 of title 42; and of all other general laws and public laws heretofore carried out by the existing director of employment and training and the department of employment and training. The department of labor and training shall:
(1)
Be the principal executive department charged with administering employment and training programs in the state. The department shall establish a coordinated structure for delivery of such programs and shall work with the Rhode Island Human Resource Investment Council, or its successor, in carrying out the statewide policies, goals, and guidelines developed by the Rhode Island Human Resource Investment Council, or its successor, pursuant to § 42-102-9;
(2)
Administer all employment and training programs formerly administered by the department of employment and training, including, without limitation, all state and local programs sponsored under the federal Job Training Partnership Act, 29 U.S.C. § 1501 et seq.; and
(3)
Continue to work with the existing local regional employment and training boards and along with such other regional employment and training boards as may be established from time to time by the Rhode Island Human Resource Investment Council, or its successor, and the department. Such boards shall operate according to the policies and guidelines established by the Rhode Island Human Resource Investment Council, or its successor; shall be responsible for establishing local planning and coordination guidelines; shall review and comment on all local plans, proposals, and programs that would be funded directly by state and/or federal agencies; shall assist in the development of public-private partnerships; and shall be responsible for the development of a local coordination plan covering programs and services within all service delivery areas located within the state.
(b)
To the extent that there is any conflict between federal law and this section, federal law shall prevail.
(c)
Whenever in the general laws or in any public law the words
“director of employment and training”
or
“director of employment security”
or
“department of employment and training”
or
“department of employment security”
shall appear, the same shall be deemed to mean the director of labor and training or the department of labor and training, as the case may be.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 226, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-16.1 - Department of Labor and Training › Section 42-16.1-5. - Education unit — Establishment.

§ 42-16.1-5. Education unit — Establishment.
There shall be within the department of labor and training an education unit. The unit shall provide, in convenient locations throughout the state, education services to employees and employers concerning the prevention of occupational diseases and injuries, training for non-management employees and employers in workers’ compensation procedures, and substantive rights and information to employers and employees concerning known and suspected workplace hazards. The unit shall be funded through the workers’ compensation administrative fund provided for in § 28-37-1. The director of labor and training may adopt regulations to implement the provisions of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 226, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-16.1 - Department of Labor and Training › Section 42-16.1-6. - Board of review — Composition.

§ 42-16.1-6. Board of review — Composition.
There shall be a board of review consisting of three (3) members. One member shall be a representative of labor, one member shall be a representative of industry, and one member shall be a representative of the public generally. Not more than two (2) members of the board shall be of the same political party.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 226, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-16.1 - Department of Labor and Training › Section 42-16.1-7. - Appointment of board members.

§ 42-16.1-7. Appointment of board members.
In January of each odd-numbered year, the governor shall submit to the senate the name of a person to act as a member of the board of review to succeed the member of the board whose term will next expire, and to hold office for a term of six (6) years and until his or her successor is appointed and qualified. Whenever the governor shall submit any name to the senate, the senate may within twelve (12) legislative days confirm or reject that appointment. If the senate shall fail for twelve (12) legislative days after the submission to confirm the appointment, the governor shall submit another appointment and so on in like manner until the senate shall confirm the person named by the governor; however, terms of current members of the board of review shall not be altered by this act.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 226, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-16.1 - Department of Labor and Training › Section 42-16.1-8. - Filling of vacancies on board.

§ 42-16.1-8. Filling of vacancies on board.
In case there is a vacancy in the board of review while the senate is in session, the governor shall appoint in the manner aforesaid. In case there is a vacancy in the board of review when the senate is not in session, the governor shall appoint some person to hold office until the next session thereof. Vacancies shall be filled in such manner that the representation of labor, industry, and the public shall at all times be retained on the board of review.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 226, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-16.1 - Department of Labor and Training › Section 42-16.1-9. - Organization of board — Restrictions on members — Removal.

§ 42-16.1-9. Organization of board — Restrictions on members — Removal.
The representative of the public shall be chairperson of the board of review. No hearing shall proceed in the absence of the chairperson of the board of review and the chairperson shall act alone in the absence of any other member. In the absence of the chairperson for more than thirty (30) days, or in cases where the chairperson may not sit by law, the chief referee may serve as acting chairperson of the board of review; provided, however, that the acting chairperson shall act only in the presence of the other two (2) members. No member of the board of review shall, during his or her term of office, serve as any officer or committee member of any political party organization, or as a member of the general assembly. The governor may at any time, after public hearing, remove any member of the board of review for gross inefficiency, neglect of duty, malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonfeasance in office.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 226, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-16.1 - Department of Labor and Training › Section 42-16.1-10. - Compensation of board of review.

§ 42-16.1-10. Compensation of board of review.
The compensation of members of the board shall be determined by the department of administration. The compensation shall be pro rated and made chargeable to the employment security administration fund and such other funds as shall be available for the payment of temporary disability insurance expenses or from such other sums as shall be allotted to the director by the general assembly.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 226, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-16.1 - Department of Labor and Training › Section 42-16.1-11. - Legal counsel to board of review.

§ 42-16.1-11. Legal counsel to board of review.
(a)
The board of review shall be empowered to appoint and employ a qualified attorney, who shall act in accordance with such instructions as he or she may receive from the board concerning appeals from its decisions and other related duties. Whenever the board of review may or shall become a party to a court action, the attorney shall represent its interests before the courts.
(b)
The duly appointed attorney shall serve in this capacity from the date of his or her appointment by the board of review, and until his or her successor is appointed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 226, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-16.1 - Department of Labor and Training › Section 42-16.1-12. - Fraud prevention unit — Appointment — Duties — Qualifications.

§ 42-16.1-12. Fraud prevention unit — Appointment — Duties — Qualifications.
(a)
The director of the department of labor and training shall maintain within the workers’ compensation unit of the department of labor and training, a workers’ compensation fraud prevention unit whose members shall be in the unclassified service and whose responsibility it shall be to formulate an integrated state plan to reduce and prevent fraud arising out of claims made pursuant to the workers’ compensation laws of this state and to conduct investigations as authorized by the director. The plan shall include a fraud prevention telephone hotline.
(b)
To carry out the purposes of this section, the director is authorized to employ any persons that may be required, including an assistant attorney general position within the department of attorney general to assist the unit in any hearing, investigation, action or proceeding taken or done in carrying out the purposes of this section. The director is further authorized and directed to employ any investigative or other services that he or she deems reasonable and prudent to accomplish these purposes.
(c)
The unit shall be funded by the workers’ compensation administrative fund established in § 28-37-1, and any other funds or balances that the director deems appropriate.
History of Section.
P.L. 1999, ch. 31, art. 8, § 4; P.L. 1999, ch. 216, § 11; P.L. 1999, ch. 384, § 11; P.L. 2001, ch. 256, § 8; P.L. 2001, ch. 355, § 8; P.L. 2005, ch. 342, § 5; P.L. 2005, ch. 403, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-16.1 - Department of Labor and Training › Section 42-16.1-13. - Investigative powers of the fraud prevention unit.

§ 42-16.1-13. Investigative powers of the fraud prevention unit.
The unit is authorized to investigate allegations of workers’ compensation fraud and abuse. In furtherance of any investigation, the unit has the power to:
(1) Administrative subpoena.
The unit may request, through an administrative subpoena, the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of books, records, and other evidence relevant to an investigation. The subpoena shall specify the time, date, and place where the witness is to respond. Within twenty (20) days after the service of the subpoena or at anytime before the return date specified in the subpoena, whichever period is shorter, the person served may file in a state superior court and serve upon the unit and the attorney general a civil petition for an order of the court modifying or setting aside the subpoena. The petition shall specify each ground upon which the petitioner is seeking relief. If a person neglects or refuses to comply with any request to provide testimony or produce books, records, and other evidence relevant to an investigation, the attorney general may petition the superior court for an order compelling the person to answer the request. Books, records, and other evidence obtained through an administrative subpoena that are not used in a court proceeding shall be destroyed as soon as practicable.
(2) Service of process.
Unit investigators have the authority to serve criminal and civil process.
History of Section.
P.L. 1999, ch. 31, art. 8, § 4; P.L. 1999, ch. 216, § 11; P.L. 1999, ch. 384, § 11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-16.1 - Department of Labor and Training › Section 42-16.1-14. - Disclosure of information to the fraud prevention unit.

§ 42-16.1-14. Disclosure of information to the fraud prevention unit.
Any insurer, or agent authorized by the insurer, to act on its behalf, or third party administrator or any self-insurer, having reason to believe that an insurance transaction may be fraudulent, shall send to the fraud prevention unit a report of the transaction and any additional information requested by the unit, and shall respond to requests from the fraud prevention unit for information with respect to employers and employees who are being investigated for workers’ compensation fraud and abuse pursuant to § 42-16.1-13. The unit reviews the reports submitted and undertakes further investigation in appropriate cases, as determined by the unit.
History of Section.
P.L. 1999, ch. 31, art. 8, § 2; P.L. 1999, ch. 216, § 11; P.L. 1999, ch. 384, § 11; P.L. 2002, ch. 119, § 5; P.L. 2002, ch. 280, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-16.1 - Department of Labor and Training › Section 42-16.1-15. - Fraud prevention unit — Evidence confidentiality.

§ 42-16.1-15. Fraud prevention unit — Evidence confidentiality.
The unit’s documents, reports, or evidence relative to a workers’ compensation investigation are privileged and not open to public inspection. The documents, reports, and evidence are not subject to a subpoena duces tecum unless the unit consents, or a court determines the unit would not be jeopardized by compliance with the subpoena.
History of Section.
P.L. 1999, ch. 31, art. 8, § 4; P.L. 1999, ch. 216, § 11; P.L. 1999, ch. 384, § 11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-16.1 - Department of Labor and Training › Section 42-16.1-16. - Immunity.

§ 42-16.1-16. Immunity.
In the absence of fraud, malice or bad faith, no insurer or agent authorized by the insurer to act on its behalf, employee of the unit, or person providing information to the unit, is subject to civil liability for damages as a result of any statement, report, or investigation made pursuant to chapter 16.1 of this title. Nothing in this section interferes with any common law or statutory privilege or immunity.
History of Section.
P.L. 1999, ch. 31, art. 8, § 4; P.L. 1999, ch. 216, § 11; P.L. 1999, ch. 384, § 11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-16.1 - Department of Labor and Training › Section 42-16.1-17. - Severability.

§ 42-16.1-17. Severability.
If any clause, sentence, paragraph, section, or part of this chapter or the application of any part to any person or circumstances shall, for any reason, be adjudged by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, that judgment does not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder of this chapter and the application of this chapter to other persons or circumstances, but is confined in its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph, section, or part of this chapter directly involved in the controversy in which the judgment has been rendered and to the person or circumstances involved.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 491, § 10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-16.1 - Department of Labor and Training › Section 42-16.1-18. - Confidentiality.

§ 42-16.1-18. Confidentiality.
(a)
Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the department of labor and training shall not release information to any individual not connected with the department relative to any employee’s workers’ compensation claim, including, but not limited to, information obtained from the employee, records or reports of employers, insurers or the courts, or from permanent records of the department.
(b)
The department of labor and training may release information to the individual workers’ compensation claimant, employer, insurer or their attorney upon a written request, specific as to the information being requested, that identifies the parties involved in the dispute and that specifies the requestor’s relationship to the parties and the reason why the records are being requested.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 445, § 7; P.L. 2013, ch. 475, § 7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-16.1 - Department of Labor and Training › Section 42-16.1-19. - Cost of legal and audit fees.

§ 42-16.1-19. Cost of legal and audit fees.
The director is hereby authorized, and may in his or her discretion, recover the reasonable cost of legal services and audit fees for services provided by in-house attorneys and/or other personnel of the department of labor and training or outside auditors and incurred by the department in matters pertaining to fraud investigations and examinations. Nothing in this section shall limit the power of the director to retain legal counsel to recover the costs of such legal counsel and auditors pursuant to other provisions of the general laws.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 470, § 4; P.L. 2016, ch. 473, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-17.1 - Department of Environmental Management › Section 42-17.1-1. - Department established.

§ 42-17.1-1. Department established.
There is hereby established within the executive branch of the state government a department of environmental management. The head of the department shall be the director of environmental management, who shall be in the unclassified service and who shall be appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the senate, and shall serve at the pleasure of the governor.
History of Section.
P.L. 1965, ch. 137, § 1; P.L. 1977, ch. 182, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-17.1 - Department of Environmental Management › Section 42-17.1-2.1. - Leasing of reverted lands.

§ 42-17.1-2.1. Leasing of reverted lands.
The director of the department of environmental management may, at any time when the general assembly shall not be in session, authorize the use by any charitable or educational organization located in this state, any land or buildings of the state which shall have reverted to the state following the lease of the land or building to the United States of America.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 42-17.1-2.1; P.L. 1970, ch. 301, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-17.1 - Department of Environmental Management › Section 42-17.1-2.2. - Regulation of tank ships and barges in Narragansett Bay — Feasibility study.

§ 42-17.1-2.2. Regulation of tank ships and barges in Narragansett Bay — Feasibility study.
The director of environmental management, in furtherance of Rhode Island’s strong interest in protecting its extensive investment in the improvement of water quality in Narragansett Bay and Block Island Sound, and in consultation with the appropriate authorities in the states of New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut and the federal government, shall study the feasibility of state regulation of tank ships and tank barges transporting oil or petroleum liquids in the Bay, Sound or adjacent waters and any possibility for the coordination of interstate regulation of such vessels. Such regulation may include, but not be limited to, requiring certain safety equipment such as a redundant working ground tackle sufficient to secure any such vessel during a storm event, an emergency response positioning beacon sufficient to continuously transmit a vessel’s identification and position in an emergency and fire suppression equipment in appropriate areas of such vessels. On or before January 1, 1997, the director shall report his or her findings and recommendations to the joint committee of the general assembly having cognizance of matters relating to the environment.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 172, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-17.1 - Department of Environmental Management › Section 42-17.1-2.3. - Watershed-based management.

§ 42-17.1-2.3. Watershed-based management.
(a)
In order to accomplish the duties and responsibilities for the protection, development, planning, and utilization of the natural resources of the state, the director is authorized: (1) to plan, coordinate, integrate, manage, exercise and/or implement the powers set forth in this chapter on a watershed basis for the purposes of preserving and/or improving ecosystem functionality, protecting public health, safety and welfare, and providing for the use of natural resources, including for recreational and agricultural purposes; (2) to work in conjunction with the Rhode Island rivers council and in cooperation with federal, interstate, state, local and private agencies and community organizations and watershed groups and associations and persons to effectuate watershed-based management, as appropriate and desirable; (3) to cooperate with the coastal resources management council in the preparation and adoption of a marine resources development plan as provided for in § 46-23-6(1)(v)(A); and (4) to coordinate and administer the activities of the department to achieve the purposes of systems level planning by the state; and within areas subject to the jurisdiction of the coastal resources management council, to administer its programs and exercise its powers and duties consistent with the marine resources development plan and in those areas which are not subject to the jurisdiction of the coastal resources management council to administer its programs and exercise its powers and duties in a manner that contributes to meeting the purposes and goals of the marine resources development plan.
(b)
Cumulative effects and potential cumulative effects of regulatory actions, including, but not limited to, the issuance of permits and approvals, on a geographic basis, shall be incorporated, subject to the limitations set forth in § 42-17.1-2(14), to the extent practicable and reasonable by the department into watershed-based management and planning.
History of Section.
P.L. 2004, ch. 145, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 159, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 254, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 260, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 321, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 465, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 475, § 23.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-17.1 - Department of Environmental Management › Section 42-17.1-2.4. - Gasoline additives — Enforcement.

§ 42-17.1-2.4. Gasoline additives — Enforcement.
(a)
The director of environmental management shall administer and enforce, as provided for by § 31-37-7.1, standards for gasoline additives.
(b)
The director shall report on or before February 1, 2007, to the governor, the president of the senate, and the speaker of the house, with regard to the status of the implementation in other states of restrictions on gasoline additives prescribed by § 31-37-7.1.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 181, § 2; P.L. 2005, ch. 291, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-17.1 - Department of Environmental Management › Section 42-17.1-2.5. - Tolling of expiration periods.

§ 42-17.1-2.5. Tolling of expiration periods.
(a)
Notwithstanding any other provision set forth in this chapter, all periods pertaining to the expiration of any approval or permit issued pursuant to any state statute or any regulation promulgated thereto pertaining to the development of property shall be tolled until June 30, 2016. For the purposes of this section, “tolling” means the suspension or temporary stopping of the running of the applicable permit or approval period.
(b)
Said tolling need not be recorded in the land evidence records to be valid; however, a notice of the tolling must be posted in the municipal planning department and near the land evidence records.
(c)
The tolling shall apply only to approvals or permits in effect on November 9, 2009, and those issued between November 9, 2009, and June 30, 2016, and shall not revive expired approvals or permits.
(d)
The expiration dates for all permits and approvals issued before the tolling period began will be recalculated as of July 1, 2016, by adding thereto the number of days between November 9, 2009, and the day on which the permit or approval would otherwise have expired. The expiration dates for all permits and approvals issued during the tolling period will be recalculated as of July 1, 2016, by adding thereto the number of days between the day the permit or approval was issued and the day the permit or approval otherwise would have expired.
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 198, § 4; P.L. 2009, ch. 199, § 4; P.L. 2010, ch. 209, § 3; P.L. 2010, ch. 215, § 3; P.L. 2011, ch. 56, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 65, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 137, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 184, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 103, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 114, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-17.1 - Department of Environmental Management › Section 42-17.1-3. - Construction of references.

§ 42-17.1-3. Construction of references.
(a)
Whenever in any general or public law the words
“department of agriculture and conservation,” “bureau of markets,” “division of conservation,” “division of entomology and plant industry,” “division of forests,” “division of fish and game,” “division of parks and recreation,” “division of harbors and rivers,” “division of boating safety,” “division of enforcement,” “division of coastal resources,”
or
“department of natural resources”
shall appear, they shall be deemed to refer to and to mean the
“department of environmental management.”
(b)
Provided, further, that whenever in chapters 3-6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 18 and 19 of title 4 entitled “Animals and Animal Husbandry” the words
“director of health”
or
“department of health”
shall appear, they shall be deemed to refer to and to mean the
“director of environmental management”
and
“department of environmental management”
respectively.
(c)
Provided, further, that whenever in any general or public law the words
“department of the environment”
shall appear, the same shall be deemed to refer to and mean the
“department of environmental management”
or where applicable the
“director of the department of environmental management.”
(d)
Provided, further, that whenever in any general law or public law the words
“conservation officer”
shall appear, they shall be deemed to refer to and to mean
“environmental police officer.”
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 42-17.1-3; P.L. 1965, ch. 137, § 1; P.L. 1977, ch. 182, § 2; P.L. 1982, ch. 78, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 65, art. 30, § 4; P.L. 2002, ch. 395, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-17.1 - Department of Environmental Management › Section 42-17.1-5. - Deputy director — Assistant directors and heads of divisions.

§ 42-17.1-5. Deputy director — Assistant directors and heads of divisions.
There shall be a deputy director for environmental quality in the unclassified service and appointed by the governor, and an assistant director for operations, an assistant director for regulation, an assistant director for legal services, and an assistant director for administration, all of whom shall be in the classified service; and a head of each of the divisions of the department, all of whom shall be in the classified service.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 42-17.1-5; P.L. 1965, ch. 137, § 1; P.L. 1977, ch. 182, § 2; P.L. 1978, ch. 131, § 7; P.L. 1988, ch. 239, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-17.1 - Department of Environmental Management › Section 42-17.1-7. - Rules and regulations.

§ 42-17.1-7. Rules and regulations.
Rules and regulations prepared by any department, division, board, commission, or other agency, the functions of which are transferred by this chapter to the department of environmental management, which rules and regulations are not in conflict with this chapter, shall continue in force until such time as the director of the department of environmental management shall issue new rules and regulations governing such activity.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 42-17.1-7; P.L. 1965, ch. 137, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-17.1 - Department of Environmental Management › Section 42-17.1-8. - Designation and assignment of functions.

§ 42-17.1-8. Designation and assignment of functions.
Whenever the duties of the head of any existing department, division, board, commission, or other agency or of any other officer are prescribed by law, and the duties of such person have been or shall in the future be transferred to the department of environmental management under this chapter, the director of the department of environmental management may designate some officer or other subordinate within his or her department to perform such duties; provided, however, that any other provision of this chapter notwithstanding, the functions, powers and duties of the chief of the division of parks and recreation as set forth in title 32, entitled “Parks and Recreational Areas,” as amended, in chapter 22.5 of title 23, entitled “Drowning Prevention and Lifesaving,” as amended, and in any other general or public law, and the functions, powers, and duties of the chief of the division of harbors and rivers as set forth in title 46, entitled “Waters and Navigation,” as amended, and in any other general or public law, shall not be diminished; provided further, however, that all planning and law enforcement functions, powers, duties, and personnel shall be transferred to the divisions established by §§ 42-17.1-4(5) and 42-17.1-4(6) of this chapter.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 42-17.1-8; P.L. 1965, ch. 137, § 1; P.L. 1977, ch. 182, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-17.1 - Department of Environmental Management › Section 42-17.1-9. - Assumption of duties.

§ 42-17.1-9. Assumption of duties.
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the director of the department of environmental management assuming any duties formerly imposed upon any other department, division, board, commission, or other agency shall perform those duties, notwithstanding that those duties were formerly performed by a board, commission, or single officer. Any ruling, decision, or order made by such 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.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 42-17.1-9; P.L. 1965, ch. 137, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-17.1 - Department of Environmental Management › Section 42-17.1-10. - Construction of chapter.

§ 42-17.1-10. Construction of chapter.
This chapter shall be construed liberally in aid of its declared purpose, which purpose is the coordination of functions within one department and the allocation of these functions to the department of environmental management established by this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1965, ch. 137, § 10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-17.1 - Department of Environmental Management › Section 42-17.1-11. - Severability.

§ 42-17.1-11. Severability.
If any provision of this chapter 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 chapter, rule, or regulation and the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby. 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.
History of Section.
P.L. 1965, ch. 137, § 11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-17.1 - Department of Environmental Management › Section 42-17.1-12. - Auxiliary marine patrol.

§ 42-17.1-12. Auxiliary marine patrol.
The director of the department of environmental management is authorized to recruit, train and organize a volunteer auxiliary marine patrol of such size and qualification as he or she shall determine; provided, however, that the total membership in the auxiliary marine patrol shall not exceed fifty (50) persons. In selecting those persons who shall become members of the auxiliary marine patrol, the director of the department of environmental management shall consult with and seek the advice and assistance of local harbor masters and appropriate city and town officials, provided; however, that the auxiliary marine patrol shall at all times be under the direction of the director of the department of environmental management and subject to the rules and regulations as prescribed by the director. Members of the auxiliary marine patrol shall carry out such duties and functions as may be assigned to them from time to time by the director of the department of environmental management.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 42-17.1-12; P.L. 1969, ch. 4, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-17.1 - Department of Environmental Management › Section 42-17.1-13. - Duties and limitations.

§ 42-17.1-13. Duties and limitations.
Members of the auxiliary marine patrol shall be equipped with uniforms prescribed by the director and delegated specific powers and duties consistent with those now granted to other members of the department of environmental management and divisions thereof. They may bear and use firearms only when specifically authorized to do so by the director and only when in uniform and assigned to active duty. The duties of the members of the auxiliary marine patrol shall include, but in no way be limited to, the patrol of all harbors, rivers, docks, and other waterways of this state and the prevention of vandalism and theft of all other property used or enjoyed in connection therewith. The patrol may also be called to serve and exercise power and duties consistent with those employed by full time members of the department during an emergency or theoretical emergency. The members of the auxiliary marine patrol will serve without pay.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 42-17.1-13; P.L. 1969, ch. 4, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-17.1 - Department of Environmental Management › Section 42-17.1-14. - Auxiliary marine patrol — Service and benefits.

§ 42-17.1-14. Auxiliary marine patrol — Service and benefits.
In the event of participation in emergency services, the members of the state marine auxiliary patrol shall have the same immunities and privileges as apply to the regular members of the department of environmental management. All members of the volunteer auxiliary marine patrol shall be compensated for death, disability or injury incurred while in training for or on auxiliary marine patrol duty under the provisions as follows: (1) all medical expenses incurred as a result of those injuries shall be paid by the state; (2) death and disability payments shall be paid in accordance with those provisions relating to compensation for injuries causing disability or causing death to full time members of the department of environmental management in the course of performance of their duties. In the computation of benefits, any member of the volunteer auxiliary marine patrol suffering an injury causing disability or causing death shall be construed to have been receiving the amount of salary paid to the lowest grade of full time members of the department of environmental management at the time of injury or death.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 42-17.1-14; P.L. 1969, ch. 4, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-17.1 - Department of Environmental Management › Section 42-17.1-15. - Trooper Daniel L. O’Brien Pavilion.

§ 42-17.1-15. Trooper Daniel L. O’Brien Pavilion.
The pavilion building at East Matunuck state beach shall hereafter be named the “Trooper Daniel L. O’Brien Pavilion,” and an appropriate plaque in posthumous honor of Trooper O’Brien shall be erected at that location.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 7, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-17.1 - Department of Environmental Management › Section 42-17.1-15.1. - Frederick J. Benson Pavilion.

§ 42-17.1-15.1. Frederick J. Benson Pavilion.
The pavilion building at Block Island State Beach shall hereafter be named and known as the “Frederick J. Benson Pavilion.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2004, ch. 6, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-17.1 - Department of Environmental Management › Section 42-17.1-16. - Fees for use of state port facilities at Galilee.

§ 42-17.1-16. Fees for use of state port facilities at Galilee.
All fees collected by the department of environmental management for use of state port facilities at Galilee in the town of Narragansett, including fees collected for leases, licenses, or permits involving land, buildings, docks, piers, parking, or berthing space, shall be deposited as general revenues.
History of Section.
P.L. 1983, ch. 163, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 65, art. 22, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 138, art. 15, § 3; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 40, § 131.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-17.1 - Department of Environmental Management › Section 42-17.1-16.1. - Fees for use of state port facilities at Newport — Development fund.

§ 42-17.1-16.1. Fees for use of state port facilities at Newport — Development fund.
All fees collected by the department of environmental management for use of state port facilities in Newport, including fees collected for leases, licenses, or permits involving land, buildings, docks, piers, parking, or berthing space, shall be deposited as general revenues.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 362, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 40, § 131.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-17.1 - Department of Environmental Management › Section 42-17.1-17. - Transfer of powers and functions from department of environmental management.

§ 42-17.1-17. Transfer of powers and functions from department of environmental management.
There are hereby transferred to the department of administration:
(1)
Those functions of the department of environmental management which were administered through or with respect to departmental programs in the performance of strategic planning as defined in § 42-11-10(c);
(2)
All officers, employees, agencies, advisory councils, committees, commissions, and task forces of the department of environmental management who were performing strategic planning functions as defined in § 42-11-10(c); and
(3)
So much of other functions or parts of functions and employees and resources, physical and funded, related thereto of the director of environmental management as are incidental to and necessary for the performance of the functions transferred by subdivisions (1) and (2).
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 181, art. 29, § 7; P.L. 2010, ch. 23, art. 7, § 9; P.L. 2011, ch. 151, art. 9, § 14; P.L. 2012, ch. 241, art. 4, § 22.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-17.1 - Department of Environmental Management › Section 42-17.1-18. - Transfer of function from the department of community affairs.

§ 42-17.1-18. Transfer of function from the department of community affairs.
(a)
There is hereby transferred to the department of environmental management that function formerly administered by the department of community affairs relating to the sewage and water supply failure fund established by chapter 44.1 of this title.
(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 such acts and enter into all necessary contracts and agreements with the United States of America or any agency thereof as may be necessary in such manner and degree as 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 by him or her deposited in a separate fund and shall be utilized for the purposes of the grant or grants.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 181, art. 61, § 7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-17.1 - Department of Environmental Management › Section 42-17.1-19. - Notification by director.

§ 42-17.1-19. Notification by director.
Prior to a hearing at which the director of environmental management seeks to adopt, modify, or repeal standards for air quality, water quality, groundwater quality, or individual sewage disposal systems, the director shall notify the chairperson of the joint committee on water resources and the chairperson of the joint committee on environment and energy of the general assembly and the directors of the departments of administration and health and provide them with copies of the proposed standards. In addition, the director shall annually provide the general assembly with a copy of all standards and regulations adopted by the department in the previous calendar year.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 494, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-17.1 - Department of Environmental Management › Section 42-17.1-20. - Powers and duties of deputy director for environmental quality.

§ 42-17.1-20. Powers and duties of deputy director for environmental quality.
The deputy director for environmental quality shall have the following powers and duties:
(1)
Oversight of and participation in the environmental quality study commission created by § 42-17.1-21;
(2)
Collaboration with the director of the department of environmental management to effectuate a smooth operation of regulatory functions;
(3)
Preparation of a budget to address the needs of the environmental regulatory programs in fiscal year 1990;
(4)
Subject to the authority of the director, exercise of all functions currently assigned to the director of the department of environmental management within the divisions of air and hazardous materials, water resources, and groundwater and freshwater wetlands.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 239, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-17.1 - Department of Environmental Management › Section 42-17.1-22. - Ice safety program.

§ 42-17.1-22. Ice safety program.
The department of environmental management is hereby authorized and directed to develop and implement an ice safety program for elementary school students to instruct those students in ice safety issues. The department shall establish a program for ice safety instructors who shall conduct ice safety programs at elementary schools in the state during the months of October, November and December. The department shall develop program content and instructional material to administer the program.
History of Section.
P.L. 1997, ch. 177, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-17.1 - Department of Environmental Management › Section 42-17.1-23. - Certification of underground storage tank professionals.

§ 42-17.1-23. Certification of underground storage tank professionals.
No underground storage tank (“UST”) or piping system associated therewith shall be installed, substantially modified, closed or precision tightness tested; nor shall any corrosion protection system be installed, repaired or maintained on any such UST or associated piping system unless such work is performed by, or in the presence of, a person who holds a valid, appropriate certification issued in accordance with chapter 27 of title 28 of the Rhode Island general laws.
History of Section.
P.L. 1998, ch. 324, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-17.1 - Department of Environmental Management › Section 42-17.1-23.1. - Transfer of functions and resources — Underground storage tanks.

§ 42-17.1-23.1. Transfer of functions and resources — Underground storage tanks.
(a)
Resources of the underground storage tank financial responsibility review board including, but not limited to property, employees, and accounts are hereby transferred to the department of environmental management.
(b)
As part of the above transfer, all employees of the underground storage tank financial responsibility review board shall be transferred to the classified service. The director of the department of environmental management, following consultation with the personnel administrator, shall be responsible for assigning final class specifications with salaries commensurate with the duties and responsibilities assigned. The personnel administrator shall take into consideration existing classifications currently within the classified service classification and pay plan.
(c)
Transferred employees who return to service with the state of Rhode Island directly from uninterrupted employment with the Rhode Island underground storage tank financial review board, henceforth referred to as “UST Board” shall have their length of service at the UST Board deemed to be uninterrupted active state service for purposes of service credits in the state retirement system.
(d)
Employees who subsequently become employees of the department of environmental management as a result of this transfer may utilize their term of service with the UST Board for the purposes of longevity computation as it applies to wages, vacation time and longevity increases. In addition, accrued vacation time, sick leave, and all other benefits with the UST Board may be transferred.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 246, art. 27, § 2.