reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-122 - Natural Areas Protection Act of 1993 › Section 42-122-7. - Designation as a natural area preserve.

§ 42-122-7. Designation as a natural area preserve.
An area designated as a natural area preserve is declared to be put to its highest, best and most important use for public benefit and no interest in this preserve owned by the state shall be alienated or put to any use other than as a natural area preserve, except upon a finding by the director in consultation with the natural heritage preservation commission, that the qualifying features of the land have been destroyed or irretrievably damaged and that the public purposes of the designation have been utterly frustrated.
Any finding the director is required to make under this section shall be made only after a public hearing and upon notice. The notice required by this section shall set forth the substance of the proposed action and describe, with or without legal description, the area affected and shall set forth the time and place of the hearing and shall be published at least twice (2) a week for three (3) successive weeks before the hearing in a newspaper published in the county where the property is located and in a newspaper with statewide distribution. No finding, which the director is required to make, shall be effective until the finding has been published. No action shall be taken by the state pursuant to the finding prior to the expiration of sixty (60) days after the finding becomes effective. During the sixty (60) day period, any finding may be appealed by any resident of this state in a suit brought against the director in the superior court for the judicial district of Providence. In any action, the court shall vacate the finding if it finds the director acted arbitrarily or illegally in making the finding. During the pendency of an appeal the state shall take no action pursuant to the findings of the director.
History of Section.
P.L. 1993, ch. 246, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-123 - The Zygmunt J. Friedmann Telecommunications Building › Section 42-123-1. - E-911 communications building.

§ 42-123-1. E-911 communications building.
The E-911 communications building, located at 1951 Smith Street in the town of North Providence, shall hereafter be named and known as the “Zygmunt J. Friedmann Telecommunications Building”.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 10, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-124 - Special Legislative Commission on Equal Pay and Comparable Worth in Public and Private Employment › Section 42-124-1. - Establishment of commission.

§ 42-124-1. Establishment of commission.
(a)
There is created a special legislative commission on equal pay and comparable worth in public and private employment consisting of twenty-five (25) members: four (4) of whom shall be from the house of representatives, not more than three (3) from the same political party; one of whom shall have served on the 1986 comparable worth/pay equity commission, to be appointed by the speaker; four (4) of whom shall be from the senate, not more than three (3) from the same political party; one of whom shall have served on the 1986 comparable worth/pay equity commission to be appointed by the president of the senate; two (2) of whom shall be appointed by the governor; one of whom shall be the human resources director of the department of administration; one of whom shall be the human resources program administrator; one of whom shall be the executive director of the Rhode Island commission on women, or his or her appointee; one of whom shall be the executive director of the human rights commission, or his or her appointee; one of whom shall be the chair or co-chair of the economic equity committee of the Rhode Island commission on women, or his or her appointee; one of whom shall be the director of labor and training, or his or her appointee; one of whom shall be the executive director of the AFL-CIO, or his or her appointee; one of whom shall be the executive director of AFSCME, or his or her appointee; one of whom shall be the state equal opportunity administrator; one of whom shall be from the Chamber of Commerce Federation; one of whom shall be from the Workforce 2000 Council; one of whom shall be the executive director of the League of Cities and Towns, or his or her appointee; one of whom shall be the director of research, Department of Business and Economics at the University of Rhode Island; one of whom shall be a representative from NEARI, appointed by the president of the association; and one of whom shall be a representative from AFT/AFL-CIO, appointed by the president of the association.
(b)
The composition of this commission shall endeavor, as far as practicable, to provide diverse ethnic, cultural and gender representation of the state of Rhode Island.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 341, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 180, § 133; P.L. 2006, ch. 216, § 55.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-124 - Special Legislative Commission on Equal Pay and Comparable Worth in Public and Private Employment › Section 42-124-2. - Purpose.

§ 42-124-2. Purpose.
(a)
The purpose of the commission is to study and to assess the subject of Comparable Worth/Pay Equity in public and private employment in the state of Rhode Island. Rhode Island recognizes the generally acceptable pay equity policies, which guarantee that people will receive the same salary for comparable worth. This study shall determine whether there is evidence to suggest that the female dominated class of employees are under compensated in comparison to the male dominated class of employees where the composite value of skill effort, responsibility, interpersonal skills, accountability and working conditions are comparable.
(b)
The commission shall report its findings and recommendations with respect to state government employment to the general assembly on or before June 30, 1994, and annually thereafter, and shall report its findings and recommendations with respect to municipal government and private sector employment on or before February 10, 1996, and annually thereafter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 341, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 216, § 55.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-124 - Special Legislative Commission on Equal Pay and Comparable Worth in Public and Private Employment › Section 42-124-3. - Organization and terms.

§ 42-124-3. Organization and terms.
(a)
Forthwith upon the passage of this chapter, the members of the commission shall meet at the call of the speaker of the house and organize and shall select from among its members a chairperson.
(b)
Legislative appointments shall continue for the elected term and terminate upon non-election. All other appointments shall be for three (3) years on a staggered basis. Initial terms shall be determined by lot at the first meeting. Vacancies in the commission shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 341, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 216, § 55.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-124 - Special Legislative Commission on Equal Pay and Comparable Worth in Public and Private Employment › Section 42-124-4. - Cooperation.

§ 42-124-4. Cooperation.
(a)
All departments, boards and agencies of the state shall cooperate with the commission and forthwith furnish any advice and information, documentary and otherwise as may be necessary or desirable to facilitate the purposes of this chapter.
(b)
The speaker of the house is authorized and directed to provide suitable quarters for the commission.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 341, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-125 - Rhode Island Greenways Act of 1995 › Section 42-125-1. - Short title.

§ 42-125-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Rhode Island Greenways Act of 1995”.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 162, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-125 - Rhode Island Greenways Act of 1995 › Section 42-125-2. - Legislative findings and declaration of public policy.

§ 42-125-2. Legislative findings and declaration of public policy.
(a)
The general assembly finds that greenways:
(1)
Provide transportation opportunities for people, animals, plants, and water;
(2)
Connect natural, historical, and cultural resources and communities;
(3)
Are themselves habitat and natural resource areas;
(4)
Enhance scenic quality;
(5)
Promote economic development and are a tourism asset;
(6)
Assist in the management of storm water and floods;
(7)
Improve water and air quality;
(8)
Foster environmental awareness and are educationally beneficial;
(9)
Offer recreational opportunities, including walking, hiking, jogging, biking and canoeing; and
(10)
Contribute to the establishment, re-establishment and maintenance of larger natural and social systems;
(b)
It is, therefore, declared that the development of systems of greenways is in the public interest and necessary to securing the public health and welfare of the people of the state and important to improving and maintaining the ecological health and quality of life in Rhode Island.
(c)
The general assembly further finds that in urban, suburban and rural areas of the state, greenways are being created and maintained by individuals, local citizen groups, nonprofit organizations, local and state government, and with the assistance of the National Park Service, and that these efforts would be strengthened and advanced by:
(1)
Formal recognition of the state’s interest in greenways.
(2)
Regular, formal coordination among state departments and agencies engaged in or assisting with the creation and maintenance of greenways.
(3)
Public information about the location of recreational and cultural resources and greenways in the state.
(d)
It is, therefore, declared that the development and use of systems of greenways is a policy of the state and that the implementation of this policy through coordinated state government activity is the purpose of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 162, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-125 - Rhode Island Greenways Act of 1995 › Section 42-125-3. - Definitions.

§ 42-125-3. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following words and terms have the following meaning unless the context indicates another or different meaning:
(1)
“Council” means the state greenways council.
(2)
“Greenway” means a corridor of protected open space managed for conservation, recreation or transportation purposes.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 162, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-125 - Rhode Island Greenways Act of 1995 › Section 42-125-4. - Establishment of council — Purpose.

§ 42-125-4. Establishment of council — Purpose.
There is authorized, created, and established within the state of Rhode Island department of administration, division of planning, a state greenways council known as “the state greenways council,” with those powers set forth in this chapter, for the purposes of coordinating activities among state departments and agencies engaged in the creation and maintenance of greenways, cooperating with and providing guidance and assistance to cities and towns, businesses, nonprofit organizations, citizen groups, and individuals in the creation and maintenance of greenways, and providing public information about the location of recreational and cultural resources and greenways in the state. The director of the department of administration shall direct staff to support the council within the constraints of available resources.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 162, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 22, § 6; P.L. 2006, ch. 27, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-125 - Rhode Island Greenways Act of 1995 › Section 42-125-5. - Council created — Appointment of members.

§ 42-125-5. Council created — Appointment of members.
The greenways council shall consist of seven (7) members to be appointed in the following manner:
Two (2) members shall represent the public and shall be appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate; one member shall be a city or town official and shall be appointed by the governor; one member shall be the director of administration, or his or her designee; one member shall be the executive director of the economic development corporation, or his or her designee who shall be a subordinate within the economic development corporation who shall serve as a nonvoting ex officio member; one member shall be the director of the department of environmental management, or his or her designee who shall be a subordinate within the department of environmental management; and one member shall be the director of the department of transportation, or his or her designee who shall be a subordinate within the department of transportation. No one shall be eligible for appointment unless he or she is a resident of this state. The members of the council shall serve without compensation. Those members of the council as of the effective date of this act [April 20, 2006] who were appointed to the council by the governor shall continue to serve the balance of their current terms. Thereafter, members shall be appointed to three (3) year terms. All appointments made under this section after the effective date of this act [April 20, 2006] shall be subject to the advice and consent of the senate.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 162, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 22, § 6; P.L. 2006, ch. 27, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-125 - Rhode Island Greenways Act of 1995 › Section 42-125-5.1. - Terms, quorums, vacancies, and removal of members.

§ 42-125-5.1. Terms, quorums, vacancies, and removal of members.
During the month of January in each year, the governor shall appoint a member to succeed the departing member. The newly appointed member will serve for a term of three (3) years commencing on the first day of February. The members of the council shall be eligible to succeed themselves. Members shall serve until their successors are appointed and qualified. Any vacancy which may occur in the council shall be filled by the governor, for the remainder of the unexpired term in the same manner as the members predecessor as described in § 42-125-5. Four (4) members of the council shall constitute a quorum. A majority vote of those present and voting shall be required for action. No vacancy in the membership of the council shall impair the right of quorum to exercise all of the rights and perform all of the duties of the council. Members of the council shall be removable by the governor prior to the expiration of a term for cause only, and removal solely for partisan or personal reasons unrelated to capacity or fitness for the office shall be unlawful.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 22, § 7; P.L. 2006, ch. 27, § 7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-125 - Rhode Island Greenways Act of 1995 › Section 42-125-5.2. - Chair and other officers.

§ 42-125-5.2. Chair and other officers.
Upon the passage of this act, the council shall elect from among its members a chair. Thereafter, the council shall annually elect in February a chair from among the members. The council may elect from among its members such other officers as it deems necessary.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 22, § 7; P.L. 2006, ch. 27, § 7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-125 - Rhode Island Greenways Act of 1995 › Section 42-125-7. - Greenways map.

§ 42-125-7. Greenways map.
The council shall oversee the preparation of a state greenways map for public distribution, which map shall show the location of greenways and trails, scenic roads, watershed boundaries, major rivers and water bodies, natural resource and recreation areas, and cultural resources, including historic districts, and any other information the council may deem appropriate.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 162, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-125 - Rhode Island Greenways Act of 1995 › Section 42-125-8. - Liberal construction.

§ 42-125-8. Liberal construction.
The provisions of this chapter shall be construed liberally in order to accomplish the purposes of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 162, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-126 - East Bay Economic Initiative › Section 42-126-1. - Short title.

§ 42-126-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “East Bay Economic Initiative Act of 1996”.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 208, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-126 - East Bay Economic Initiative › Section 42-126-2. - Legislative findings and declaration of public policy.

§ 42-126-2. Legislative findings and declaration of public policy.
(a)
The general assembly finds:
(1)
That boating, boat building, outfitting, and related industries have been and continue to be a vital component of Rhode Island’s economy;
(2)
That these marine related businesses and their skilled workers are heavily concentrated in Rhode Island’s East Bay Region;
(3)
That this region has been considered a labor surplus area by the United States Department of Labor and that serious conditions of unemployment and underemployment exist in this region;
(4)
That this region contains vacant and under-utilized facilities and resources;
(5)
That as a result of the repeal of the federal luxury tax on boats and the state sales use tax on boats, boating, boat building, outfitting, and related industries have enjoyed a revival in the East Bay region, and that there is the opportunity for substantial continued expansion of these industries;
(6)
That these industries face national, technical and international competition, that the market for the goods and services produced by these industries is national and international, that Rhode Island is an excellent location for boating and yachting, and that Rhode Island’s marine industries are renowned nationally and internationally; and
(7)
That the promotion and expansion of boating, boat building, outfitting, and related industries, the creation of jobs in these industries, and the fuller use of facilities and resources by these industries in the East Bay region will require the cooperation of federal, state and local governments, and private businesses.
(b)
The general assembly declares that it is a public policy and in the public interest to promote job creation and economic development in boating and marine-related industries in the East Bay region and that the establishment of the East Bay Economic Initiative is a public purpose.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 208, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-126 - East Bay Economic Initiative › Section 42-126-3. - East Bay region defined.

§ 42-126-3. East Bay region defined.
As used in this chapter, “East Bay” means Bristol County, Newport County, and the city of East Providence.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 208, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-126 - East Bay Economic Initiative › Section 42-126-4. - Establishment of East Bay Economic Initiative.

§ 42-126-4. Establishment of East Bay Economic Initiative.
There is authorized, created, and established within the state of Rhode Island, the East Bay Economic Initiative as a body corporate and politic, having a distinct legal existence from the state and from the municipalities in the East Bay, with the purposes to promote and expand boating, boat building, outfitting, and related industries, to create jobs in these industries, and to make fuller use of facilities and resources by these industries, in the East Bay specifically and Rhode Island generally.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 208, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-126 - East Bay Economic Initiative › Section 42-126-6. - Duties and activities and powers.

§ 42-126-6. Duties and activities and powers.
(a)
The duties and activities of the East Bay Economic Initiative to accomplish its purposes include, but are not limited to, the following:
(1)
To work in cooperation with federal, state, and local government agencies, private businesses, business organizations, non-profit groups and individuals;
(2)
To issue public statements and to participate in marketing efforts;
(3)
To identify opportunities and to support and engage in activities, including training programs, for the expansion of boating, boat building, outfitting and related industries;
(4)
To assess and evaluate current programs and policies as they relate to the promotion of boating, boat building and related marine industries;
(5)
To prepare, adopt, and implement plans to accomplish its purposes;
(6)
To advise the governor, state and federal agencies, the general assembly, and local governments in the East Bay with regard to issues pertaining to its purposes or affecting its activities;
(7)
To hold public meetings and forums and to foster public understanding of and involvement in its programs and activities; and
(8)
To engage in any other activities that are necessary or appropriate to accomplish its purposes.
(b)
The East Bay Economic Initiative has the following powers to accomplish its purpose:
(1)
To make bylaws for the management and regulation of its affairs;
(2)
To establish committees, subcommittees, and advisory bodies;
(3)
To adopt and order a corporate seal;
(4)
To sue and be sued;
(5)
To enter into contracts, cooperative agreements, grants, sub-grants, licenses, and other agreements;
(6)
To acquire, hold, use, lease, sell, transfer, and dispose of any property or interest thereon, and to own, operate, maintain, repair, or improve any property acquired hereunder;
(7)
To employ staff and consultants as necessary or desirable; and
(8)
To apply for, contract for, receive, and expend grants, to fix rates for its facilities, and to collect fees and charges for its services or for any commodities it provides.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 208, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-126 - East Bay Economic Initiative › Section 42-126-7. - Reporting.

§ 42-126-7. Reporting.
The East Bay Economic Initiative shall report annually, on a state fiscal year basis, to the governor, the speaker of the house, the president of the senate, and to the chief executive officers of the cities and towns in the East Bay. The reports to local chief executive officers shall be submitted to the clerk of the city or town, who shall provide a copy of the report to the city or town council.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 208, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 180, § 134.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-126 - East Bay Economic Initiative › Section 42-126-8. - Cooperation of state agencies and political subdivisions.

§ 42-126-8. Cooperation of state agencies and political subdivisions.
All state departments and agencies and all political subdivisions of the state shall cooperate as appropriate with the East Bay Economic Initiative to accomplish its purposes.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 208, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-126 - East Bay Economic Initiative › Section 42-126-10. - Sunset.

§ 42-126-10. Sunset.
The provisions of this chapter shall be repealed effective June 30, 2009.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 208, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 493, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 281, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 492, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-127.1 - Uniform Electronic Transactions Act › Section 42-127.1-1. - Short title.

§ 42-127.1-1. Short title.
This chapter may be cited as the “Uniform Electronic Transactions Act”.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 175, § 2; P.L. 2000, ch. 259, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-127.1 - Uniform Electronic Transactions Act › Section 42-127.1-3. - Scope.

§ 42-127.1-3. Scope.
(a)
Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b), this chapter applies to electronic records and electronic signatures relating to a transaction.
(b)
This chapter does not apply to a transaction to the extent it is governed by:
(1)
A law governing the creation and execution of wills, codicils, or testamentary trusts; or
(2)
Title 6A other than §§ 6A-1-107 and 6A-1-206, chapter 2 of title 6A, and chapter 2.1 of title 6A;
(c)
This chapter applies to an electronic record or electronic signature otherwise excluded from the application of this chapter under subsection (b) to the extent it is governed by a law other than those specified in subsection (b).
(d)
A transaction subject to this chapter is also subject to other applicable substantive law.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 175, § 2; P.L. 2000, ch. 259, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-127.1 - Uniform Electronic Transactions Act › Section 42-127.1-4. - Prospective application.

§ 42-127.1-4. Prospective application.
This chapter applies to any electronic record or electronic signature created, generated, sent, communicated, received, or stored on or after July 13, 2000. Any electronic record or electronic signature created, generated, sent, communicated, received, or stored prior to the effective date of this chapter, but on or after the effective date of the Electronic Signatures and Records Act (formerly chapter 127 of this title) which this replaces, shall be subject to the terms of the Electronic Signatures and Records Act as it stood at the time of that creation, generation, sending, communication, reception, or storage.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 175, § 2; P.L. 2000, ch. 259, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-127.1 - Uniform Electronic Transactions Act › Section 42-127.1-5. - Use of electronic records and electronic signatures — Variations by agreement.

§ 42-127.1-5. Use of electronic records and electronic signatures — Variations by agreement.
(a)
This chapter does not require a record or signature to be created, generated, sent, communicated, received, stored, or otherwise processed or used by electronic means or in electronic form.
(b)
This chapter applies only to transactions between parties each of which has agreed to conduct transactions by electronic means. Whether the parties agree to conduct a transaction by electronic means is determined from the context and surrounding circumstances, including the parties conduct.
(c)
A party that agrees to conduct a transaction by electronic means may refuse to conduct other transactions by electronic means. The right granted by this subsection may not be waived by agreement.
(d)
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the effect of any of its provisions may be varied by agreement. The presence in certain provisions of this chapter of the words “unless otherwise agreed,” or words of similar import, does not imply that the effect of other provisions may not be varied by agreement.
(e)
Whether an electronic record or electronic signature has legal consequences is determined by this chapter and other applicable law.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 175, § 2; P.L. 2000, ch. 259, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-127.1 - Uniform Electronic Transactions Act › Section 42-127.1-6. - Construction and application.

§ 42-127.1-6. Construction and application.
This chapter must be construed and applied:
(1)
To facilitate electronic transactions consistent with other applicable law;
(2)
To be consistent with reasonable practices concerning electronic transactions and with the continued expansion of those practices; and
(3)
To effectuate its general purpose to make uniform the law with respect to the subject of this chapter among states enacting it.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 175, § 2; P.L. 2000, ch. 259, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-127.1 - Uniform Electronic Transactions Act › Section 42-127.1-7. - Legal recognition of electronic records, electronic signatures, and electronic contracts.

§ 42-127.1-7. Legal recognition of electronic records, electronic signatures, and electronic contracts.
(a)
A record or signature may not be denied legal effect or enforceability solely because it is in electronic form.
(b)
A contract may not be denied legal effect or enforceability solely because an electronic record was used in its formation.
(c)
If a law requires a record to be in writing, an electronic record satisfies the law.
(d)
If a law requires a signature, an electronic signature satisfies the law.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 175, § 2; P.L. 2000, ch. 259, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-127.1 - Uniform Electronic Transactions Act › Section 42-127.1-8. - Provision of information in writing — Presentation of records.

§ 42-127.1-8. Provision of information in writing — Presentation of records.
(a)
If parties have agreed to conduct a transaction by electronic means and a law requires a person to provide, send, or deliver information, in writing, to another person, the requirement is satisfied if the information is provided, sent, or delivered, as the case may be, in an electronic record capable of retention by the recipient at the time of receipt. An electronic record is not capable of retention by the recipient if the sender or its information processing system inhibits the ability of the recipient to print or store the electronic record.
(b)
If a law other than this chapter requires a record:
(1)
to be posted or displayed in a certain manner;
(2)
to be sent, communicated, or transmitted by a specified method, or
(3)
to contain information that is formatted in a certain manner, the following rules apply:
(i)
The record must be posted or displayed in the manner specified in the other law.
(ii)
Except as otherwise provided in subdivision (d)(2), the record must be sent, communicated, or transmitted by the method specified in the other law.
(iii)
The record must contain the information formatted in the manner specified in the other law.
(c)
If a sender inhibits the ability of a recipient to store or print an electronic record, the electronic record is not enforceable against the recipient.
(d)
The requirements of this section may not be varied by agreement, but:
(1)
To the extent a law other than this chapter requires information to be provided, sent, or delivered in writing but permits that requirement to be varied by agreement, the requirement under subsection (a) that the information be in the form of an electronic record capable of retention may also be varied by agreement; and
(2)
A requirement under a law other than this chapter to send, communicate, or transmit a record by first-class mail, postage prepaid or regular United States mail, may be varied by agreement to the extent permitted by the other law.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 175, § 2; P.L. 2000, ch. 259, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-127.1 - Uniform Electronic Transactions Act › Section 42-127.1-9. - Attribution and effect of electronic record and electronic signature.

§ 42-127.1-9. Attribution and effect of electronic record and electronic signature.
(a)
An electronic record or electronic signature is attributable to a person if it was the act of the person. The act of the person may be shown in any manner, including a showing of the efficacy of any security procedure applied to determine the person to who the electronic record or electronic signature was attributable.
(b)
The effect of an electronic record or electronic signature attributed to a person under subsection (a) is determined from the context and surrounding circumstances at the time of its creation, execution, or adoption, including the parties’ agreement, if any, and otherwise as provided by law.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 175, § 2; P.L. 2000, ch. 259, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-127.1 - Uniform Electronic Transactions Act › Section 42-127.1-10. - Effect of change or error.

§ 42-127.1-10. Effect of change or error.
If a change or error in an electronic record occurs in a transmission between parties to a transaction, the following rules apply:
(1)
If the parties have agreed to use a security procedure to detect changes or errors and one party has conformed to the procedure, but the other party has not, and the nonconforming party would have detected the change or error had that party also conformed, the conforming party may avoid the effect of the changed or erroneous electronic record.
(2)
In an automated transaction involving an individual, the individual may avoid the effect of an electronic record that resulted from an error made by the individual in dealing with the electronic agent of another person if the electronic agent did not provide an opportunity for the prevention or correction of the error and, at the time the individual learns of the error, the individual:
(i)
Promptly notifies the other person of the error and that the individual did not intend to be bound by the electronic record received by the other person;
(ii)
Takes reasonable steps, including steps that conform to the other person’s reasonable instructions, to return to the other person or, if instructed by the other person, to destroy the consideration received, if any, as a result of the erroneous electronic record; and
(iii)
Has not used or received any benefit or value from the consideration, if any, received from the other person.
(3)
If neither subdivision (1) nor subdivision (2) applies, the change or error has the effect provided by other law, including the law of mistake, and the parties’ contract, if any.
(4)
Subdivisions (2) and (3) of this section may not be varied by agreement.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 175, § 2; P.L. 2000, ch. 259, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-127.1 - Uniform Electronic Transactions Act › Section 42-127.1-11. - Notarization and acknowledgement.

§ 42-127.1-11. Notarization and acknowledgement.
If a law requires a signature or record to be notarized, acknowledged, verified, or made under oath, the requirement is satisfied if the electronic signature of the person authorized to perform those acts, together with all other information required to be included by other applicable law, is attached to or logically associated with the signature or record.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 175, § 2; P.L. 2000, ch. 259, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-127.1 - Uniform Electronic Transactions Act › Section 42-127.1-12. - Retention of electronic records — Originals.

§ 42-127.1-12. Retention of electronic records — Originals.
(a)
If a law requires that a record be retained, the requirements are satisfied by retaining an electronic record of the information in the record which:
(1)
accurately reflects the information set forth in the record after it was first generated in its final form as an electronic record or otherwise; and
(2)
remains accessible for later reference.
(b)
A requirement to retain a record in accordance with subsection (a) does not apply to any information the sole purpose of which is to enable the record to be sent, communicated, or received.
(c)
A person may satisfy subsection (a) by using the services of another person if the requirements of that subsection are satisfied.
(d)
If a law requires a record to be presented or retained in its original form, or provides consequences if the record is not presented or retained in its original form, that law is satisfied by an electronic record retained in accordance with subsection (a).
(e)
If a law requires retention of a check, that requirement is satisfied by retention of an electronic record of the information on the front and back of the check in accordance with subsection (a).
(f)
A record retained as an electronic record in accordance with subsection (a) satisfies a law requiring a person to retain a record for evidentiary, audit, or like purposes, unless a law enacted after the effective date of this chapter specifically prohibits the use of an electronic record for the specified purpose.
(g)
This section does not preclude a governmental agency of this state from specifying additional requirements for the retention of a record subject to the agency’s jurisdiction.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 175, § 2; P.L. 2000, ch. 259, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-127.1 - Uniform Electronic Transactions Act › Section 42-127.1-13. - Admissibility in evidence.

§ 42-127.1-13. Admissibility in evidence.
In a proceeding, evidence of a record or signature may not be excluded solely because it is in electronic form.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 175, § 2; P.L. 2000, ch. 259, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-127.1 - Uniform Electronic Transactions Act › Section 42-127.1-14. - Automated transaction.

§ 42-127.1-14. Automated transaction.
In an automated transaction, the following rules apply:
(1)
A contract may be formed by the interaction of electronic agents of the parties, even if no individual was aware of or reviewed the electronic agents’ actions or the resulting terms and agreements;
(2)
A contract may be formed by the interaction of an electronic agent and an individual, acting on the individual’s own behalf or for another person, including by an interaction in which the individual performs actions that the individual is free to refuse to perform and which the individual knows or has reason to know will cause the electronic agent to compete the transaction or performance;
(3)
The terms of the contract are determined by the substantive law applicable to it.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 175, § 2; P.L. 2000, ch. 259, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-127.1 - Uniform Electronic Transactions Act › Section 42-127.1-15. - Time and place of sending and receipt.

§ 42-127.1-15. Time and place of sending and receipt.
(a)
Unless otherwise agreed between the sender and the recipient, an electronic record is sent when it:
(1)
Is addressed properly or otherwise directed properly to an information processing system that the recipient has designated or uses for the purpose of receiving electronic records or information of the type sent and from which the recipient is able to retrieve the electronic record;
(2)
Is in a form capable of being processed by that system; and
(3)
Enters an information processing system outside the control of the sender or of a person that sent the electronic record on behalf of the sender or enters a region of the information processing system designated or used by the recipient, which is under the control of the recipient.
(b)
Unless otherwise agreed between a sender and the recipient, an electronic record is received when:
(1)
It enters an information processing system that the recipient has designated or uses for the purpose of receiving electronic records or information of the type sent and from which the recipient is able to retrieve the electronic record; and
(2)
It is in a form capable of being processed by that system.
(c)
Subsection (b) applies even if the place the information processing system is located is different from the place the electronic record is deemed to be received under subsection (d).
(d)
Unless otherwise expressly provided in the electronic record or agreed between the sender and the recipient, an electronic record is deemed to be sent from the sender’s place of business and to be received at the recipient’s place of business. For purposes of this subsection, the following rules apply:
(1)
If the sender or recipient has more than one place of business, the place of business of that person is the place having the closest relationship to the underlying transaction;
(2)
If the sender or the recipient does not have a place of business, the place of business is the sender’s or recipient’s residence, as the case may be.
(e)
An electronic record is received under subsection (b) even if no individual is aware of its receipt.
(f)
Receipt of an electronic acknowledgment from an information processing system described in subsection (b) establishes that a record was received but, by itself, does not establish that the content sent corresponds to the content received.
(g)
If a person is aware that an electronic record purportedly sent under subsection (a), or purportedly received under subsection (b), was not actually sent or received, the legal effect of the sending or receipt is determined by other applicable law. Except to the extent permitted by the other law, the requirements of this subsection may not be varied by agreement.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 175, § 2; P.L. 2000, ch. 259, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-127.1 - Uniform Electronic Transactions Act › Section 42-127.1-17. - Creation and retention of electronic records and conversion of written records by governmental agencies.

§ 42-127.1-17. Creation and retention of electronic records and conversion of written records by governmental agencies.
Each governmental agency of the state shall determine whether, and the extent to which, it will create and retain electronic records and convert written records to electronic records; provided, however, all determinations shall be governed by the provisions of title 38.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 175, § 2; P.L. 2000, ch. 259, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-127.1 - Uniform Electronic Transactions Act › Section 42-127.1-18. - Acceptance and distribution of electronic records by governmental agencies.

§ 42-127.1-18. Acceptance and distribution of electronic records by governmental agencies.
(a)
Except as otherwise provided in § 42-127.1-12(f), each governmental agency of the state shall determine whether, and the extent to which, it will send and accept electronic records and electronic signatures to and from other persons and otherwise create, generate, communicate, store, process, use, and rely upon electronic records and electronic signatures; provided, however, all determinations shall be governed by the provisions of title 38.
(b)
To the extent that a governmental agency uses electronic records and electronic signatures under subsection (a), the governmental agency, giving due consideration to security, may specify;
(1)
The manner and format in which the electronic records must be created, generated, sent, communicated, received, and stored and the systems established for those purposes;
(2)
If electronic records must be signed by electronic means, the type of electronic signature required, the manner and format in which the electronic signature must be affixed to the electronic record, and the identity of, or criteria that must be met by, any third party used by a person filing a document to facilitate the process;
(3)
Control processes and procedures as appropriate to ensure adequate preservation, disposition, integrity, security, confidentiality, and auditability of electronic records; and
(4)
Any other required attributes for electronic records which are specified for correspondence non-electronic records or reasonably necessary under the circumstances.
(c)
Except as otherwise provided in § 42-131-12(f), this chapter does not require a governmental agency of this state to use or permit the use of electronic records or electronic signatures.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 175, § 2; P.L. 2000, ch. 259, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-127.1 - Uniform Electronic Transactions Act › Section 42-127.1-19. - Interoperability.

§ 42-127.1-19. Interoperability.
A governmental agency of this state which adopts standards pursuant to § 42-127.1-18 may encourage and promote consistency and interoperability with similar requirements adopted by other governmental agencies of this and other states and the federal government and non-governmental persons interacting with governmental agencies of this state. If appropriate, those standards may specify differing levels of standards from which governmental agencies of this state may choose in implementing the most appropriate standard for a particular application.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 175, § 2; P.L. 2000, ch. 259, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-127.1 - Uniform Electronic Transactions Act › Section 42-127.1-20. - Severability.

§ 42-127.1-20. Severability.
If any provision of this chapter or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of this chapter which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this chapter are severable.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 175, § 2; P.L. 2000, ch. 259, § 2.