reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-26.8 - Residential Solar Energy Disclosure and Homeowners Bill of Rights Act › Section 39-26.8-11. - Division enforcement authority — Administrative fine.

§ 39-26.8-11. Division enforcement authority — Administrative fine.
(a)
Subject to subsection (b) of this section, the division may enforce the provisions of this chapter by:
(1)
Conducting an investigation into an alleged violation of this chapter;
(2)
Issuing a cease-and-desist order against a further violation of this chapter; and
(3)
Imposing an administrative fine of no more than two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) per solar agreement on a solar retailer that:
(i)
Materially fails to comply with the disclosure requirements of this chapter; or
(ii)
Violates any other provision of this chapter, if the division finds that the violation is a willful or intentional attempt to mislead or deceive a customer.
(b)
The division may not commence any enforcement action under this section more than four (4) years after the date of execution of the solar agreement with respect to which a violation is alleged to have occurred.
(c)
The division shall distribute an administrative fine collected under subsection (a)(3) of this section to a customer adversely affected by the solar retailer’s failure or violation resulting in a fine under subsection (a)(3) of this section, after the division has conducted an administrative proceeding resulting in a determination of the appropriateness and amount of any distribution to a customer.
(d)
Nothing in this chapter may be construed to affect a remedy a customer has independent of this chapter; or the division’s ability or authority to enforce any other law or regulation.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 255, § 1, effective June 28, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 256, § 1, effective June 28, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-26.8 - Residential Solar Energy Disclosure and Homeowners Bill of Rights Act › Section 39-26.8-12. - Rules and regulations.

§ 39-26.8-12. Rules and regulations.
The division may promulgate such rules and regulations as are necessary and proper to carry out the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 255, § 1, effective June 28, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 256, § 1, effective June 28, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-26.9 - Labor Standards in Renewable Energy Projects › Section 39-26.9-1. - Short title.

§ 39-26.9-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as “Labor Standards in Renewable Energy Projects.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 380, § 1, effective January 1, 2023; P.L. 2022, ch. 381, § 1, effective January 1, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-26.9 - Labor Standards in Renewable Energy Projects › Section 39-26.9-2. - Definitions.

§ 39-26.9-2. Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter:
(1)
“Approved apprenticeship program” or “apprenticeship program” means an apprenticeship program that has been approved by the U.S. Department of Labor, or by a recognized state apprenticeship agency, pursuant to 29 C.F.R. Parts 29 and 30; however, such programs shall not include those that have obtained only provisional approval status. The required apprenticeship programs may either be programs that have specifically allocated funding and are subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, 29 U.S.C. § 1001 et seq. (“ERISA”), or non-ERISA programs financed by general funds of employers.
(2)
“Covered project” means a renewable energy project that:
(i)
Utilizes renewable energy resources;
(ii)
Is situated on land;
(iii)
Is situated on or in water;
(iv)
Has a construction commencement date on or after April 1, 2023;
(v)
Has a total nameplate capacity of one megawatt (1 MW) or more in aggregate size; and
(vi)
Is constructed and/or operated pursuant to chapter 26.1, 26.4, or 26.6 of this title.
(3)
“Department” means the department of labor and training.
(4)
“Director” means the director of the department of labor and training.
(5)
“Labor organization” means any organization that exists and is constituted for the purpose, in whole or in part, of collective bargaining, or of dealing with employers concerning grievances, terms or conditions of employment, or of other mutual aid or protection and that is not a company union as defined in § 28-7-3.
(6)
“Labor peace agreement” means an agreement between an entity and a labor organization that, at a minimum, protects the state’s proprietary interest by prohibiting labor organizations and members from engaging in picketing, work stoppages, boycotts, and any other economic interference during the deployment of a covered project. This agreement means that the applicant has agreed not to disrupt efforts by the labor organizations to communicate with, and attempt to organize and represent, the applicant’s employees. This requirement shall not be applicable to maintenance work performed on renewable energy solar projects.
(7)
“Renewable energy project” means the construction, installation, use, maintenance, operation, changing, or retiring of a renewable energy resource.
(8)
“Renewable energy resources” means any renewable power generation source listed in § 39-26-5(a).
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 380, § 1, effective January 1, 2023; P.L. 2022, ch. 381, § 1, effective January 1, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 241, § 1, effective June 22, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-26.9 - Labor Standards in Renewable Energy Projects › Section 39-26.9-4. - Labor peace agreement.

§ 39-26.9-4. Labor peace agreement.
The owner or developer of a covered project or a third party acting on behalf of the owner or developer, as a condition of any agreement with a public entity, shall enter into a labor peace agreement with a labor organization actively representing employees providing necessary operations for the renewable energy system.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 380, § 1, effective January 1, 2023; P.L. 2022, ch. 381, § 1, effective January 1, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-26.9 - Labor Standards in Renewable Energy Projects › Section 39-26.9-5. - Prevailing wage payment for construction, operation and maintenance employees.

§ 39-26.9-5. Prevailing wage payment for construction, operation and maintenance employees.
(a)
Each contractor and subcontractor on a covered project shall:
(1)
Pay each construction employee wages and benefits that are not less than the prevailing wage and fringe benefit rates in compliance with chapter 13 of title 37 for the corresponding classification in which the employee is employed; and
(2)
Be subject to all reporting and compliance requirements of chapter 13 of title 37.
(b)
Contractors and subcontractors that violate subsection (a)(1) of this section shall be subject to penalties and sanctions in accordance with chapter 13 of title 37.
(c)
Each operations and maintenance employee employed in a building or facility that is constructed as a covered project shall be paid wages and benefits that are not less than the prevailing wage and fringe benefit rates in compliance with chapter 13 of title 37.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 380, § 1, effective January 1, 2023; P.L. 2022, ch. 381, § 1, effective January 1, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-26.9 - Labor Standards in Renewable Energy Projects › Section 39-26.9-6. - Sworn certification of compliance.

§ 39-26.9-6. Sworn certification of compliance.
(a)
The developer of a covered project shall submit to the department a sworn certification of compliance with this chapter, not later than thirty (30) days prior to commencement of construction of the project. The sworn certification shall be considered a public document and shall be made available, without redaction, on the department’s website not later than seven (7) days after being submitted to the department.
(b)
If the sworn certification contains false, misleading, or materially inaccurate information, the contractor or subcontractor that executed the sworn certification shall, after notice and opportunity to be heard, be subject to penalties and sanctions by the department.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 380, § 1, effective January 1, 2023; P.L. 2022, ch. 381, § 1, effective January 1, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-26.9 - Labor Standards in Renewable Energy Projects › Section 39-26.9-7. - Payment of wages due.

§ 39-26.9-7. Payment of wages due.
The department is hereby authorized and directed to pay to mechanics, laborers, and workers, from any accrued payments withheld under the terms of a terminated public works’ contract, any wages found to be due the mechanics, laborers, and workers.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 380, § 1, effective January 1, 2023; P.L. 2022, ch. 381, § 1, effective January 1, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-26.9 - Labor Standards in Renewable Energy Projects › Section 39-26.9-9. - Power and enforcement of the department of labor and training.

§ 39-26.9-9. Power and enforcement of the department of labor and training.
(a)
The director of the department of labor and training and the director’s designated representatives shall have the right to enter any place of business of employment to inspect employment records and to ensure that the provisions of this chapter are complied with as well as the power to administer oaths and examine witnesses, issue subpoenas, compel the attendance of witnesses and production of documents, and to take depositions and affidavits.
(b)
The department of labor and training shall promulgate regulations to implement this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 380, § 1, effective January 1, 2023; P.L. 2022, ch. 381, § 1, effective January 1, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-26.9 - Labor Standards in Renewable Energy Projects › Section 39-26.9-10. - Severability.

§ 39-26.9-10. Severability.
If any provision of this chapter or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the chapter, which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this chapter are declared to be severable.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 380, § 1, effective January 1, 2023; P.L. 2022, ch. 381, § 1, effective January 1, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-27 - The Energy and Consumer Savings Act of 2005 › Section 39-27-1. - General purpose.

§ 39-27-1. General purpose.
This chapter establishes energy and consumer savings by setting minimum efficiency standards for certain products sold or installed in the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 136, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 146, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-27 - The Energy and Consumer Savings Act of 2005 › Section 39-27-2. - Findings.

§ 39-27-2. Findings.
The legislature finds that:
(a)
Efficiency standards for certain products sold or installed in the state assure consumers and businesses that such products meet minimum efficiency performance levels, thus saving money on utility bills.
(b)
The efficiency standards save energy and thus reduce pollution and other environmental impacts associated with the production, distribution, and use of electricity and natural gas.
(c)
The efficiency standards can make electricity systems more reliable by reducing the strain on the electricity grid during peak demand periods. Furthermore, improved energy efficiency can reduce or delay the need for new power plants, power-transmission lines, and power-distribution system upgrades.
(d)
Energy efficiency standards contribute to the economy of this state by helping to better balance energy supply and demand, thus reducing pressure for higher natural gas and electricity prices. By saving consumers and businesses money on energy bills, efficiency standards help the state and local economy, since energy bill savings can be spent on local goods and services.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 136, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 146, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-27 - The Energy and Consumer Savings Act of 2005 › Section 39-27-4. - Scope.

§ 39-27-4. Scope.
(a)
The provisions of this chapter apply to the following types of new products sold, offered for sale, or installed in the state:
(1)
Automatic commercial icemakers;
(2)
Commercial clothes washers;
(3)
Commercial pre-rinse spray valves;
(4)
Commercial refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezers;
(5)
High-intensity discharge lamp ballasts;
(6)
Illuminated exit signs;
(7)
Large packaged air-conditioning equipment;
(8)
Low-voltage dry-type distribution transformers;
(9)
Metal-halide lamp fixtures;
(10)
Single-voltage external AC to DC power supplies;
(11)
Torchieres;
(12)
Traffic signal modules; and
(13)
Unit heaters.
(b)
The provisions of this chapter also apply to the following types of new products sold, offered for sale, or installed in the state:
(1)
Bottle-type water dispensers;
(2)
Commercial hot food holding cabinets;
(3)
Residential boilers and residential furnaces;
(4)
State-regulated incandescent reflector lamps; and
(5)
Walk-in refrigerators and walk-in freezers.
(c)
The provisions of this chapter do not apply to:
(1)
New products manufactured in the state and sold outside the state;
(2)
New products manufactured outside the state and sold at wholesale inside the state for final retail sale and installation outside the state;
(3)
Products installed in mobile manufactured homes at the time of construction; or
(4)
Products designed expressly for installation and use in recreational vehicles.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 136, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 146, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 177, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 288, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-27 - The Energy and Consumer Savings Act of 2005 › Section 39-27-6. - Implementation.

§ 39-27-6. Implementation.
(a)
No new commercial clothes washer, commercial pre-rinse spray valve, high-intensity discharge lamp ballast, illuminated exit sign, low-voltage dry-type distribution transformer, torchiere, traffic signal module, or unit heater after January 1, 2007, may be sold or offered for sale in the state unless the efficiency of the new product meets or exceeds the efficiency standards set forth in the regulations adopted pursuant to § 39-27-5. No bottle-type water dispenser, commercial hot food holding cabinet, metal-halide lamp fixture, single-voltage external AC to DC power supply, state-regulated incandescent reflector lamp, or walk-in refrigerator or walk-in freezer manufactured on or after January 1, 2008, may be sold or offered for sale in the state unless the efficiency of the new product meets or exceeds the efficiency standards set forth in the regulations adopted pursuant to § 39-27-5. No new automatic commercial icemaker, commercial refrigerator, refrigerator-freezer, or freezer or large packaged air-conditioning equipment manufactured on or after January 1, 2010, may be sold or offered for sale in the state unless the efficiency of the new product meets or exceeds the efficiency standards set forth in the regulations adopted pursuant to § 39-27-5.
(b)
No later than six (6) months after the effective date of this chapter, the chief of energy and community services, in consultation with the attorney general, shall determine if implementation of state standards for residential furnaces and residential boilers requires a waiver from federal preemption. If the chief of energy and community services determines that a waiver from federal preemption is not needed, then no new residential furnace or residential boiler manufactured on or after January 1, 2008, or the date that is one year after the date of the determination, if later, may be sold or offered for sale in the state unless the efficiency of the new product meets or exceeds the efficiency standards set forth in the regulations adopted pursuant to § 39-27-5. If the chief of energy and community services determines that a waiver from federal preemption is required, then the chief of energy and community services shall apply for the waiver within one year of the determination and upon approval of such waiver application, the applicable state standards shall go into effect at the earliest date permitted by federal law.
(c)
One year after the date upon which sale or offering for sale of certain products is limited pursuant to this section, no new products may be installed for compensation in the state unless the efficiency of the new product meets or exceeds the efficiency standards set forth in the regulations adopted pursuant to § 39-27-5.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 136, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 146, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 177, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 288, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-27 - The Energy and Consumer Savings Act of 2005 › Section 39-27-7. - New and revised standards.

§ 39-27-7. New and revised standards.
The commission may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 35 of title 42, to establish increased efficiency standards for the products listed in § 39-27-4. In considering such amended standards, the commission, in consultation with the chief of energy and community services, shall set efficiency standards upon a determination that increased efficiency standards would serve to promote energy conservation in the state and would be cost-effective for consumers who purchase and use such products; provided, that increased efficiency standards shall become effective within one year following the adoption of any amended regulations establishing such increased efficiency standards.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 136, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 146, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-27 - The Energy and Consumer Savings Act of 2005 › Section 39-27-9. - Severability of provisions.

§ 39-27-9. Severability of provisions.
The provisions of this chapter shall be severable and if the application of any clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, section or part of this chapter shall be adjudged by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, the judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the application of any other clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, section or part of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 136, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 146, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-27.1 - Appliance and Equipment Energy and Water Efficiency Standards Act of 2021 › Section 39-27.1-1. - General purpose.

§ 39-27.1-1. General purpose.
This chapter establishes minimum efficiency standards for certain products sold or installed in the state. This chapter shall, upon enactment, be construed to supersede any conflicting provisions of chapter 27 of this title, “The Energy and Consumer Savings Act of 2005.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 361, § 2, effective July 12, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 363, § 2, effective July 12, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-27.1 - Appliance and Equipment Energy and Water Efficiency Standards Act of 2021 › Section 39-27.1-3. - Scope.

§ 39-27.1-3. Scope.
(a)
The provisions of this chapter apply to:
(1)
Commercial dishwashers;
(2)
Commercial fryers;
(3)
Commercial hot-food holding cabinets;
(4)
Commercial ovens;
(5)
Commercial steam cookers;
(6)
Electric vehicle supply equipment;
(7)
Faucets;
(8)
Gas fireplaces;
(9)
Portable electric spas;
(10)
Residential ventilating fans;
(11)
Showerheads;
(12)
Spray sprinkler bodies;
(13)
Urinals;
(14)
Water closets; and
(15)
Water coolers.
(b)
The provisions of this chapter do not apply to:
(1)
New products manufactured in the state and sold outside the state;
(2)
New products manufactured outside the state and sold at wholesale inside the state for final retail sale and installation outside the state;
(3)
Products installed in mobile manufactured homes at the time of construction; or
(4)
Products designed expressly for installation and use in recreational vehicles.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 361, § 2, effective July 12, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 363, § 2, effective July 12, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-27.1 - Appliance and Equipment Energy and Water Efficiency Standards Act of 2021 › Section 39-27.1-5. - Implementation.

§ 39-27.1-5. Implementation.
(a)
No commercial dishwasher, commercial fryer, commercial hot-food holding cabinet, commercial oven, commercial steam cooker, electric vehicle supply equipment, faucet, gas fireplace, portable electric spa, residential ventilating fan, showerhead, spray sprinkler body, urinal, water closet, or water cooler manufactured on or after January 1, 2023, may be sold or offered for sale, lease, or rent in the state unless the new product meets the requirements of the standards provided in this chapter.
(b)
One year after the date upon which the sale or offering for sale of certain products becomes subject to the requirements of subsection (a) of this section, no such products may be installed for compensation in the state unless the efficiency of the new product meets or exceeds the efficiency standards provided in § 39-27.1-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 361, § 2, effective July 12, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 363, § 2, effective July 12, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-27.1 - Appliance and Equipment Energy and Water Efficiency Standards Act of 2021 › Section 39-27.1-6. - New and revised standards.

§ 39-27.1-6. New and revised standards.
The commissioner may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 35 of title 42, to establish increased efficiency standards for the products listed or incorporated in § 39-27.1-3. In considering the new or amended standards, the commissioner shall set efficiency standards upon a determination that increased efficiency standards would serve to promote energy or water conservation in the state and would be cost effective for consumers who purchase and use these new products; provided that, no new or increased efficiency standards shall become effective within one year following the adoption of any amended regulations establishing such increased efficiency standards.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 361, § 2, effective July 12, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 363, § 2, effective July 12, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-27.1 - Appliance and Equipment Energy and Water Efficiency Standards Act of 2021 › Section 39-27.1-8. - Severability.

§ 39-27.1-8. Severability.
If any provision of this chapter or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the chapter, which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this chapter are declared to be severable.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 361, § 2, effective July 12, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 363, § 2, effective July 12, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-27.1 - Appliance and Equipment Energy and Water Efficiency Standards Act of 2021 › Section 39-27.1-9. - Effective date.

§ 39-27.1-9. Effective date.
This act shall take effect July 12, 2021, and shall be construed to supersede any conflicting provisions of chapter 27 of this title, “The Energy and Consumer Savings Act of 2005.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 361, § 2, effective July 12, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 363, § 2, effective July 12, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-28 - Broadband Deployment and Investment Act › Section 39-28-1. - Findings.

§ 39-28-1. Findings.
The Rhode Island general assembly finds that growth and enhancement of services using internet protocol technology provide Rhode Island consumers more choice in voice, data, and video services than at any other time. The proliferation of new technologies and applications and the growing number of providers developing and offering innovative services using internet protocol are due in large part to little barrier to investment, including freedom from state laws and regulations governing traditional telephone service, that these technologies have enjoyed in Rhode Island, as well as recognition that federal law is more uniform in its oversight of internet protocol-enabled services. The economic benefits, including consumer choice, new jobs, and significant capital investment, will be jeopardized and competition minimized by the imposition of traditional state entry, rate, and service-term regulation on voice over internet protocol service and internet protocol-enabled service.
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 86, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 94, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-28 - Broadband Deployment and Investment Act › Section 39-28-2. - Definitions.

§ 39-28-2. Definitions.
For the purpose of this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(1)
“Voice over internet protocol service” or “VoIP service” means any service that:
(i)
Enables real-time, two-way voice communications that originate from or terminate at the user’s location in internet protocol or any successor protocol;
(ii)
Uses a broadband connection from the user’s location; and
(iii)
Permits users generally to receive calls that originate on the public switched telephone network and to terminate calls to the public switched telephone network.
(2)
“Internet protocol-enabled service” or “IP-enabled service” means any service, capability, functionality, or application provided, except that as provided in subsection (1), using internet protocol, or any successor protocol, that enables an end-user to send or receive a communication in internet protocol format or any successor format.
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 86, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 94, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-28 - Broadband Deployment and Investment Act › Section 39-28-3. - Regulation.

§ 39-28-3. Regulation.
Notwithstanding any general or public law to the contrary, and with the exception of the provisions of § 39-28-4, no department, agency, commission, or political subdivision of Rhode Island shall enact, adopt, or enforce, either directly or indirectly, any law, rule, regulation, ordinance, standard, order, or other provision having the force or effect of law that regulates, or has the effect of regulating, the entry, rates, terms, or conditions of VoIP service or IP-enabled service.
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 86, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 94, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-28 - Broadband Deployment and Investment Act › Section 39-28-4. - Unaffected fees.

§ 39-28-4. Unaffected fees.
Nothing in this act shall be construed to affect, mandate, or prohibit the assessment of nondiscriminatory enhanced 911 fees, telecommunications relay service fees, or the telecommunications education access fund surcharge under § 39-1-61.
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 86, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 94, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-28 - Broadband Deployment and Investment Act › Section 39-28-5. - Rights or obligations of carriers.

§ 39-28-5. Rights or obligations of carriers.
Nothing in this act shall be construed to modify or affect the rights or obligations of any carrier pursuant to 47 U.S.C. § 251 or 47 U.S.C. § 252.
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 86, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 94, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-28 - Broadband Deployment and Investment Act › Section 39-28-6. - Effect on tax obligations or authority.

§ 39-28-6. Effect on tax obligations or authority.
Nothing in this act shall be construed to modify or affect any tax obligations imposed by § 44-13-4 or the authority of the department of revenue to enforce any such obligations.
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 86, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 94, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-28 - Broadband Deployment and Investment Act › Section 39-28-7. - No derogation of attorney general.

§ 39-28-7. No derogation of attorney general.
Nothing in this chapter shall derogate from the common law or statutory authority of the attorney general, nor shall any provision be construed as a limitation on the common law or statutory authority of the attorney general, including, but not limited to, the authority to enforce consumer protection or unfair or deceptive trade practice statutes and regulations.
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 86, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 94, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-29 - Wireless Telephone Regulatory Modernization Act › Section 39-29-1. - Jurisdiction over wireless service.

§ 39-29-1. Jurisdiction over wireless service.
Notwithstanding any general or public law to the contrary, the commission and the division shall have no jurisdiction or authority over wireless service.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 121, § 3; P.L. 2013, ch. 135, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-29 - Wireless Telephone Regulatory Modernization Act › Section 39-29-2. - Authority unaffected.

§ 39-29-2. Authority unaffected.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to modify or affect the jurisdiction or authority of the commission or the division over exchange-access rates or the rights or obligations of any carrier pursuant to 47 U.S.C. § 251 or 47 U.S.C. § 252. Nor shall this chapter be construed to modify or affect the authority of the commission to designate eligible telecommunications carriers pursuant to federal law.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 121, § 3; P.L. 2013, ch. 135, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-29 - Wireless Telephone Regulatory Modernization Act › Section 39-29-3. - Residential local exchange service.

§ 39-29-3. Residential local exchange service.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to modify the jurisdiction or authority of the commission or the division over standalone residential local exchange service, meaning residential service that only provides access to E-911 and voice telephone calling wholly within a local service calling area on a measured or unlimited service basis.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 121, § 3; P.L. 2013, ch. 135, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-29 - Wireless Telephone Regulatory Modernization Act › Section 39-29-4. - Consumer protection.

§ 39-29-4. Consumer protection.
Nothing in this chapter shall derogate from or be construed as a limitation on the common law or statutory authority of the attorney general to enforce consumer protection or unfair or deceptive trade practice statutes and regulations.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 121, § 3; P.L. 2013, ch. 135, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-29 - Wireless Telephone Regulatory Modernization Act › Section 39-29-5. - Unaffected fees.

§ 39-29-5. Unaffected fees.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to affect, mandate, or prohibit the assessment of nondiscriminatory enhanced 911 fees, telecommunications education access fund fees, or telecommunications relay service fees.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 121, § 3; P.L. 2013, ch. 135, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-29 - Wireless Telephone Regulatory Modernization Act › Section 39-29-6. - No effect on tax obligations.

§ 39-29-6. No effect on tax obligations.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to modify or affect any tax obligations imposed by § 44-13-4.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 121, § 3; P.L. 2013, ch. 135, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-30 - Municipal Streetlight Investment Act › Section 39-30-1. - Findings and purposes.

§ 39-30-1. Findings and purposes.
(a)
The Rhode Island general assembly finds and declares that:
(1)
Taxpayers are mandated to pay the electric distribution company large sums every year to light municipal and many state-owned streets;
(2)
Municipalities are limited in how they can manage this public safety resource because they do not own or control the light fixtures within their borders;
(3)
There is no incentive in the applicable electric-rate tariff for installing energy-efficient lighting technologies that may reduce both power and maintenance expenses;
(4)
There is no provision in the applicable electric-rate tariff for municipalities to work collectively to manage the maintenance of the streetlighting system; and
(5)
Municipalities around the country have saved considerable resources by purchasing their streetlight systems from electric distribution companies and contracting for the maintenance independently.
(b)
Now, therefore, the purpose of this chapter is to reduce municipal streetlighting costs and improve service to citizens by:
(1)
Improving public safety with streetlights that provide better illumination;
(2)
Reducing maintenance costs by allowing municipalities to own the street and area lighting within their borders and to enter into regional maintenance service contracts;
(3)
Reducing whole-system cost through municipal ownership and regional management and by eliminating the current “facilities charge”;
(4)
Providing innovative and proven technologies for more efficient lighting; and
(5)
Providing more responsive service for lighting repairs.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 245, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 367, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-30 - Municipal Streetlight Investment Act › Section 39-30-2. - Definitions.

§ 39-30-2. Definitions.
When used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(1)
“Electric distribution company” means a company defined in § 39-1-2(a)(12), supplying standard-offer service, last-resort service, or any successor service to end-use customers.
(2)
“Lighting equipment” means all equipment used to light streets in the municipality, the operation and maintenance of which is currently charged to the municipality, including lighting ballasts, fixtures, and other equipment necessary for the conversion of electric energy into streetlighting service, but excluding the utility poles upon which the lighting equipment is fixed. Lighting equipment shall include, but not be limited to, decorative street and area lighting equipment and solid-state (LED) lighting technologies.
(3)
“Office” means the office of energy resources.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 245, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 367, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-30 - Municipal Streetlight Investment Act › Section 39-30-4. - Liberal construction.

§ 39-30-4. Liberal construction.
The provisions of this chapter shall be liberally construed to give effect to the purposes thereof.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 245, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 367, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-30 - Municipal Streetlight Investment Act › Section 39-30-5. - Severability.

§ 39-30-5. Severability.
If any provision of this chapter or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the chapter that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this chapter are declared to be severable.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 245, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 367, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-31 - Affordable Clean Energy Security Act › Section 39-31-1. - Legislative findings.

§ 39-31-1. Legislative findings.
The general assembly finds and declares:
(1)
The state and New England face significant short- and long-term energy system challenges that may undermine the reliable operation of the bulk electric system and spur unsustainable levels of price volatility, and that these challenges may have a substantial impact on energy affordability for ratepayers and undermine the economic competitiveness of our state by serving as a detriment to capital investment and job growth; and
(2)
Planned retirements of fossil-fuel, nuclear, and other electric generators, along with lack of new interstate natural-gas-pipeline infrastructure and capacity into the region, may exacerbate these conditions; and
(3)
Rhode Island benefits from a holistic energy strategy that pursues both local investment in clean-energy resources, such as energy efficiency and renewable distributed generation, and regional investment in energy infrastructure projects that strengthen system reliability and diversify our supply portfolio. The combination of these strategies advances our economic development interests and environmental quality; and
(4)
Rhode Island is committed to the increased use of no- and low-carbon energy resources that diversify our energy supply portfolio, provide affordable energy to consumers, and strengthen our shared quality of life and environment, and new energy infrastructure investments may help facilitate the development and interconnection of these resources; and
(5)
Rhode Island is part of an integrated, regional energy system and addressing these challenges, while meeting state policy goals, requires a coordinated, multistate approach built upon collaboration and utilizing appropriate expertise and stakeholder processes of regional entities including, but not limited to, the New England States Committee on Electricity, ISO-New England, Inc., and the New England Power Pool that takes into account affordability, energy security, reliability, fuel diversity, and environmental sustainability.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 424, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 477, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-31 - Affordable Clean Energy Security Act › Section 39-31-2. - Purpose.

§ 39-31-2. Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to:
(1)
Secure the future of the Rhode Island and New England economies, and their shared environment, by making state and/or coordinated, cost-effective, strategic investments in energy resources and infrastructure such that the New England states improve energy system reliability and security; enhance economic competitiveness by reducing energy costs to attract new investment and job growth opportunities; and protect the quality of life and environment for all residents and businesses;
(2)
Utilize state and/or coordinated competitive processes, in collaboration with other New England states and their instrumentalities, to advance strategic investment in energy infrastructure and energy resources, provided that the total energy security, reliability, environmental, and economic benefits to the state of Rhode Island and its ratepayers exceed the costs of the projects, and ensure that the benefits and costs of the energy infrastructure investments are shared appropriately among the New England States; and
(3)
Encourage an approach to energy policy that advances the objectives of achieving a reliable, clean-energy future that is consistent with meeting greenhouse gas reduction goals as established by chapter 6.2 of title 42 (the “2021 act on climate”) at reasonable cost to ratepayers.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 424, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 477, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 372, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 373, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-31 - Affordable Clean Energy Security Act › Section 39-31-3. - Commercially reasonable defined.

§ 39-31-3. Commercially reasonable defined.
When used in this chapter, “commercially reasonable” means terms and pricing that are reasonably consistent with what an experienced power market analyst would expect to see in transactions involving regional energy resources and regional energy infrastructure. Commercially reasonable shall include having a credible project operation date, as determined by the commission, but a project need not have completed the requisite permitting process to be considered commercially reasonable. Commercially reasonable shall require a determination by the commission that the benefits to Rhode Island exceed the cost of the project. The commission shall determine, based on the preponderance of the evidence, that the total energy security, reliability, environmental, and economic benefits to the state of Rhode Island and its ratepayers exceed the costs of such projects. If there is a dispute about whether any terms or pricing are commercially reasonable, the commission shall make the final determination after evidentiary hearings.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 424, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 477, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-31 - Affordable Clean Energy Security Act › Section 39-31-5. - State and regional energy procurement.

§ 39-31-5. State and regional energy procurement.
(a)
Consistent with the purposes of this chapter, the public utility company that provides electric distribution as defined in § 39-1-2(a)(12), as well as natural gas as defined in § 39-1-2(a)(17), in consultation with the office of energy resources and the division of public utilities and carriers is authorized to voluntarily participate in state, multistate, or regional efforts to:
(1)
Procure domestic or international large- or small-scale hydroelectric power and eligible renewable energy resources, including wind, as defined by § 39-26-5(a), on behalf of electric ratepayers; provided, however, that large-scale hydroelectric power shall not be eligible under the renewable energy standard established by chapter 26 of this title;
(2)
Procure incremental, natural-gas-pipeline infrastructure and capacity into New England to help strengthen energy system reliability and facilitate the economic interests of the state and its ratepayers;
(3)
Support the development and filing of necessary tariffs and other appropriate cost-recovery mechanisms, as proposed by the office of energy resources or the division of public utilities and carriers, that allocate the costs of new, electric-transmission and natural-gas-pipeline infrastructure and capacity projects selected pursuant to the provisions of this chapter to ratepayers, such that costs are shared among participating states in an equitable manner; and
(4)
To the extent that the public utility company that provides electric distribution as defined in § 39-1-2(a)(12), as well as natural gas as defined in § 39-1-2(a)(17), pursues the objectives identified above, the public utility company shall utilize all appropriate, competitive processes, and maintain compliance with applicable federal and state siting laws.
(b)
Any procurement authorized under this section shall be commercially reasonable.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 424, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 477, § 1; P.L. 2020, ch. 79, art. 1, § 24; P.L. 2022, ch. 372, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 373, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-31 - Affordable Clean Energy Security Act › Section 39-31-8. - Verification of energy generation and attributes of imported electricity.

§ 39-31-8. Verification of energy generation and attributes of imported electricity.
Energy generation and the attributes of electricity imported into New England shall be tracked and verified through the expansion of the New England Pool — Generation Information System or the development of another appropriate tracking and verification mechanism.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 424, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 477, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-31 - Affordable Clean Energy Security Act › Section 39-31-9. - Siting of regional energy infrastructure.

§ 39-31-9. Siting of regional energy infrastructure.
All regional or multistate energy infrastructure projects authorized under this chapter shall respect and maintain compliance with the individual project host state’s siting authority and requirements. Any projects selected pursuant to this chapter must maintain compliance with Rhode Island energy facility siting act requirements, where applicable, as authorized under chapter 98 of title 42.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 424, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 477, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-31 - Affordable Clean Energy Security Act › Section 39-31-11. - Financial remuneration and incentives.

§ 39-31-11. Financial remuneration and incentives.
In order to achieve the purposes of this chapter, electric distribution companies shall be entitled to financial remuneration and incentives for long-term contracts for newly developed renewable energy resources, which are over and above the base rate revenue requirement established in its cost of service for distribution ratemaking. Such remuneration and incentives shall compensate the electric distribution company for accepting the financial obligation of the long-term contracts. For long-term contracts approved pursuant to this chapter on or after January 1, 2022, the financial remuneration and incentives shall be in the form of annual compensation up to one percent (1.0%) of the actual annual payments made under the contracts through December 31, 2026, for those projects that are commercially operating. For long-term contracts approved pursuant to this chapter on or after January 1, 2027, financial remuneration and incentives shall not be applied, unless otherwise granted by the commission. For any calendar year in which the electric distribution company’s actual return on equity exceeds the return on equity allowed by the commission in the electric distribution company’s last general rate case, the commission shall have the authority to adjust any or all remuneration paid to the electric distribution company pursuant to this section in order to assure that such remuneration does not result in or contribute toward the electric distribution company earning above its allowed return for such calendar year.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 372, § 3; P.L. 2022, ch. 373, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-31 - Affordable Clean Energy Security Act › Section 39-31-12. - Bid fees.

§ 39-31-12. Bid fees.
Bidders submitting project proposals responsive to any competitive procurements issued pursuant to this chapter may be charged bid fees by the electric distribution company to pay for all reasonable costs of consultants and counsel that may be hired by the Rhode Island office of energy resources, the division of public utilities and carriers, the commerce corporation, and/or the department of environmental management to meet the requirements of this chapter, up to a cap of two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) per agency. Any bid fees collected by the electric distribution company for purposes of implementing this section must be specified in procurement documents. The electric distribution company shall be required to transfer to each agency any invoiced funds within thirty (30) days of invoice receipt.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 372, § 3; P.L. 2022, ch. 373, § 3.