reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-99 - The Rhode Island Life Science Hub Act › Section 23-99-3. - Definitions.

§ 23-99-3. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following words shall have the following meanings:
(1)
“Affiliate” means any person or company who or that directly or indirectly controls or is controlled by or is under direct or indirect common control of another company or person including, but not limited to, any company that is merged or consolidated, or that purchases all or substantially all of the assets of another company.
(2)
“Board” means the board of directors of the hub.
(3)
“Certification proposal” means a written proposal submitted by a life science company for approval as a certified life sciences company.
(4)
“Certified life sciences company” means a company that has been certified by the board as being eligible to receive grants and incentives from the investment fund.
(5)
“Commerce corporation” means the Rhode Island commerce corporation, established pursuant to § 42-64-1 et seq.
(6)
“Company” means a business corporation, partnership, firm, unincorporated association, or other entity engaged or proposing to engage in economic activity within the state, and any affiliate thereof.
(7)
“Hub” means the Rhode Island life science hub established by § 23-99-4.
(8)
“Investment fund” means the hub investment fund established by § 23-99-6.
(9)
“Life science” means and shall include, but not be limited to, the science of: medical devices, biomedical technology, medical therapeutic therapies, biogenetics, biomedical engineering, biopharmaceuticals, genomics, biomanufacturing, diagnostics, digital health, and related fields.
(10)
“Life science company” means a company engaged in life science research, development, manufacturing, incubation, or commercialization in Rhode Island, and any affiliate thereof.
(11)
“Life sciences industry” means the fields of medical devices, biomedical technology, medical therapeutic therapies, biogenetics, biomedical engineering, biopharmaceuticals, genomics, biomanufacturing, diagnostics, digital health, and related fields.
(12)
“Person” means a natural person, company, or other legal entity.
(13)
“State” means the state of Rhode Island.
(14)
“Venture” means, without limitation, any contractual arrangement with any person whereby the corporation obtains rights from or in an invention or product or proceeds therefrom, or rights to obtain from any person any and all forms of equity instruments including, but not limited to, common and preferred stock, warrants, options, convertible debentures, and similar types of instruments exercisable or convertible into capital stock, in exchange for the granting of financial aid to such person.
History of Section.
P.L. 2023, ch. 79, art. 7, § 2, effective September 1, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-99 - The Rhode Island Life Science Hub Act › Section 23-99-5. - Hub powers.

§ 23-99-5. Hub powers.
The hub shall have the following powers and all powers necessary to carry out and effectuate its purposes, including, without limitation, all powers necessary for the performance of the following:
(1)
To have perpetual succession as a public corporate body and agency of the state and to adopt bylaws, rules, regulations, and procedures for its governance and conduct of its business;
(2)
To act as the central entity and coordinating organization of life sciences initiatives on behalf of the state and to work in collaboration with governmental entities, bodies, centers, hubs, and facilities to promote life sciences;
(3)
To engage accountants, architects, attorneys, engineers, planners, real estate experts, and other consultants as may be necessary in its judgment to carry out the purposes of this chapter;
(4)
To obtain insurance for board directors, officers, and employees in order to indemnify said persons against the claims of others;
(5)
To administer the investment fund, for the purposes of making appropriations, allocations, grants, or loans;
(6)
To apply for and accept contributions of any source of money, property, labor, or any other things of value and to invest, disburse, appropriate, grant, loan, or allocate any funds for the purpose of investing in any life science initiative;
(7)
To create access to capital, funding, and business support programs;
(8)
To enter into venture agreements with persons, upon such terms and on such conditions as are consistent with the purposes of this chapter, for the advancement of financial aid to such persons for the research, development, and application of specific technologies, products, procedures, services, and techniques, to be developed and produced in this state, and to condition such agreements upon contractual assurances that the benefits of increasing or maintaining employment and tax revenues shall remain in this state and shall accrue to it;
(9)
To enter into contracts and agreements to further scientific research in the state, aid in the promotion of the health of residents, foster jobs in the life sciences, and promote overall economic growth in the life sciences industry; and
(10)
To issue bonds, notes, and any other obligations of the hub, subject to the provisions of chapter 18 of title 35 (“Rhode Island public corporation debt management”).
History of Section.
P.L. 2023, ch. 79, art. 7, § 2, effective September 1, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-99 - The Rhode Island Life Science Hub Act › Section 23-99-6. - Hub investment fund.

§ 23-99-6. Hub investment fund.
(a)
There shall be established and placed within the hub, a fund or funds to be known as the Rhode Island life science investment fund, hereinafter referred to as the “fund”, to be held by the hub to finance the operations and initiatives of the hub. The fund shall be credited any appropriations, bond proceeds, federal grants, or loans, or other such additional funds as are subject to the direction and control of the hub, which may properly be applied in furtherance of the objectives of the hub.
(b)
The fund shall be held and applied by the hub to make qualified investments, grants, research and other funding, and loans designed to advance public purposes for the life science industry in the state and shall use the fund for such purposes.
(c)
The state shall not be liable for the payment of the principal of, or interest on, any bonds or notes of the hub, or for the performance of any pledge, mortgage, obligation, or agreement of any kind whatsoever that may be undertaken by the hub, and none of the bonds or notes of the hub nor any of its agreements or obligations shall be construed to constitute an indebtedness of the state. Payments related to any transaction involving, or investment by, the hub shall be payable solely from the fund.
(d)
The board shall promulgate rules, regulations, or guidelines necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 2023, ch. 79, art. 7, § 2, effective September 1, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-99 - The Rhode Island Life Science Hub Act › Section 23-99-7. - Annual reports.

§ 23-99-7. Annual reports.
The hub shall submit a report, beginning on or before October 1, 2024, and on October 1 annually thereafter, to the governor, the speaker of the house, and the president of the senate. This report shall include:
(1)
The hub’s receipts and expenditures during such fiscal year;
(2)
The hub’s assets and liabilities at the end of its fiscal year;
(3)
A list of all certified life sciences companies;
(4)
A complete list of grants awarded by the hub and any other funding activities;
(5)
Reports of patents or products resulting from funded activities;
(6)
The status of construction of any real estate project resulting from certification, including whether construction is on-time and on-budget;
(7)
Any federal initiatives that have an impact on life science companies doing business in the state; and
(8)
Any concerns surrounding pending or threatened litigation, pending legislation both state and federal, or any other known material risks.
History of Section.
P.L. 2023, ch. 79, art. 7, § 2, effective September 1, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-99 - The Rhode Island Life Science Hub Act › Section 23-99-8. - Accountability and audit.

§ 23-99-8. Accountability and audit.
(a)
The board shall be responsible for establishing accountability standards, reporting standards, and outcome measurements for all of its expenditures, including all investments and grants.
(b)
The board and the hub shall comply with provisions of chapter 155 of title 42 (“quasi-public corporations accountability and transparency act”).
(c)
In addition to the requirements pursuant to the provisions of subsection (b) of this section and § 42-155-7, the books and records of the hub shall be audited by an outside audit firm selected and paid for by the hub, in accordance with § 35-7-13 at least on an annual basis, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and generally accepted government auditing standards.
History of Section.
P.L. 2023, ch. 79, art. 7, § 2, effective September 1, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-99 - The Rhode Island Life Science Hub Act › Section 23-99-9. - Severability.

§ 23-99-9. Severability.
If any section, clause, provision, or portion of this chapter is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, that holding shall not affect any other section, clause, or provision of this chapter which is not in and of itself unconstitutional.
History of Section.
P.L. 2023, ch. 79, art. 7, § 2, effective September 1, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-1 - Laying Out and Taking by Cities and Towns › Section 24-1-1. - Authorization of condemnation.

§ 24-1-1. Authorization of condemnation.
Whenever the city council of any city or the town council of any town shall determine that the public interest and convenience makes necessary or advantageous the acquisition of land or other real property, or any interest, estate, or right therein for the establishing, laying out, widening, extending or relocating, regrading, straightening, or improving any public highway, street, parkway, or driftway, or to secure more suitable lines, grades or safety, it may proceed to acquire the same by the exercise of eminent domain in the manner prescribed in this chapter, provided that no real property or interest, estate, or right therein belonging to the state shall be acquired without its consent and no real property or interest, estate, or right therein belonging to or used by a public utility shall be acquired without the consent of the division of public utilities and carriers.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 216, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 542, § 67.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-1 - Laying Out and Taking by Cities and Towns › Section 24-1-2. - Filing of plat and declaration.

§ 24-1-2. Filing of plat and declaration.
Within one year after its passage, the city or town council shall cause to be filed in the land evidence records a copy of its resolution declaring that the public interest and convenience makes necessary or advantageous the acquisition of real property in the manner prescribed by this chapter and also a description of the land or other real property indicating the nature and extent of the estate or interest therein taken as provided in this chapter and a plat thereof, and a copy of the resolution, description and plat shall be certified by the city or town clerk.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 216, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 97.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-1 - Laying Out and Taking by Cities and Towns › Section 24-1-3. - Deposit of compensation for property taken.

§ 24-1-3. Deposit of compensation for property taken.
Immediately after the taking of property, the city or town council shall cause to be filed in the superior court in and for the county in which the real property lies a statement of the sum of money estimated to be just compensation for the property taken, and shall deposit in the superior court to the use of the persons entitled thereto the sum set forth in the statement. The city or town council shall satisfy the court that the amount so deposited with the court is sufficient to satisfy the just claims of all persons having an estate or interest in the real property. Whenever the city or town council satisfies the court that the claims of all persons interested in the real property taken have been satisfied, the unexpended balance shall be ordered repaid immediately to the city or town.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 216, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 97.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-1 - Laying Out and Taking by Cities and Towns › Section 24-1-4. - Vesting of title to property taken.

§ 24-1-4. Vesting of title to property taken.
Upon the filing of the copy of the resolution, description and plat in the land evidence records and upon the making of the deposit in accordance with the order of the superior court, title to the real property in fee simple absolute or such lesser estate or interest therein specified in the resolution shall vest in the city or town, and the real property shall be deemed to be condemned and taken for the use of the city or town, and the right to just compensation for the real property shall vest in the persons entitled thereto.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 216, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-1 - Laying Out and Taking by Cities and Towns › Section 24-1-5. - Service of notice of condemnation.

§ 24-1-5. Service of notice of condemnation.
After the filing of the copy of the resolution, description and plat, notice of the taking of land or other real property shall be served upon the owners of or persons having any estate or interest in the real property by the city or town sergeant or any constable of the city or town by leaving a copy of the resolution, description and plat attested by the city or town clerk with each of such persons personally, or at the last and usual place of abode in this state with some person living there, and in case any of such persons are absent from this state and have no last and usual place of abode therein occupied by any person, a copy shall be left with the person or persons, if any, in charge of, or having possession of the land or other real property taken of the absent persons, and another copy thereof shall be mailed to the address of the person, if the address is known to the officer serving the notice.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 216, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-1 - Laying Out and Taking by Cities and Towns › Section 24-1-6. - Publication of notice.

§ 24-1-6. Publication of notice.
After the filing of a resolution, description and plat, the city or town council shall cause a copy of the resolution to be published in some newspaper having general circulation in the city or town at least once a week for three (3) successive weeks. The newspaper notice containing the full resolution, description, and plat shall be inserted once in its entirety and thereafter a weekly formal legal notice shall be inserted stating that there was a taking by the city or town with a brief description of the real property and a reference to the original advertisement which contained the full resolution, description, and plat.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 216, § 1; P.L. 1976, ch. 117, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-1 - Laying Out and Taking by Cities and Towns › Section 24-1-7. - Payment of agreed price.

§ 24-1-7. Payment of agreed price.
If any party shall agree with the city or town council upon the price to be paid for the value of the land or other real property so taken and of appurtenant damage to any remainder or for the value of the party’s estate, right or interest therein, the court, upon application of the parties in interest, may order that the sum agreed upon be paid forthwith from the money deposited, as the just compensation to be awarded in the proceedings; provided, however, that no payment shall be made to any official or employee of the city or town for any property or interest therein acquired from an official or employee unless the amount of the payment is determined by the court to constitute just compensation to be awarded in the proceedings.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 216, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-1 - Laying Out and Taking by Cities and Towns › Section 24-1-8. - Assessment of damages by court.

§ 24-1-8. Assessment of damages by court.
Any owner of, or person entitled to any estate or right in, or interested in any part of the real property so taken, who cannot agree with the city or town council upon the price to be paid for his or her estate, right or interest in such real property so taken and the appurtenant damage to the remainder, may, within one year from the time the sum of money estimated to be just compensation is deposited in the superior court to the use of the persons entitled thereto, apply by petition to the superior court for the county in which the real property is situated, setting forth the taking of his or her land or estate or interest therein and praying for an assessment of damages by the court or by a jury. Upon the filing of a petition the court shall cause twenty (20) days’ notice of the pendency thereof to be given to the city or town by serving the city or town clerk with a certified copy of the petition.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 216, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-1 - Laying Out and Taking by Cities and Towns › Section 24-1-9. - Conduct of trial on damages.

§ 24-1-9. Conduct of trial on damages.
After the service of a notice of condemnation the court may proceed to a trial. The trial shall be conducted as other civil actions at law are tried. The trial shall determine all questions of fact relating to the value of the real property, and any estate or interest therein, and the amount thereof, and the appurtenant damage to any remainder and the amount thereof, and the trial and decision or verdict of the jury shall be subject to all rights to except to rulings, to move for new trial, and to appeal, as are provided by law. Upon the entry of judgment in the proceedings, execution shall be issued against the money deposited in court and in default thereof against any other property of the city or town.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 216, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-1 - Laying Out and Taking by Cities and Towns › Section 24-1-10. - Consolidation of petitions.

§ 24-1-10. Consolidation of petitions.
In case two (2) or more petitioners make claim to the same real property, or to any estate or interest therein, or to different estates or interests in the same real property, the court shall, upon motion, consolidate their several petitions for trial at the same time, and may frame all necessary issues for the trial thereof.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 216, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-1 - Laying Out and Taking by Cities and Towns › Section 24-1-11. - Representation of infants and incompetents.

§ 24-1-11. Representation of infants and incompetents.
If any real property or any estate or interest therein, in which any infant or other person not capable in law to act in his or her own behalf is interested, is taken under the provisions of this chapter, the superior court, upon the filing therein of a petition by or in behalf of the infant or person or by the city or town council, may appoint a guardian ad litem for the infant or other person. Guardians may, with the advice and consent of the superior court, and upon such terms as the superior court may prescribe, release to the city or town all claims for damages for the land of the infant or other person or for any estate or interest therein. Any lawfully appointed, qualified and acting guardian or other fiduciary of the estate of the infant or other person, with the approval of the court of probate within this state having jurisdiction to authorize the sale of lands and properties within this state of the infant or other person, may before the filing of a petition, agree with the city or town council upon the amount of damages suffered by the infant or other person for any taking of his or her real property or of his or her interest or estate therein, and may, upon receiving such amount, release to the city or town all claims for damages for the infant or other person for the taking.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 216, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-1 - Laying Out and Taking by Cities and Towns › Section 24-1-12. - Late filing of petition.

§ 24-1-12. Late filing of petition.
In case any owner of or any person having an estate or interest in real property shall fail to file his or her petition as provided in § 24-1-8, the superior court for the county in which the real property is situated, in its discretion, may permit the filing of the petition within one year subsequent to the year following the time of the deposit in the superior court of the sum of money estimated to be just compensation for the property taken; provided, the person shall have had no actual knowledge of the taking of the land in season to file the petition; and provided, no other person or persons claiming to own the real property or estate or interest therein shall have been paid the value thereof; and provided, no judgment has been rendered against the city or town for the payment of the value to any other person or persons claiming to own the real estate.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 216, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 52.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-1 - Laying Out and Taking by Cities and Towns › Section 24-1-13. - Unknown owners.

§ 24-1-13. Unknown owners.
If any real property or any estate or interest therein is unclaimed or held by a person or persons whose whereabouts are unknown, after making inquiry satisfactory to the superior court for the county in which the real property lies, the city or town council, after the expiration of two (2) years from the first publication of the copy of the resolution and description and plat, may petition the court that the value of the estate or interest of the unknown person or persons be determined. After such notice by publication to the person or persons as the court in its discretion may order, and after a hearing on the petition, the court shall fix the value of the estate or interest and shall order a sum to be deposited in the registry of the court in a special account to accumulate for the benefit of the person or persons, if any, entitled thereto. The receipt of the clerk of the superior court therefor shall constitute a discharge of the city or town from all liability in connection with the taking. When the person entitled to the money deposited shall have satisfied the superior court of his or her right to receive the same, the court shall cause it to be paid over to the person, with all accumulations thereon.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 216, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-1 - Laying Out and Taking by Cities and Towns › Section 24-1-14. - Orders as to charges on lands.

§ 24-1-14. Orders as to charges on lands.
The superior court shall have power to make such orders with respect to encumbrances, liens, taxes, and other charges on the land, if any, as shall be just and equitable.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 216, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-1 - Laying Out and Taking by Cities and Towns › Section 24-1-15. - Exchange of property.

§ 24-1-15. Exchange of property.
Whenever in the opinion of the city or town council a substantial saving in the cost of acquiring title can be effected by conveying other real property, title to which is in the city or town, to the person or persons from whom the estate or interest in real property is being purchased or taken, or by the construction or improvement by the city or town of any work or facility upon the remaining real property of the person or persons from whom the estate or interest in real property is being purchased or taken, the city or town council shall be and hereby is authorized to convey such other real property of the city or town to the person or persons from whom the estate or interest in real property is being purchased or taken and to construct or improve any work or facility upon the remaining land of the person or persons.
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 216, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-2 - Highways by Grant or Use › Section 24-2-1. - Creation of public highways by use.

§ 24-2-1. Creation of public highways by use.
All lands which have been or shall be quietly, peaceably, and actually used and improved and considered as public highways for the space of twenty (20) years, and which shall be declared by the town council of the town wherein they lie to be public highways, shall be taken and considered as public highways to all intents and purposes as fully and effectually as if the lands had been regularly laid out, recorded and opened by the town council of the town where the lands may lie.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 71, § 18; G.L. 1909, ch. 82, § 18; G.L. 1923, ch. 95, § 18; G.L. 1938, ch. 72, § 18; G.L. 1956, § 24-2-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-2 - Highways by Grant or Use › Section 24-2-2. - Notice of intent to declare highway public.

§ 24-2-2. Notice of intent to declare highway public.
Every town council, before they proceed to act under the provisions of § 24-2-1, shall give personal notice of their intention to all persons interested, or who may have any claim to the land over which a highway passes, as described in § 24-2-1, if known to reside in this state, and if not known, or if known to reside without the state, then in the manner prescribed by § 24-1-6.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 71, § 19; G.L. 1909, ch. 82, § 19; G.L. 1923, ch. 95, § 19; G.L. 1938, ch. 72, § 19; G.L. 1956, § 24-2-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-2 - Highways by Grant or Use › Section 24-2-3. - Appeal of declaration.

§ 24-2-3. Appeal of declaration.
Every person aggrieved by the proceedings described in § 24-2-2 may appeal therefrom to the superior court.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 71, § 20; C.P.A. 1905, § 1223; G.L. 1909, ch. 82, § 20; G.L. 1923, ch. 95, § 20; G.L. 1938, ch. 72, § 20; G.L. 1956, § 24-2-3; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 53.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-2 - Highways by Grant or Use › Section 24-2-4. - Platting of highway.

§ 24-2-4. Platting of highway.
In declaring lands which have been quietly, peaceably and actually used and improved and considered as public highways and streets for the space of twenty (20) years, to be public highways as provided in § 24-2-1, the town council of the town in which the lands lie shall determine, mark out, plat, or cause to be marked out and platted, the lands, in width as well as length, by use and improvement appropriated as public highways, and declared as such, and shall cause the plats to be recorded; but nothing contained in this section shall be so construed as to affect the requirements or provisions of § 24-2-3.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 71, § 21; G.L. 1909, ch. 82, § 21; G.L. 1923, ch. 95, § 21; G.L. 1938, ch. 72, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 24-2-4; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 53.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-2 - Highways by Grant or Use › Section 24-2-5. - Platting of highways previously declared.

§ 24-2-5. Platting of highways previously declared.
In case any lands have previously been declared to be a public highway under § 24-2-1, and no such plat was made and recorded as provided in § 24-2-4, the town council may cause the lands, appropriated by such declaration as a public highway, to be marked out, platted, and recorded as provided in § 24-2-4; in which case they shall give the notice and their proceedings shall be subject to the appeal provided in § 24-2-3.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 71, § 23; G.L. 1909, ch. 82, § 23; G.L. 1923, ch. 95, § 23; G.L. 1938, ch. 72, § 22; G.L. 1956, § 24-2-5; P.L. 1989, ch. 542, § 68; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 53.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-2 - Highways by Grant or Use › Section 24-2-6. - Widening of highways.

§ 24-2-6. Widening of highways.
If any lands used and improved for twenty (20) years and upwards as a public highway or street, shall not in the judgment of the town council be wide enough for the necessities or convenience of the public, the town council may proceed to widen the highway in whole or in part, pursuing, as to the portions so widened, the steps required by law for laying out new highways.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 71, § 22; G.L. 1909, ch. 82, § 22; G.L. 1923, ch. 95, § 22; G.L. 1938, ch. 72, § 22; G.L. 1956, § 24-2-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-2 - Highways by Grant or Use › Section 24-2-7. - Proceedings and plats as evidence of highway.

§ 24-2-7. Proceedings and plats as evidence of highway.
The proceedings before the town council under §§ 24-2-1 — 24-2-6, insofar as the proceedings shall not have been set aside on appeal as provided in § 24-2-3, with the accompanying plat or duly certified copies thereof, shall forever thereafter be conclusive evidence upon the town and all parties notified, and their privies, as to the existence of the highway in width and length as platted, and prima facie evidence thereof as to all others.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 71, § 24; G.L. 1909, ch. 82, § 24; G.L. 1923, ch. 95, § 24; G.L. 1938, ch. 72, § 24; G.L. 1956, § 24-2-7; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 53.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-2 - Highways by Grant or Use › Section 24-2-8. - Acceptance and opening of highway on land specially granted.

§ 24-2-8. Acceptance and opening of highway on land specially granted.
Except as otherwise provided by special act concerning particular cities and towns, whenever the owner of any land shall make a deed thereof to the town in which the land lies, for the especial purpose of being used and improved as a public highway, and the deed shall have been duly acknowledged and recorded, the land shall be thenceforward a public highway to all intents and purposes, and be liable to be opened by the town council of the town where the land shall lie, in the same manner as highways which are laid out by the town council; but no town shall be liable to repair a highway, until the town council thereof shall decree and order that the highway shall be repaired at the expense of the town.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 71, § 25; G.L. 1909, ch. 82, § 25; G.L. 1923, ch. 95, § 25; G.L. 1938, ch. 72, § 25; G.L. 1956, § 24-2-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-2 - Highways by Grant or Use › Section 24-2-8.1. - Acceptance and upgrading of access into highway system in town of Charlestown.

§ 24-2-8.1. Acceptance and upgrading of access into highway system in town of Charlestown.
(a)
The town of Charlestown shall be permitted to utilize the below listed procedure to provide for the acceptance and upgrading of highways not yet accepted into the town’s highway system:
(1)
Owners of land fronting on an existing means of ingress and egress to their property which has not been accepted into the town highway system may make application to the town council for acceptance by the town of the access into the town’s highway system.
(2)
The application must be signed by seventy-five percent (75%) of the owners of land with frontage on the access presented for acceptance.
(3)
The access presented for acceptance must be connectable to an accepted town highway or a highway maintained by the state.
(4)(i)
Upon receipt of application, the town will obtain an estimate of cost to create from the access a highway to be accepted by the town into the town highway system.
(ii)
The town shall provide the applicants with a copy of the estimate.
(5)
To have the access improved or a road constructed by the town the applicants shall agree by written contract to the following:
(i)
To repay the town for the cost of construction or improvement as outlined in the estimate provided them. Repayment to the town shall not exceed fifteen (15) years and shall be repaid with interest not to exceed the “prime rate” at the date of contract.
(ii)
The percentage of repayment of the total estimate for each landowner shall be based on the frontage owned by the landowner divided by the total frontage on both sides of the access.
(iii)
The repayment agreement shall be binding on the landowner’s heirs and assigns, shall be recorded on the land records of the town, shall create a tax lien against the land until fully repaid and shall be collectable on nonpayment under the provisions of chapter 9 of title 44.
(iv)
The landowner shall deed to the town the land necessary for construction or improvement as the town shall designate.
(v)
Upon completion of the obligations of the applicants and the recording of the repayment contract the town shall contract for the construction or improvements outlined in the estimate and shall accept the improved highway into the town highway system and shall be liable for the mending and repairing of the highway.
(vi)
The town shall be entitled during construction or improvement of the access into an acceptable town highway to use those portions of the applying landowner’s property as needed to construct or improve the highway without payment of compensation to the landowner.
(b)
This section shall not be construed to limit the town from exercising any of its rights under law and is intended only to provide a mechanism to provide landowners with a means of upgrading access to their property and repaying the town over an agreed period of time at an agreed interest rate.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 180, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-2 - Highways by Grant or Use › Section 24-2-8.2. - Repealed.

§ 24-2-8.2. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 481, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 1986, ch. 198, § 57, effective June 18, 1986. For present similar provisions of law, see § 24-2-8.1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-2 - Highways by Grant or Use › Section 24-2-8.3. - Acceptance and upgrading of access into highway system in town of Richmond.

§ 24-2-8.3. Acceptance and upgrading of access into highway system in town of Richmond.
(a)
The town of Richmond shall be permitted to utilize the below listed procedure to provide for the acceptance and upgrading of highways not yet accepted into the town’s highway system:
(1)
Owners of land fronting on an existing means of ingress and egress to their property which has not been accepted into the town highway system may make application to the town council for acceptance by the town of the access into the town’s highway system.
(2)
The application must be signed by sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66⅔%) of the owners of land with frontage on the access presented for acceptance.
(3)
The access presented for acceptance must be connectable to an accepted town highway or a highway maintained by the state.
(4)(i)
Upon receipt of application, the town will obtain an estimate of cost to create from the access a highway to be accepted by the town into the town highway system.
(ii)
The town shall provide the applicants with a copy of the estimate.
(5)
To have the access improved or a road constructed by the town the applicants shall agree by written contract to the following:
(i)
To repay the town for the cost of construction or improvement as outlined in the estimate provided them. Repayment to the town shall not exceed fifteen (15) years and shall be repaid with interest not to exceed the “prime rate” at the date of contract.
(ii)
The percentage of repayment of the total estimate for each landowner shall be based on the frontage owned by the landowner divided by the total frontage on both sides of the access.
(iii)
The repayment agreement shall be binding on the landowner’s heirs and assigns, shall be recorded on the land records of the town, shall create a tax lien against the land until fully repaid and shall be collectable on nonpayment under the provisions of chapter 9 of title 44.
(iv)
The landowner shall deed to the town the land necessary for construction or improvement as the town shall designate.
(v)
Upon completion of the obligations of the applicants and the recording of the repayment contract the town shall contract for the construction or improvements outlined in the estimate and shall accept the improved highway into the town highway system and shall be liable for the mending and repairing of the highway.
(vi)
The town shall be entitled during construction or improvement of the access into an acceptable town highway to use those portions of the applying landowner’s property as needed to construct or improve the highway without payment of compensation to the landowner.
(b)
This section shall not be construed to limit the town from exercising any of its rights under law and is intended only to provide a mechanism to provide landowners with a means of upgrading access to their property and repaying the town over an agreed period of time at an agreed interest rate.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 124, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 485, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-2 - Highways by Grant or Use › Section 24-2-8.5. - Acceptance and upgrading of access into highway system in town of West Warwick.

§ 24-2-8.5. Acceptance and upgrading of access into highway system in town of West Warwick.
(a)
The town of West Warwick is permitted to utilize the below listed procedure to provide for the acceptance and upgrading of highways not yet accepted into the town’s highway system:
(1)
Owners of land fronting on an existing means of ingress and egress to their property which has not been accepted into the town highway system may make application to the town council for acceptance by the town of the access into the town’s highway system.
(2)
The application must be signed by sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66⅔%) of the owners of land with frontage on the access presented for acceptance.
(3)
The access presented for acceptance must be connectable to an accepted town highway or a highway maintained by the state.
(4)(i)
Upon receipt of application, the town will obtain an estimate of cost to create from the access a highway to be accepted by the town into the town highway system.
(ii)
The town shall provide the applicants with a copy of the estimate.
(5)
To have the access improved or a road constructed by the town the applicants shall agree by written contract to the following:
(i)
To repay the town for the cost of construction or improvement as outlined in the estimate provided them. Repayment to the town shall not exceed fifteen (15) years and shall be repaid with interest not to exceed the “prime rate” at the date of contract.
(ii)
The percentage of repayment of the total estimate for each landowner shall be based on the frontage owned by the landowner divided by the total frontage on both sides of the access.
(iii)
The repayment agreement shall be binding on the landowner’s heirs and assigns, shall be recorded on the land records of the town, shall create a tax lien against the land until fully repaid and shall be collectable on nonpayment under the provisions of chapter 9 of title 44.
(iv)
The landowner shall deed to the town the land necessary for construction or improvement as the town shall designate.
(v)
Upon completion of the obligations of the applicants and the recording of the repayment contract the town shall contract for the construction or improvements outlined in the estimate and shall accept the improved highway into the town highway system and shall be liable for the mending and repairing of the highway.
(vi)
The town is entitled during construction or improvement of the access into an acceptable town highway to use those portions of the applying landowner’s property as needed to construct or improve the highway without payment of compensation to the landowner.
(b)
This section shall not be construed to limit the town from exercising any of its rights under law and is intended only to provide a mechanism to provide landowners with a means of upgrading access to their property and repaying the town over an agreed period of time at an agreed interest rate.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 400, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-2 - Highways by Grant or Use › Section 24-2-9. - Common law rights and remedies preserved.

§ 24-2-9. Common law rights and remedies preserved.
Nothing contained in this chapter shall be so construed as to hinder or prevent the public from acquiring, by dedication or user, lands or any interests in lands for highways or other public uses, according to the course of the common law, or to take away or abridge any legal or equitable remedy by the common or the general law provided in cases of injuries to, or obstructions to, the enjoyment of lands, or in any interest in lands thus or otherwise by law acquired by the public, or devoted to public uses.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 71, § 26; G.L. 1909, ch. 82, § 26; G.L. 1923, ch. 95, § 26; G.L. 1938, ch. 72, § 26; G.L. 1956, § 24-2-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-2 - Highways by Grant or Use › Section 24-2-10. - Liability of town for maintenance of highways.

§ 24-2-10. Liability of town for maintenance of highways.
Nothing contained in § 24-2-9 shall be so construed as to render any town liable for the mending and repairing of any highway, unless the highway shall have been declared to be a public highway by the town council of the town wherein it lies.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 71, § 27; G.L. 1909, ch. 82, § 27; G.L. 1923, ch. 95, § 27; G.L. 1938, ch. 72, § 27; G.L. 1956, § 24-2-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-3 - Improvement and Grading by Towns › Section 24-3-1. - Power to mark out, widen or relocate municipal roads.

§ 24-3-1. Power to mark out, widen or relocate municipal roads.
Town councils may mark out, relay, widen, straighten, or change the location of the whole of or any part of any municipal road, whether laid out by the state or otherwise, except the highways on both sides of the Woonasquatucket River directed to be laid out by chapter 362 of the Public Laws, passed at the January session of the general assembly in the year 1861; and thereupon like proceedings shall be had in all respects, so far as the same are applicable, including appeals, as are provided in this chapter in case of taking land and ascertaining damages to the owners of lands taken in laying out or in case of the abandonment of highways.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 71, § 28; P.L. 1903, ch. 1106, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 82, § 28; G.L. 1923, ch. 95, § 28; G.L. 1938, ch. 72, § 28; G.L. 1956, § 24-3-1; P.L. 1988, ch. 633, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-3 - Improvement and Grading by Towns › Section 24-3-2. - Repealed.

§ 24-3-2. Repealed.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 71, § 29; G.L. 1909, ch. 82, § 29; G.L. 1923, ch. 95, § 29; G.L. 1938, ch. 72, § 29; G.L. 1956, § 24-3-2; Repealed by P.L. 1988, ch. 633, § 2, effective July 1, 1988.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-3 - Improvement and Grading by Towns › Section 24-3-3. - Hearing on enlargement or relocation in towns — Commissioners of estimate and assessment.

§ 24-3-3. Hearing on enlargement or relocation in towns — Commissioners of estimate and assessment.
Whenever the town council of any town named in § 24-3-17, shall adjudge it to be necessary to lay out, enlarge, straighten, improve, or alter any street or highway, or any part thereof, in the town, the council may cause the same to be done in the manner following: Whenever any lands shall be required for the purpose aforesaid, and the town council shall be of the opinion that any estates will be specially benefited thereby, the council shall, after notice to all persons interested, which notice shall specify the time and place of the meetings of the council and the nature and extent of the intended improvement, and after hearing all persons who desire to be heard in the matter, appoint not less than three (3) nor more than five (5) discreet and disinterested persons as commissioners of estimate and assessment, who may be residents and taxpayers in the town; and the council may at the same time determine that a portion of the damage occasioned by taking any real estate for the aforesaid purpose, not exceeding three-fourths (¾) thereof, shall be assessed upon the owners of estates which the commissioners shall find will be specially benefited by making the proposed improvement, whether any part of the estates are taken for the improvement or not; provided, that the owners shall not be assessed in any case beyond the amount that the commissioners shall consider their estates to be specially benefited thereby. The commissioners, before entering upon the duties of their office, shall be severally engaged to the faithful discharge of the trust and duties required of them.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 71, § 32; G.L. 1909, ch. 82, § 35; G.L. 1923, ch. 95, § 35; G.L. 1938, ch. 72, § 35; G.L. 1956, § 24-3-3; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 54.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-3 - Improvement and Grading by Towns › Section 24-3-4. - Assessment of benefits and damages in cities.

§ 24-3-4. Assessment of benefits and damages in cities.
Whenever the city council of any city shall adjudge it to be necessary to lay out, enlarge, straighten, improve or alter any street or highway, or any part thereof, in the city, and any lands shall be required for the purpose aforesaid, and the city council shall be of the opinion that any estates will be specially benefited thereby, and the city council shall determine what portion of the damage occasioned by taking any real estate for the aforesaid purpose, not exceeding three-fourths (¾) thereof, shall be assessed upon the owners of estates which the commissioners appointed under this chapter shall find to be specially benefited by making the proposed improvement, whether any part of the estates are taken for the improvement or not (provided, that the owners shall not be assessed in any case beyond the amount that the commissioners shall consider their estates to be specially benefited thereby), the city council of the city shall thereupon proceed in the same manner and with the same powers and authority as is given to town councils in § 24-3-3.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 71, § 33; G.L. 1909, ch. 82, § 36; G.L. 1923, ch. 95, § 36; G.L. 1938, ch. 72, § 36; G.L. 1956, § 24-3-4.