reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-13 - Labor and Payment of Debts by Contractors › Section 37-13-6. - Ascertainment of prevailing rate of wages and other payments — Specification of rate in call for bids and in contract.

§ 37-13-6. Ascertainment of prevailing rate of wages and other payments — Specification of rate in call for bids and in contract.
Before awarding any contract for public works or school transportation services to be done, the proper authority shall ascertain from the director of labor and training the general prevailing rate of the regular, holiday, and overtime wages paid and the general prevailing payments on behalf of employees only, to lawful welfare, pension, vacation, apprentice training, and educational funds (payments to the funds must constitute an ordinary business expense deduction for federal income tax purposes by contractors) in the city, town, village, or other appropriate political subdivision of the state in which the work is to be performed, for each craft, mechanic, teamster, laborer, or type of worker needed to execute the contract for the public works or school transportation services. The proper authority shall, also, specify in the call for bids for the contract and in the contract itself the general prevailing rate of the regular, holiday, and overtime wages paid and the payments on behalf of employees only, to the welfare, pension, vacation, apprentice training, and education funds existing in the locality for each craft, mechanic, teamster, laborer, or type of worker needed to execute the contract or work.
History of Section.
P.L. 1931, ch. 1752, § 2; P.L. 1935, ch. 2201, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 290, § 5; P.L. 1955, ch. 3580, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 37-13-6; P.L. 1965, ch. 77, § 1; P.L. 1974, ch. 237, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 162; P.L. 2021, ch. 292, § 3, effective July 9, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 293, § 3, effective July 9, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-13 - Labor and Payment of Debts by Contractors › Section 37-13-8. - Investigation and determination of prevailing wages — Filing of schedule.

§ 37-13-8. Investigation and determination of prevailing wages — Filing of schedule.
The director of labor and training shall investigate and determine the prevailing wages and payments made to or on behalf of employees, as set forth in § 37-13-7, paid in the trade or occupation in the city, town, village, or other appropriate political subdivision of the state and keep a schedule on file in his or her office of the customary prevailing rate of wages and payments made to or on behalf of the employees that shall be open to public inspection. In making a determination, the director of labor may adopt and use such appropriate and applicable prevailing wage rate determinations as have been made by the secretary of labor of the United States of America in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act, as amended, 40 U.S.C. § 276a [40 U.S.C. § 3141 et seq.]; provided, however, that each contractor awarded a public works or school transportation services contract after July 1, 2007, shall contact the department of labor and training on or before July first of each year, for the duration of such contract to ascertain the prevailing wage rate of wages on an hourly basis and the amount of payment or contributions paid or payable on behalf of each mechanic, laborer, or worker employed upon the work contracted to be done each year and shall make any necessary adjustments to such prevailing rate of wages and such payment or contributions paid or payable on behalf of each such employee every July first.
History of Section.
P.L. 1974, ch. 237, § 3; P.L. 2007, ch. 521, § 1; P.L. 2021, ch. 292, § 3, effective July 9, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 293, § 3, effective July 9, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-13 - Labor and Payment of Debts by Contractors › Section 37-13-9. - Statutory provisions included in contracts.

§ 37-13-9. Statutory provisions included in contracts.
A copy of §§ 37-13-5, 37-13-6, and 37-13-7 shall be inserted in all contracts for public works or school transportation services awarded by the state, any city, town, committee, an authorized agency, or awarding authority thereof, or any person or persons in their behalf in which state or municipal funds are used if the contract price is in excess of one thousand dollars ($1,000).
History of Section.
P.L. 1936, ch. 2361, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 290, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 290, § 7; P.L. 1955, ch. 3580, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 37-13-8; P.L. 1965, ch. 77, § 1; P.L. 1974, ch. 237, § 1; P.L. 2021, ch. 292, § 3, effective July 9, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 293, § 3, effective July 9, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-13 - Labor and Payment of Debts by Contractors › Section 37-13-10. - Overtime compensation.

§ 37-13-10. Overtime compensation.
Labor performed under the provisions of §§ 37-13-1 — 37-13-16, during the period of forty (40) hours in any one week and during the period of eight (8) hours in any one day, shall be considered a legal week’s work or a legal day’s work, as the case may be, and any number of hours of employment in any one week greater than the number of forty (40) hours or in any one day greater than the number of eight (8) hours shall be compensated at the prevailing rate of wages for overtime employment; provided, however, when the director of labor and training has determined in the investigation provided for in §§ 37-13-7 and 37-13-8 that there is a prevailing practice in a city, town, or other appropriate political subdivision to pay an overtime rate of wages for work of any craft, mechanic, teamster, laborer, or type of worker needed to execute the work other than hours worked in any one week greater than the number of forty (40) or in hours worked in any one day greater than the number of eight (8), then the prevailing practice shall determine the legal workday and the legal workweek in the city or town for the work and the prevailing rate of overtime wages shall be paid for such work in excess of that legal workday or week, as the case may be.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 290, § 6; P.L. 1946, ch. 1810, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 290, § 15; P.L. 1955, ch. 3580, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 37-13-9; P.L. 1965, ch. 77, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 37-13-10; P.L. 1974, ch. 237, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-13 - Labor and Payment of Debts by Contractors › Section 37-13-11. - Posting of prevailing wage rates.

§ 37-13-11. Posting of prevailing wage rates.
Each contractor or provider awarded a contract for public works or school transportation services with a contract price in excess of one thousand dollars ($1,000), and each subcontractor who performs work on those public works, shall post in conspicuous places on the project, where covered workers are employed, posters that contain the current, prevailing rate of wages and the current, prevailing rate of payments to the funds required to be paid for each craft or type of worker employed to execute the contract as set forth in §§ 37-13-6 and 37-13-7, and the rights and remedies of any employee described in § 37-13-17 for nonpayment of any wages earned pursuant to this chapter. Posters shall be furnished to contractors and subcontractors by the director of labor and training, who shall determine the size and context thereof from time to time, at the time a contract is awarded. A contractor or subcontractor who fails to comply with the provisions of this section shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and shall pay to the director of labor and training one hundred dollars ($100) for each calendar day of noncompliance as determined by him or her. Contracts set forth in this section shall not be awarded by the state, any city, town, or any agency thereof until the director of labor and training has prepared and delivered the posters to the division of purchases, if the state or any agency thereof is the proper authority, or to the city, town, or an agency thereof, if it is the proper authority, and the contractor to whom the contract is to be awarded.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 290, §§ 9, 10; P.L. 1955, ch. 3580, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 37-13-10; P.L. 1965, ch. 77, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 37-13-11; P.L. 1974, ch. 237, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 402, § 1; P.L. 2021, ch. 292, § 3, effective July 9, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 293, § 3, effective July 9, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-13 - Labor and Payment of Debts by Contractors › Section 37-13-12. - Wage records of contractors and vendors.

§ 37-13-12. Wage records of contractors and vendors.
Each contractor, vendor, or provider awarded a contract with a contract price in excess of one thousand dollars ($1,000) for public works or school transportation services, and each subcontractor who performs work on those public works, shall keep an accurate record showing the name, occupation, and actual wages paid to each worker employed by him or her and the payments to all the employee funds specified in §§ 37-13-6 and 37-13-7 by him or her in connection with the contract or work. The director and his or her authorized representatives shall have the right to enter any place of employment at all reasonable hours for the purpose of inspecting the wage records and seeing that all provisions of this chapter are complied with.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 290, § 8; P.L. 1955, ch. 3580, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 37-13-11; P.L. 1965, ch. 77, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 37-13-12; P.L. 1974, ch. 237, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 141, § 1; P.L. 2021, ch. 292, § 3, effective July 9, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 293, § 3, effective July 9, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-13 - Labor and Payment of Debts by Contractors › Section 37-13-12.1. - Obstruction of enforcement.

§ 37-13-12.1. Obstruction of enforcement.
Any effort of any employer to obstruct the director and his or her authorized representatives in the performance of their duties shall be deemed a violation of this chapter and punishable as such.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 141, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-13 - Labor and Payment of Debts by Contractors › Section 37-13-12.2. - Subpoena powers.

§ 37-13-12.2. Subpoena powers.
The director and his or her authorized representatives shall have power to administer oaths and examine witnesses under oath, issue subpoenas, subpoenas duces tecum, compel the attendance of witnesses, and the production of papers, books, accounts, records, payrolls, documents, and testimony, and to take depositions and affidavits in any proceeding before the director.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 141, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-13 - Labor and Payment of Debts by Contractors › Section 37-13-12.3. - Compelling obedience to subpoenas.

§ 37-13-12.3. Compelling obedience to subpoenas.
In case of failure of any person to comply with any subpoena lawfully issued, or subpoena duces tecum, or on the refusal of any witness to testify to any matter regarding which he or she may be lawfully interrogated, it shall be the duty of the superior court, or any judge thereof, on application by the director, to compel obedience by proceedings in the nature of those for contempt.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 141, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-13 - Labor and Payment of Debts by Contractors › Section 37-13-12.4. - Penalty for violations.

§ 37-13-12.4. Penalty for violations.
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, any employer who shall violate or fail to comply with any of the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each separate offense, or by imprisonment of up to one year, or by both fine and imprisonment. Each day of failure to pay wages due an employee at the time specified in this chapter shall constitute a separate and distinct violation.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 141, § 2; P.L. 2006, ch. 359, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 503, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 413, § 2; P.L. 2014, ch. 449, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-13 - Labor and Payment of Debts by Contractors › Section 37-13-13.1. - Audits of wage records of out-of-state contractors, subcontractors, and providers.

§ 37-13-13.1. Audits of wage records of out-of-state contractors, subcontractors, and providers.
Out-of state contractors, subcontractors, vendors, or providers who perform work on public works or provide school transportation services, in this state authorize the director of labor and training to conduct wage and hour audits of their payroll records pursuant to the provisions of chapter 14 of title 28.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 130, § 1; P.L. 2021, ch. 292, § 3, effective July 9, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 293, § 3, effective July 9, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-13 - Labor and Payment of Debts by Contractors › Section 37-13-14. - Contractor’s bond.

§ 37-13-14. Contractor’s bond.
The state or any city, town, agency, or committee therein awarding contracts for public works shall require the contractor awarded a contract with a contract price in excess of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) for public works to file with the proper authority good and sufficient bond with surety furnished by any surety company authorized to do business in the state, conditioned upon the faithful performance of the contract and upon the payment for labor performed and material furnished in connection therewith, a bond to contain the terms and conditions set forth in chapter 12 of this title, and to be subject to the provisions of that chapter. Waiver of the bonding requirements of this section is expressly prohibited.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 290, § 13; P.L. 1955, ch. 3580, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 37-13-13; P.L. 1965, ch. 77, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 37-13-14; P.L. 1974, ch. 237, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 449, § 16; P.L. 1994, ch. 384, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 367, § 3; P.L. 2009, ch. 354, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-13 - Labor and Payment of Debts by Contractors › Section 37-13-16. - Termination of work on failure to pay agreed wages — Completion of work.

§ 37-13-16. Termination of work on failure to pay agreed wages — Completion of work.
(a)
Every public works contract within the scope of this chapter shall contain the further provision that in the event it is found by the director of labor and training that any employee employed by the contractor or any subcontractor directly on the site of the work covered by the contract has been or is being paid a rate of wages less than the rate of wages required by the contract to be paid as aforesaid, the awarding party may, by written notice to the contractor or subcontractor, terminate his or her right as the case may be, to proceed with the work, or the part of the work as to which there has been a failure to pay the required wages, and shall prosecute the work to completion by contract or otherwise, and the contractor and his or her sureties shall be liable to the awarding party for any excess costs occasioned the awarding authority thereby.
(b)
Every school transportation service contract within the scope of this chapter shall contain the further provision that in the event it is found by the director of labor and training that any employee employed by the provider to provide services within the area covered by the contract has been or is being paid a rate of wages less than the rate of wages required by the contract to be paid as aforesaid, the awarding party may, by written notice to the vendor, terminate the vendor’s right as the case may be, to proceed with the contract.
History of Section.
P.L. 1974, ch. 237, § 3; P.L. 1981, ch. 166, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 130, § 2; P.L. 2021, ch. 292, § 3, effective July 9, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 293, § 3, effective July 9, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-13.1 - Actions Against the State on Highway and Public Works Contracts › Section 37-13.1-2. - Actions by contractor on behalf of subcontractor.

§ 37-13.1-2. Actions by contractor on behalf of subcontractor.
(a)
Any person, firm or corporation awarded the contract, subsequent to July 1, 2006, with the state of Rhode Island, acting through any of its departments, commissions or other agencies, for the design, construction, repair or alteration of any state highway or bridge, may, on behalf of a subcontractor of any tier under the contractor, bring an action against the state of Rhode Island regarding a claim arising out of or relating to labor, materials, or services provided by the subcontractor to the contractor pursuant to a contract between the subcontractor and the contractor for the same project that is the subject of the contract between the contractor and the state of Rhode Island.
(b)
In any action brought by a contractor against the state of Rhode Island under subsection (a) of this section, so long as the contractor retains liability to the subcontractor related to the subject matter of the claim, it shall not be a defense that: (i) the costs and damages at issue were incurred by a subcontractor and that subcontractor has not been paid for these costs and damages; or (ii) the contractor’s obligation to pay costs and damages to the subcontractor is conditional upon a recovery against the state of Rhode Island; or (iii) the contractor has not acknowledged or admitted the contractor’s liability to the subcontractor.
(c)
In any action brought by a contractor against the state of Rhode Island under subsection (a) of this section, the action is subject to all legal and equitable defenses of the state of Rhode Island against the contractor.
(d)
This section applies to all such actions brought in Superior Court under § 37-13.1-1 and to claims arbitrated pursuant to § 37-16-1, et seq.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 323, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 468, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-14 - Public Buildings Authority [Repealed.] › Section 37-14-1 - — 37-14-25. Repealed.

§ 37-14-1 — 37-14-25. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1958, ch. 163, §§ 1-17, 19, 20, 22; P.L. 1963, ch. 141, § 1; P.L. 1973, ch. 77, §§ 1-8; P.L. 1978, ch. 254, §§ 1-11; P.L. 1979, ch. 360, § 1; P.L. 1980, ch. 362, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 332, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 116, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 326, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 65, art. 85, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 215, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 293, § 2; P.L. 1992, ch. 372, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 121, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 100, art. 15, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 1997, ch. 30, art. 2, § 3, effective July 1, 1997. For present comparable provisions, see § 35-8.1-8.1 et seq.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-14.1 - Minority Business Enterprise › Section 37-14.1-1. - Purpose.

§ 37-14.1-1. Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to carry out the state’s policy of supporting the fullest possible participation of firms owned and controlled by minorities and women (MBE’s) in state funded and state directed public construction programs and projects and in state purchases of goods and services. This includes assisting MBE’s throughout the life of contracts in which they participate.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 493, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 523, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-14.1 - Minority Business Enterprise › Section 37-14.1-2. - Applicability.

§ 37-14.1-2. Applicability.
This chapter shall apply to any and all state purchasing, including, but not limited to, the procurement of goods, services, construction projects, or contracts funded in whole or in part by state funds, or funds which, in accordance with a federal grant or otherwise, the state expends or administers or in which the state is a signatory to the construction contract.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 493, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 523, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-14.1 - Minority Business Enterprise › Section 37-14.1-3. - Definitions.

§ 37-14.1-3. Definitions.
(a)
“Affirmative action” means taking specific steps to eliminate discrimination and its effects, to ensure nondiscriminatory results and practices in the future, and to involve minority business enterprises fully in contracts and programs funded by the state.
(b)
“Compliance” means the condition existing when a contractor has met and implemented the requirements of this chapter.
(c)
“Contract” means a mutually binding legal relationship or any modification thereof obligating the seller to furnish supplies or services, including construction, and the buyer to pay for them. For purposes of this chapter, a lease is a contract.
(d)
“Contractor” means one who participates, through a contract or subcontract, in any procurement or program covered by this chapter and includes lessees and material suppliers.
(e)
“Minority” means a person who is a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States and who is:
(1)
Black (a person having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa);
(2)
Hispanic (a person of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American, or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race);
(3)
Portuguese (a person of Portuguese, Brazilian, or other Portuguese culture or origin, regardless of race);
(4)
Asian American (a person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, or the Pacific Islands);
(5)
American Indian and Alaskan Native (a person having origins in any of the original peoples of North America); or
(6)
Members of other groups or other individuals found to be economically and socially disadvantaged by the Small Business Administration under § 8(a) of the Small Business Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. § 637(a).
(f)
“Minority business enterprise” or “MBE” means a small business concern, as defined pursuant to § 3 of the federal Small Business Act, 15 U.S.C. § 632, and implementing regulations, which is owned and controlled by one or more minorities or women. For the purposes of this chapter, owned and controlled means a business:
(1)
Which is at least fifty-one percent (51%) owned by one or more minorities or women or, in the case of a publicly owned business, at least fifty-one percent (51%) of the stock of which is owned by one or more minorities or women; and
(2)
Whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more such individuals.
(g)
“MBE coordinator” means the official designated to have overall responsibility for promotion of minority business enterprise in his or her departmental element.
(h)
“Noncompliance” means the condition existing when a recipient or contractor has failed to implement the requirements of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 493, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 523, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-14.1 - Minority Business Enterprise › Section 37-14.1-4. - Policy.

§ 37-14.1-4. Policy.
It is the policy of the state of Rhode Island that minority business enterprises (MBE’s) shall have the maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of procurements and projects outlined in § 37-14.1-2.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 493, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 523, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-14.1 - Minority Business Enterprise › Section 37-14.1-5. - Discrimination prohibited.

§ 37-14.1-5. Discrimination prohibited.
No person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise discriminated against in connection with the award and performance of any project covered by this chapter on the grounds of race, color, national origin, or sex.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 493, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-14.1 - Minority Business Enterprise › Section 37-14.1-6. - Minority business enterprise participation.

§ 37-14.1-6. Minority business enterprise participation.
(a)
Minority business enterprises shall be included in all procurements and construction projects under this chapter and shall be awarded a minimum of fifteen percent (15%) of the dollar value of the entire procurement or project. Of that fifteen percent (15%), minority business enterprises owned and controlled by a minority owner, as defined in § 37-14.1-3, shall be awarded a minimum of seven and one-half percent (7.5%), and minority business enterprises owned and controlled by a woman shall be awarded a minimum of seven and one-half percent (7.5%). Annually, by October 1, the department of administration shall submit a report to the general assembly on the status of achieving the aforementioned participation requirements in the most recent fiscal year. The director of the department of administration is further authorized to establish by rules and regulation the certification process and formulas for giving minority business enterprises a preference in contract and subcontract awards.
(b)
Any minority business enterprise currently certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration as an 8(a) firm governed by 13 C.F.R. part 124 shall be deemed to be certified by the department of administration as a minority business enterprise and shall only be required to submit evidence of federal certification of good standing.
(c)
The provisions of this chapter shall not be waived, including, but not limited to, during a declared state of emergency.
(d)
The state of Rhode Island will arrange for a disparity study to evaluate the need for the development of programs to enhance the participation in state contracts of business enterprises owned by women and minorities, to be repeated every five (5) years, beginning in fiscal year 2025.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 493, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 523, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 37, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 57, § 1; P.L. 2021, ch. 336, § 1, effective July 15, 2021; P.L. 2023, ch. 79, art. 3, § 7, effective June 16, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-14.1 - Minority Business Enterprise › Section 37-14.1-7. - Establishment of criteria and guidelines.

§ 37-14.1-7. Establishment of criteria and guidelines.
The director of the department of administration shall establish, by rule and regulations adopted in accordance with chapter 35 of title 42, standards which shall determine whether a construction project is covered by this chapter, compliance formulas, procedures for implementation, and procedures for enforcement which are not inconsistent with 49 CFR 23 of the federal regulations. As to Rhode Island department of transportation contracts, the director of administration may delegate this authority to the director of transportation.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 493, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 550, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-14.1 - Minority Business Enterprise › Section 37-14.1-8. - Sanctions.

§ 37-14.1-8. Sanctions.
(a)
The director of the department of administration shall have the power to impose sanctions upon contractors not in compliance with this chapter and shall include but not be limited to:
(1)
Suspension of payments;
(2)
Termination of the contract;
(3)
Recovery by the state of ten percent (10%) of the contract award price as liquidated damages; and
(4)
Denial of right to participate in future projects for up to three (3) years.
(b)
As to Rhode Island department of transportation contracts, the director of the department of administration may delegate this authority to the director of transportation.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 493, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 551, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-14.2 - The Micro Businesses Act › Section 37-14.2-1. - Short title.

§ 37-14.2-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as “The Micro Businesses Act.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 500, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-14.2 - The Micro Businesses Act › Section 37-14.2-2. - Purpose.

§ 37-14.2-2. Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to carry out the state’s policy of supporting the fullest possible participation of micro businesses in the economic activity in the state of Rhode Island, including, but not limited to, state-directed public construction programs and projects and in-state purchases of goods and services. The purpose of this chapter includes assisting micro businesses throughout the life of any contracts with the state of Rhode Island or its agencies.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 500, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-14.2 - The Micro Businesses Act › Section 37-14.2-3. - Definitions.

§ 37-14.2-3. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following words and terms shall have the following meanings unless the context shall clearly indicate another or different meaning or intent:
(1)
“Contract” means a mutually binding legal relationship, or any modification thereof, obligating the seller to furnish supplies or services, including construction, and the buyer to pay for them. As used in this chapter, a lease is a contract.
(2)
“Contractor” means one who participates, through a contract or subcontract, in any procurement or program covered by this chapter and includes lessees and material suppliers.
(3)
“Micro business” means a Rhode Island-based business entity, regardless of whether it is in the form of a corporation, limited liability company, limited partnership, general partnership, or sole proprietorship, that has a total of ten (10) or fewer members, owners, and employees and has gross sales totaling five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) or less.
(4)
“MB coordinator” means the official designated to have overall responsibility for promoting, coordinating, documenting, and implementing efforts related to micro businesses.
(5)
“Registered” means those micro businesses that have provided their business name, address, owner-contact information, number of employees, and annual gross sales to the department of administration.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 500, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-14.2 - The Micro Businesses Act › Section 37-14.2-4. - Compilation and reporting of data on micro businesses.

§ 37-14.2-4. Compilation and reporting of data on micro businesses.
(a)
The department of administration shall compile and maintain data on the existence of registered micro businesses to facilitate the achievement of the purpose of this chapter. Within sixty (60) days of the effective date of this statute [July 20, 2016], the department of administration shall submit a report to the governor and general assembly that describes the methodology being used to compile such data and to report annual utilization of registered, micro businesses in state-directed public construction programs and projects and in-state purchases of goods and services. The report shall be made public contemporaneously with its submission to the governor and general assembly.
(b)
The department of administration shall maintain a micro business registration database that shall include the business name, address, owner-contact information, number of employees, and annual gross sales. Such registration of micro businesses with the department of administration shall be on a voluntary basis, and does not supersede any mandated, business-registration requirements with the secretary of state or other general offices, as well as with any city or town as applicable.
(c)
On or before January 1, 2017, and on or before the first day of January in all years thereafter, the department of administration shall submit a report to the governor and general assembly consisting of data concerning the registration of micro businesses in the state. The data shall include, but not be limited to: the number of registered micro businesses; the distribution of registered, micro businesses among the thirty-nine (39) cities or towns in the state; the number of registered, micro businesses that are also Rhode Island-certified minority business enterprises; and the number of registered, micro businesses that are also Rhode Island-certified women business enterprises.
(d)
At the request of the director of the department of administration, the secretary of state, or all other general officers of the state, all agencies of the state and all cities and towns shall make reasonable modifications to their record keeping procedures to facilitate the compilation of data concerning the existence of micro businesses in Rhode Island.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 500, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-14.3 - Veteran-Owned Business Enterprises › Section 37-14.3-1. - Purpose.

§ 37-14.3-1. Purpose.
The purposes of this chapter are to honor veterans of the United States armed services for their service and to assist them by increasing opportunities for veteran-owned small businesses to participate in state agency contracts and subcontracts, and to carry out the state’s policy of supporting the fullest possible participation of firms owned and controlled by certified veterans in state-funded and state-directed public works projects and in-state purchases of goods and services. This includes assisting such businesses throughout the life of contracts in which they participate.
History of Section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 116, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 136, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-14.3 - Veteran-Owned Business Enterprises › Section 37-14.3-2. - Applicability.

§ 37-14.3-2. Applicability.
This chapter shall apply to any and all state procurements, including, but not limited to, the procurement of goods, services, public works projects, or contracts funded in whole or in part by state funds, or funds which, in accordance with a federal grant or otherwise, the state expends or administers or in which the state is a signatory to the construction contract.
History of Section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 116, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 136, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-14.3 - Veteran-Owned Business Enterprises › Section 37-14.3-3. - Definitions.

§ 37-14.3-3. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following words shall have the following meanings:
(1)
“Compliance” means the condition existing when a contractor has met and implemented the requirements of this chapter.
(2)
“Contract” means a mutually binding legal relationship or any modification thereof obligating the seller to furnish supplies or services, including construction, and the buyer to pay for them. For purposes of this chapter, a lease is a contract.
(3)
“Contractor” means one who participates, through a contract or subcontract, in any procurement or program covered by this chapter and includes lessees and material suppliers.
(4)
“Economically disadvantaged” means that the veteran’s personal net worth is not in excess of the economic disadvantaged criteria as established in 49 C.F.R. part 26.
(5)
“Noncompliance” means the condition existing when a recipient or contractor has failed to implement the requirements of this chapter.
(6)
“Small business concern” means a concern, including its affiliates, that is independently owned and operated; not dominant in the field of operations in which it is bidding on state government contracts; and qualified as a small business under the criteria and size standards in 13 C.F.R. part 121.
(7)
“Veteran” means a person who served on active duty with the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard, for a minimum of one hundred eighty (180) days and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable. Reservists or members of the National Guard called to federal active duty (for other than training) or disabled from a disease or injury incurred or aggravated in the line of duty or while in training status also qualify as a veteran pursuant to 38 C.F.R. part 74.
(8)
“Veteran-owned small business enterprise” means a small business concern, not less than fifty-one percent (51%) of which is owned and controlled by one or more economically disadvantaged veterans, and may include a business owned by a surviving spouse or permanent caregiver of a veteran as provided by 38 C.F.R. part 74.
History of Section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 116, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 136, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-14.3 - Veteran-Owned Business Enterprises › Section 37-14.3-4. - Veteran-owned small business enterprise participation.

§ 37-14.3-4. Veteran-owned small business enterprise participation.
(a)
The state’s annual goal for veteran-owned small business enterprises to participate in state procurements shall be no less than three percent (3%) of the total value of all contracts available to businesses in each fiscal year. The director of the department of administration is authorized and directed to establish by rules and regulations formulas for giving veteran-owned small business enterprises a preference in all procurements and public works projects and in contract and subcontract awards.
(b)
The director of the department of administration is further authorized to establish, by rules and regulations adopted in accordance with chapter 35 of title 42, compliance formulas, procedures for implementation, and procedures for enforcement.
History of Section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 116, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 136, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-14.3 - Veteran-Owned Business Enterprises › Section 37-14.3-5. - Establishment of criteria, guidelines and certification.

§ 37-14.3-5. Establishment of criteria, guidelines and certification.
The director of the department of administration shall, in consultation with the office of veterans services, establish, by rules and regulations adopted in accordance with chapter 35 of title 42, criteria to certify veteran-owned small business enterprises and maintain and update publicly accessible lists of veteran-owned small business enterprises that are certified by the department.
History of Section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 116, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 136, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-14.3 - Veteran-Owned Business Enterprises › Section 37-14.3-6. - Sanctions.

§ 37-14.3-6. Sanctions.
(a)
The director of the department of administration shall have the power to impose sanctions upon contractors not in compliance with this chapter and shall include, but not be limited to:
(1)
Suspension of payments;
(2)
Termination of the contract;
(3)
Recovery by the state of ten percent (10%) of the contract award price as liquidated damages; and
(4)
Denial of right to participate in future projects for up to three (3) years.
(b)
As to Rhode Island department of transportation contracts, the director of the department of administration may delegate this authority to the director of the department of transportation.
History of Section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 116, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 136, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-14.3 - Veteran-Owned Business Enterprises › Section 37-14.3-7. - Reporting.

§ 37-14.3-7. Reporting.
By August 1, 2018, and each August 1 thereafter, the department of administration shall submit an annual report to the governor, speaker of the house, senate president, and director of the office of veterans services for the period from July 1 to June 30 on the actual utilization of veteran-owned small business enterprises as contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and professional service providers for the state. The annual report shall include a list of all veteran-owned small businesses that participated as contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and professional service providers for the state during the previous fiscal year.
History of Section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 116, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 136, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-15 - Litter Control and Recycling › Section 37-15-1. - Statement of policy.

§ 37-15-1. Statement of policy.
Recognizing the ever increasing mobility of the people of Rhode Island as well as the fundamental need for a healthful, clean, and beautiful environment; and further recognizing that the proliferation and accumulation of litter discarded throughout this state impairs this need and constitutes a public health hazard; and further recognizing the need to conserve energy and natural resources; and further recognizing that there is an imperative need to anticipate, plan for, and accomplish effective litter control and recover and recycle waste materials pertinent to litter with the subsequent conservation of resources and energy, there is hereby enacted this “litter control and recycling” chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 251, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-15 - Litter Control and Recycling › Section 37-15-2. - Declaration of purpose.

§ 37-15-2. Declaration of purpose.
(a)
The purpose of this chapter is to accomplish litter control and establish community recycling programs throughout this state by delegating to the department of environmental management the authority to:
(1)
Conduct a permanent and continuous program to control and remove litter from this state to the maximum practical extent possible;
(2)
Recover and recycle waste materials related to litter and littering;
(3)
Encourage private recycling; and
(4)
Increase public awareness of the need for recycling and litter control.
(b)
It is further the intent and purpose of this chapter to create jobs for employment in litter cleanup and related activities and to encourage small, private recycling centers.
(c)
This program shall include the compatible goal of recovery of recyclable materials to conserve energy and natural resources wherever practicable.
(d)
Every department of state government and all local governmental units and agencies of this state shall cooperate with the department of environmental management in the administration and enforcement of this chapter.
(e)
The intent of this chapter is to add to and coordinate existing recycling and litter control and removal efforts and not terminate or supplant those efforts.
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 251, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-15 - Litter Control and Recycling › Section 37-15-3. - Definitions.

§ 37-15-3. Definitions.
As used in this chapter the following terms shall, where the context permits, be construed as follows:
(1)
“Community recycling center” means a central collection point in a community for recyclable materials, or a point where the materials are taken after being collected to be processed.
(2)
“Department” means the department of environmental management.
(3)
“Director” means the director of the department of environmental management.
(4)
“Litter” means garbage, trash, waste, rubbish, ashes, cans, bottles, wire, paper, cartons, boxes, automobile parts, furniture, glass, or anything else of an unsightly or unsanitary nature thrown, dropped, discarded, placed, or deposited by a person on public property, on private property not owned by the person, or in or on waters of the state, unless the person has:
(i)
Been directed to do so by a public official as part of a litter collection drive;
(ii)
Discarded, thrown, dropped, placed, or discarded the material in a litter receptacle in a manner that prevented the material from being carried away by the elements; or
(iii)
Been issued a license or permit covering the material pursuant to chapters 18.9 and 19.1 of title 23.
(5)
“Litter bag” means a bag, sack, or other container made of any material which is large enough to serve as a receptacle for litter inside a vehicle or watercraft.
(6)
“Litter receptacle” means those containers adopted by the department of environmental management and which may be standardized as to size, shape, capacity, and color and which shall bear the state anti litter symbol, as well as any other receptacles suitable for the depositing of litter.
(7)
“Person” means any natural person, political subdivision, government agency, public or private corporation, partnership, joint venture, association, firm, individual proprietorship, or other entity whatsoever.
(8)
“Program” means those activities of the department to encourage, manage, and fund litter control and recycling pursuant to this chapter.
(9)
“Public place” means any area that is used or held out for use by the public whether owned or operated by public or private interests.
(10)
“Recycling” means the reuse of recovered resources in manufacturing, agriculture, power production, or other processes.
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 251, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-15 - Litter Control and Recycling › Section 37-15-5. - Enforcement.

§ 37-15-5. Enforcement.
(a)
State police officers, local police officers, forest rangers, park police officers, conservation officers, all other state and local enforcement officers, and department staff members as designated by the director are hereby authorized to enforce the provisions of this chapter.
(b)(1)
All violations of this chapter shall be heard by the traffic tribunal in accordance with § 8-8.2-2.
(2)
Subsection (b)(1) shall not be construed to limit the jurisdiction of any court to hear violations of other laws, including local ordinances and regulations relating to litter.
(c)
Cities and towns may, through their chief executive officers, authorize designated municipal employees in addition to those described in subsection (a) to enforce the provisions of this chapter. The employees may also be authorized to enforce local ordinances and regulations relating to litter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 251, § 2; P.L. 1987, ch. 220, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 162, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-15 - Litter Control and Recycling › Section 37-15-6. - Littering prohibited.

§ 37-15-6. Littering prohibited.
No person shall throw, drop, deposit, discard, or otherwise dispose of litter upon any public property in the state or in the waters of this state or upon private property in this state owned by him or her except:
(1)
When the property is designated by the state or by any of its agencies or political subdivisions for the disposal of solid waste or litter, and the person is authorized to use the property for that purpose; or
(2)
Into a litter receptacle in a manner that the litter will be prevented from being carried away by the elements.
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 251, § 2.