reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-2 - Bowling Alleys, Billiard Tables, and Shooting Galleries › Section 5-2-4. - Providence — Regulation of bowling alleys.

§ 5-2-4. Providence — Regulation of bowling alleys.
The bureau of licenses of the city of Providence may regulate bowling alleys in that city and make orders as to the manner of building and the hours of using bowling alleys; and in case an order is disobeyed, may issue their warrant, directed to the city sergeant or to any town constable, commanding him or her to take up and destroy any bowling alley kept in violation of that order; and every city sergeant or constable to whom a warrant is delivered shall immediately execute the warrant.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 104, § 6; G.L. 1909, ch. 125, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 130, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 363, § 4; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2721, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 5-2-4; P.L. 2015, ch. 260, § 3; P.L. 2015, ch. 275, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-2 - Bowling Alleys, Billiard Tables, and Shooting Galleries › Section 5-2-5. - Licenses for shooting galleries required.

§ 5-2-5. Licenses for shooting galleries required.
Every person who keeps any pistol gallery, rifle gallery, or other building, or other enclosure in any city or town of this state, where firearms are used, without a license from the city council or other licensing authority of the city or the town council of the town, shall be fined two hundred dollars ($200) for the first offense, and five hundred dollars ($500) for each subsequent offense.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 104, § 2; P.L. 1898, ch. 547, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 125, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 130, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 363, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 5-2-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-2 - Bowling Alleys, Billiard Tables, and Shooting Galleries › Section 5-2-6. - Tax on bowling alleys and shooting galleries.

§ 5-2-6. Tax on bowling alleys and shooting galleries.
The city or town council of each city or town shall assess, levy, and collect a tax not exceeding twenty-five dollars ($25.00) nor less than five dollars ($5.00) per annum on every person who owns or keeps a bowling alley or box ball alley in the city or town, except in the city of Providence, for each bowling alley or box ball alley kept by him or her; and a tax not exceeding two hundred dollars ($200) per annum for each bowling alley in the city of Providence on its owner or keeper; and a tax not exceeding two hundred dollars ($200) per annum for each pistol gallery, rifle gallery, or other building or enclosure referred to in § 5-2-5 on its owner or keeper.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 104, § 7; P.L. 1906, ch. 1323, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 125, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 130, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 363, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 5-2-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-2 - Bowling Alleys, Billiard Tables, and Shooting Galleries › Section 5-2-7. - Bowling alley tax assessed against owner or occupant of building.

§ 5-2-7. Bowling alley tax assessed against owner or occupant of building.
The city or town council may assess, levy, and collect the tax referred to in § 5-2-6, for any bowling alley or box ball alley, of any person who owns or occupies the house or building in which the bowling alley or box ball alley is kept.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 104, § 8; P.L. 1906, ch. 1323, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 125, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 130, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 363, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 5-2-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-2 - Bowling Alleys, Billiard Tables, and Shooting Galleries › Section 5-2-8. - Collection and disposition of taxes.

§ 5-2-8. Collection and disposition of taxes.
The taxes referred to in § 5-2-6 shall be collected in the manner prescribed for the collection of city or town taxes and appropriated to the use of the city or town in which the tax is collected.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 104, § 9; G.L. 1909, ch. 125, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 130, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 363, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 5-2-8; P.L. 1959, ch. 130, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-2 - Bowling Alleys, Billiard Tables, and Shooting Galleries › Section 5-2-9. - Sunday operation of bowling alleys and billiard tables.

§ 5-2-9. Sunday operation of bowling alleys and billiard tables.
(a)
Town or city councils or licensing authorities in any city or town may permit licensees operating bowling alleys, or persons paying a tax for the operation of a bowling alley, to operate rooms or places where bowling, or playing of billiards, or pocket billiards at establishments with three (3) or more billiard tables for a fee or charge may be engaged in by patrons of those rooms or places on the first day of the week, subject to any restrictions and regulations that the city or town council or licensing authority designates; provided, that the operation of bowling alleys or rooms or places where bowling, playing of billiards, or pocket billiards at establishments with three (3) or more billiard tables for a fee or charge is permitted on the first day of the week only between the hours of one o’clock (1:00) p.m. and twelve o’clock (12:00) midnight; and provided, that no bowling alley or rooms or places where bowling, playing of billiards, or pocket billiards for a fee or charge is operated on the first day of the week within two hundred feet (200′) of a place of public worship used for public worship.
(b)
The operation of any bowling alley, room, or place between any hour on the last day of the week and one o’clock (1:00) a.m. on the first day of the week is not a violation of this section.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 129, § 23, as enacted by P.L. 1936, ch. 2398, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 362, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 5-2-9; P.L. 1960, ch. 96, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 231, art. 3, § 2, effective June 27, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-2 - Bowling Alleys, Billiard Tables, and Shooting Galleries › Section 5-2-10. - Licensing of billiard, bagatelle, pool, scippio tables and game rooms.

§ 5-2-10. Licensing of billiard, bagatelle, pool, scippio tables and game rooms.
(a)
No person shall keep a billiard table, bagatelle table, pool table, scippio table, or any table of a similar character, in any saloon, shop, or place of business within this state, or own or keep any billiard, bagatelle, pool, or scippio table, or any table of a similar character, for public use or profit within this state, or operate a pinball or game room without a license from the city or town council of the city or town where the table is kept or used, first had and obtained. The city or town council may grant or refuse to grant licenses for these tables, and the licenses granted continue for a term not exceeding one year.
(b)
The term “pinball or game room,” as used in this section, means any public place, building, or room where three (3) or more gaming devices, machines, or apparatuses are kept for the use and entertainment of the public; or any place where the purpose of the business is to maintain three (3) or more machines, which, upon the insertion of a coin, slug, token, plate, or disc, may be operated by the public generally for use as a game or amusement whether or not registering a score and whether its operation demands skill or chance or both. The definition of game room is limited to those places that derive their principal source of income from those machines. Each city or town council may by ordinance prescribe any rules and regulations and may by ordinance determine the number of licenses to be issued that they deem necessary for the operation of pinball or game rooms; provided, that no game room located within one thousand feet (1,000′) of any elementary and/or secondary school in the city of Providence may open before four o’clock (4:00) p.m. on any school day.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 104, § 10; G.L. 1909, ch. 125, § 8; G.L. 1923, ch. 130, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 363, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 5-2-10; P.L. 1979, ch. 325, § 1; P.L. 1982, ch. 399, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-2 - Bowling Alleys, Billiard Tables, and Shooting Galleries › Section 5-2-11. - Billiard, bagatelle, pool, and scippio table and game room license fees.

§ 5-2-11. Billiard, bagatelle, pool, and scippio table and game room license fees.
Every person taking a license pursuant to § 5-2-10 shall pay to the city or town treasurer of the city or town granting the license a sum to be fixed by the city or town council granting the license of not less than ten dollars ($10.00) nor more than two hundred dollars ($200), one half (½) of that amount to the use of the town or city and one half (½) of that amount to the use of the state.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 104, § 11; G.L. 1909, ch. 125, § 9; G.L. 1923, ch. 130, § 9; G.L. 1938, ch. 363, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 5-2-11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-2 - Bowling Alleys, Billiard Tables, and Shooting Galleries › Section 5-2-12. - Penalty for maintenance of unlicensed tables.

§ 5-2-12. Penalty for maintenance of unlicensed tables.
Every person who owns, keeps, or uses any billiard table, bagatelle table, pool table, scippio table, or any table of similar character, without first obtaining a license, shall be fined twenty dollars ($20.00) or be imprisoned not exceeding three (3) months for each offense.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 104, § 12; G.L. 1909, ch. 125, § 10; G.L. 1923, ch. 130, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 363, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 5-2-12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-2 - Bowling Alleys, Billiard Tables, and Shooting Galleries › Section 5-2-13. - Permitting use of tables by minors.

§ 5-2-13. Permitting use of tables by minors.
(a)
No person licensed by virtue of this chapter shall permit any table, the use of which has been permitted under a license granted to him or her, to be used by any minor under the age of eighteen (18) years except as provided in this section; and in case of that use being permitted, the person holding the license then forfeits the license, and is liable to the penalty imposed by § 5-2-12.
(b)
A city or town, by ordinance, may authorize any facility operated by a licensed person in which alcoholic beverages are not served to allow a minor sixteen (16) years of age or older to use any table.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 104, § 13; G.L. 1909, ch. 125, § 11; G.L. 1923, ch. 130, § 11; G.L. 1938, ch. 363, § 11; G.L. 1956, § 5-2-13; P.L. 1994, ch. 100, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-2 - Bowling Alleys, Billiard Tables, and Shooting Galleries › Section 5-2-14. - Continuation of powers of boards and bureaus of police commissioners.

§ 5-2-14. Continuation of powers of boards and bureaus of police commissioners.
Whenever the powers conferred in this chapter by law upon city and town councils have been conferred upon boards or bureaus of police commissioners in any city or town, those powers shall continue to be exercised by those boards or bureaus of police commissioners.
History of Section.
G.L. 1909, ch. 125, § 12; G.L. 1923, ch. 130, § 12; G.L. 1938, ch. 363, § 12; G.L. 1956, § 5-2-14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-3.1 - Public Accountancy › Section 5-3.1-1. - Short title.

§ 5-3.1-1. Short title.
This chapter may be cited as the “Accountancy Act.”
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 159, § 2; P.L. 2001, ch. 336, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-3.1 - Public Accountancy › Section 5-3.1-2. - Policy and purpose.

§ 5-3.1-2. Policy and purpose.
It is the policy of this state and the purpose of this chapter:
(1)
To promote the dependability of information that is used for guidance in financial transactions or for accounting for or assessing the financial status or performance of commercial, noncommercial, and governmental enterprises;
(2)
To protect the public interest by requiring that persons professing special competence in accountancy or offering assurance as to the reliability or fairness of presentation of that information demonstrate their qualification to do so, and that persons who have not demonstrated and maintained those qualifications, including, but not limited to, certificate holders not in public practice, not be permitted to hold themselves out as having that special competence or to offer that assurance;
(3)
To regulate the professional conduct of persons licensed as having special competence in accountancy, in all aspects of the practice of public accountancy;
(4)
To establish a public authority competent to prescribe and assess the qualifications of and to regulate the professional conduct of practitioners of public accountancy; and
(5)
To prohibit the use of titles relating to the practice of public accountancy that are likely to mislead the public as to the status or competence of the persons using those titles.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 159, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-3.1 - Public Accountancy › Section 5-3.1-6. - Public accountants.

§ 5-3.1-6. Public accountants.
(a)
Persons who on July 1, 1995, hold an authority as a public accountant and a permit issued under the prior laws of this state may continue to engage in the practice of public accounting in this state as public accountants and may subsequently continue to use the designation “PA”; provided, that those persons continue to hold a permit issued under the laws of this state and otherwise remain in compliance with this chapter.
(b)
Persons who on July 1, 1995, hold an authority as a public accountant but do not hold a permit issued under the prior laws of this state shall no longer engage in the practice of public accounting as public accountants in this state and shall no longer use the term “public accountant” or the designation “PA”; provided, that the board may reinstate the holder of an authority whose permit has been suspended, revoked, or not renewed prior to July 1, 1995, upon application for reinstatement under § 5-3.1-15. An application for reinstatement under § 5-3.1-15 shall include evidence of the applicant’s authority to practice as a public accountant in this state prior to July 1, 1995, and any other evidence that the board requires. Upon reinstatement, the applicant may engage in the practice of public accounting in this state as a public accountant, may hold himself or herself out to the public as a public accountant, and may subsequently use the designation “PA”; provided, that the applicant continues to hold a permit issued under the laws of this state and remains in compliance with this chapter. Notwithstanding these provisions, persons holding an authority on July 1, 1995, who are estopped from obtaining a permit under government employment restrictions, may apply for a permit under § 5-3.1-7 within one year following termination of that employment, and upon obtaining that permit may engage in the practice of public accounting in this state as a public accountant subject to the provisions of this chapter.
(c)
After July 1, 1995, no person, except a person qualified under subsection (a) or (b) of this section, is entitled to an authority or to be issued a permit to practice, or to be known as or hold himself or herself out to the public as a public accountant, or is entitled to exercise the rights of a public accountant under this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 159, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-3.1 - Public Accountancy › Section 5-3.1-11. - Hearing on denial by board.

§ 5-3.1-11. Hearing on denial by board.
Any person or practice unit aggrieved by a decision of the board not to: (1) issue a certificate under § 5-3.1-5, (2) issue a permit to practice under § 5-3.1-7, § 5-3.1-8, or § 5-3.1-9, or (3) renew any permit, as the case may be, may request a hearing before the board on the denial. The request shall be in the form of a written petition, containing any information that the board by rule or regulation requires, and shall be submitted to the board within ten (10) days of the board’s written decision denying the certificate, permit, or renewal.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 159, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-3.1 - Public Accountancy › Section 5-3.1-13. - Revocation or suspension of practice unit permit.

§ 5-3.1-13. Revocation or suspension of practice unit permit.
After notice and a hearing as provided in § 5-3.1-14, the board may revoke or suspend the permit of any practice unit issued under § 5-3.1-9 if at any time the practice unit fails to meet all the qualifications prescribed under § 5-3.1-9. After notice and a hearing as provided in § 5-3.1-14, the board may revoke or suspend the permit of a practice unit issued under § 5-3.1-9, and may censure in writing; limit the scope of practice; impose an administrative fine upon, not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000); or place on probation, all with or without terms, conditions, or limitations, the holder of the permit, for any cause enumerated in § 5-3.1-12 and for any of the following additional causes:
(1)
With respect to any type of partnership and corporate practice units, the revocation or suspension of the certificate or authority of, or the revocation, suspension, or refusal by the board to renew the permit of, any partner, shareholder, or member of the partnership or corporate practice units; and
(2)
Cancellation, revocation, suspension, or refusal to renew the permit of the practice unit, or of any partner, shareholder, or member or of the sole proprietor, to practice public accounting in any other state by that state for any cause other than failure to pay a fee or to meet the requirements of continuing education in that other state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 159, § 2; P.L. 2001, ch. 336, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-3.1 - Public Accountancy › Section 5-3.1-15. - Reinstatement.

§ 5-3.1-15. Reinstatement.
(a)
Upon application in writing or after hearing pursuant to notice, the board may:
(1)
Reissue a certificate to a certified public accountant whose certificate has been revoked or suspended;
(2)
Reissue an authority to a public accountant whose authority has been revoked or suspended; and
(3)
Modify the suspension of or reissue any permit that has been revoked or suspended or that the board has previously refused to renew.
(b)
The board shall specify by rule the manner in which applications under this section are made; the time within which they are made; and the circumstances in which hearings will be held on the applications.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 159, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-3.1 - Public Accountancy › Section 5-3.1-17. - Other activities.

§ 5-3.1-17. Other activities.
In addition to the activities set out in § 5-3.1-3(13), a licensee may engage in one or more kinds of management, advisory, or consulting services, and in the preparation of tax returns and the furnishing of advice on tax matters.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 159, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-3.1 - Public Accountancy › Section 5-3.1-19. - Injunction against unlawful acts.

§ 5-3.1-19. Injunction against unlawful acts.
Whenever, in the judgment of the board, any person or entity has engaged, or is about to engage, in any acts or practices that constitute, or will constitute, a violation of this chapter, the board may make application to the superior court for an order enjoining those acts or practices. Upon a showing by the board that the person or entity has engaged, or is about to engage, in any of those acts or practices, an injunction, restraining order, or any other order that may be appropriate shall be granted by the court without bond. In any instance of the granting of an injunction or order by the superior court under this section, the court shall award the board reasonable attorney’s fees.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 159, § 2; P.L. 2001, ch. 336, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-3.1 - Public Accountancy › Section 5-3.1-20. - Penalty for violations.

§ 5-3.1-20. Penalty for violations.
(a)
Any person or entity who or that violates any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction, shall be subject to:
(1)
In the case of an individual, a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or imprisonment for not more than one year, or both; or
(2)
In the case of an entity, a fine of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000).
(b)
Whenever the board has reason to believe that any person or entity is liable to punishment under this section, it may certify the facts to the attorney general of this state who may, in his or her discretion, cause appropriate proceedings to be brought.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 159, § 2; P.L. 2001, ch. 336, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-3.1 - Public Accountancy › Section 5-3.1-21. - Use of card, sign, or advertisement as evidence — Single act sufficient evidence.

§ 5-3.1-21. Use of card, sign, or advertisement as evidence — Single act sufficient evidence.
The display or presentation of a card, sign, advertisement, or other printed, engraved, or written instrument or device bearing a person’s or entity’s name in conjunction with the words “certified public accountant,” “certified public accountants,” “public accountant,” or “public accountants,” or any abbreviation of those words, except as permitted by this chapter, is prima facie evidence in any action brought under § 5-3.1-19 or § 5-3.1-20 that the person or entity whose name is displayed caused or procured the display or presentation of that card, sign, advertisement, or other printed, engraved, or written instrument or device and that the person or entity is holding himself, herself, or itself out to the public as a certified public accountant or public accountant, or as a practice unit composed of certified public accountants and/or public accountants. In that action, evidence of the commission of a single act prohibited by this chapter is sufficient to justify an injunction, and a conviction need not be established for that purpose.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 159, § 2; P.L. 2001, ch. 336, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 308, art. 1, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-3.1 - Public Accountancy › Section 5-3.1-22. - Ownership of accountants’ working papers.

§ 5-3.1-22. Ownership of accountants’ working papers.
All statements, records, schedules, working papers, memoranda, and any other data, including, but not limited to, a data bank, that are retained by a practice unit incident to or in the course of professional services rendered to clients, except reports submitted by the practice unit to a client, are and remain the property of that practice unit in the absence of an express agreement to the contrary between the practice unit and the client. No statement, record, schedule, working paper, memorandum, or other data shall be sold, transferred, or bequeathed, without the written consent of the client or his, her, or its personal representative or assignee, to anyone or any entity other than, in the case of a partnership or corporation, one or more of its surviving partners, shareholders, new partners, or new shareholders, or any organization resulting from the combination or merger of the practice unit, or any other successor in interest to the practice unit.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 159, § 2; P.L. 2001, ch. 336, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-3.1 - Public Accountancy › Section 5-3.1-23. - Confidential communications.

§ 5-3.1-23. Confidential communications.
(a)
No licensee or any employee of a licensee, including, but not limited to, clerks, paraprofessionals, and students under work-study programs on a paid or pro bono basis, shall disclose any confidential information obtained in the course of a professional engagement except with the written consent of the client or former client, or as disclosure of confidential information is permitted by subsection (c) or (d) of § 5-3.1-18 in connection with peer reviews or board investigations.
(b)
This section shall not be construed as limiting the authority of this state or of the United States or of an agency or court of this state or of the United States to subpoena and use the confidential information in connection with any investigation, public hearing, or other proceeding. Nor shall this section be construed as prohibiting a certified public accountant or public accountant whose professional competence has been challenged in a court of law or before an administrative agency from disclosing confidential information as part of a defense to the court action or administrative proceeding.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 159, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-3.1 - Public Accountancy › Section 5-3.1-24. - Construction.

§ 5-3.1-24. Construction.
If any provision of this chapter or the application of this chapter to anyone or to any circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of this chapter, or the application of that provision to others or other circumstances shall not be affected.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 159, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-3.1 - Public Accountancy › Section 5-3.1-25. - Repeal provisions — Effect of prior laws, rules, and regulations.

§ 5-3.1-25. Repeal provisions — Effect of prior laws, rules, and regulations.
All other acts or parts of acts in conflict with this chapter are repealed; provided, that nothing contained in this chapter invalidates or affects any action taken under any law in effect prior to January 1, 2000; nor does it invalidate or affect any proceeding instituted under that law before January 1, 2000; nor does it invalidate the rules and regulations promulgated by the Rhode Island board of accountancy under the prior law, the rules and regulations (to the extent they are not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter) to remain in full force and effect until new rules and regulations are promulgated by the board.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 159, § 2; P.L. 2001, ch. 336, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-4 - Coal and Coke Dealers › Section 5-4-1. - License required.

§ 5-4-1. License required.
It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to sell or offer for sale in the state any quantities of coal or coke that exceed one thousand pounds (1,000 lbs.) without first obtaining a license from the director of labor and training as provided in § 5-4-2.
History of Section.
P.L. 1923, ch. 483, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 367, §§ 1, 4; P.L. 1939, ch. 733, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 5-4-1; P.L. 1998, ch. 317, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-4 - Coal and Coke Dealers › Section 5-4-2. - Coal and coke license.

§ 5-4-2. Coal and coke license.
The director of labor and training may issue a coal and coke license for wholesale or retail authorizing the licensee or his or her agents or servants to sell and deliver or distribute coal or coke in quantities of more than one thousand pounds (1,000 lbs.) in any part of the state at wholesale or retail. The fee for this license shall be forty dollars ($40.00) for one yard office and one main office operated by the licensee and twenty dollars ($20.00) additional for each branch office or each added yard or yard office operated by the licensee. Every applicant for a license of this class shall furnish the director of labor and training with satisfactory evidence of the possession of or access to proper facilities for weighing and distributing coal or coke.
History of Section.
P.L. 1923, ch. 483, §§ 4, 5; P.L. 1928, ch. 1212, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 367, §§ 2, 4, 5; P.L. 1939, ch. 733, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 5-4-2; P.L. 1998, ch. 317, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-4 - Coal and Coke Dealers › Section 5-4-3. - Issuance date and duration of licenses.

§ 5-4-3. Issuance date and duration of licenses.
The license as provided in § 5-4-2 shall be issued as of the first day of December of each year and shall continue in full force and effect for one year, unless revoked by the director of labor and training as subsequently provided in this chapter, and may be renewed upon payment of the prescribed fee.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 367, § 3; P.L. 1939, ch. 733, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 5-4-3; P.L. 1998, ch. 317, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-4 - Coal and Coke Dealers › Section 5-4-4. - Disposition of licensing fees.

§ 5-4-4. Disposition of licensing fees.
All moneys received for licenses by the director of labor and training under the provisions of this chapter shall be turned over to the general treasurer for the use of the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1923, ch. 483, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 367, §§ 4, 8; P.L. 1939, ch. 733, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 5-4-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-4 - Coal and Coke Dealers › Section 5-4-5. - Records of licenses.

§ 5-4-5. Records of licenses.
The director of labor and training shall keep a record of all licenses granted by him or her under the provisions of this chapter with the number of each; the name; residence and business address of the licensee; and the cities and towns for which each license is issued. Those records are open at all times to public inspection.
History of Section.
P.L. 1923, ch. 483, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 367, §§ 5, 6; P.L. 1939, ch. 733, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 5-4-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-4 - Coal and Coke Dealers › Section 5-4-6. - Sale by weight — Standards for ton.

§ 5-4-6. Sale by weight — Standards for ton.
All coal or coke sold or offered for sale by any licensee shall be sold by weight. Two thousand pounds (2,000 lbs.) avoirdupois shall be the standard of weight for the net ton, and two thousand two hundred forty pounds (2,240 lbs.) avoirdupois shall be the standard weight for the gross ton.
History of Section.
P.L. 1923, ch. 483, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 367, §§ 1, 6; P.L. 1939, ch. 733, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 5-4-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-4 - Coal and Coke Dealers › Section 5-4-7. - Sale in units of less than 100 pounds.

§ 5-4-7. Sale in units of less than 100 pounds.
Coal and coke of one hundred pounds (100 lbs.) or less per unit shall be sold in bags, baskets, or other vessels or receptacles; provided, that coal or coke shall not be sold or offered for sale in bags, baskets, vessels, or receptacles in units of less than eighteen pounds (18 lbs.). Those bags, baskets, vessels, or receptacles must be plainly marked in solid letters of not less than three-fourths (¾) of one inch in height, stating on them the weight of coal or coke that they contain and the name and address of the dealer putting up the coal or coke, together with the size and kind.
History of Section.
P.L. 1923, ch. 483, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 367, §§ 1, 6; P.L. 1939, ch. 733, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 5-4-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-4 - Coal and Coke Dealers › Section 5-4-8. - Statement accompanying deliveries of more than 100 pounds.

§ 5-4-8. Statement accompanying deliveries of more than 100 pounds.
A statement upon a form approved by, and a copy of which shall be filed with, the director of labor and training, signed by the seller or the seller’s agent stating the seller’s name and business address; the name and address of the purchaser; the date of delivery; and the kind, size, and weight of the coal or coke, shall accompany the delivery of any coal or coke sold to consumers in the state in quantities in excess of one hundred pounds (100 lbs.) and shall be given to the purchaser or purchaser’s agent upon delivery of the coal or coke.
History of Section.
P.L. 1923, ch. 483, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 367, §§ 1, 6; P.L. 1939, ch. 733, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 5-4-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-4 - Coal and Coke Dealers › Section 5-4-9. - Marking of vehicles — Display of license.

§ 5-4-9. Marking of vehicles — Display of license.
Every vehicle used by a licensee or other person in connection with the sale or delivery of coal or coke in this state shall be marked in any manner that the director of labor and training requires, and each licensee shall display his or her license in a conspicuous place and manner at his or her principal place of business.
History of Section.
P.L. 1923, ch. 483, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 367, §§ 4, 6; P.L. 1939, ch. 733, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 5-4-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-4 - Coal and Coke Dealers › Section 5-4-10. - Director’s power to check weight of deliveries.

§ 5-4-10. Director’s power to check weight of deliveries.
Whenever in this state coal or coke is being transported by a licensee or other person to a purchaser or consumer, the director of labor and training, or his or her agent or agents, may direct the person or persons having charge of that coal or coke to convey the coal or coke immediately to scales designated by the director of labor and training, or his or her agent or agents, and then the director, or his or her agent or agents, shall determine the quantity of that coal or coke and shall determine its weight, together with the tare weight, and shall direct the person or persons after unloading the coal or coke to return immediately to the scales where the original load was weighed and upon that return the director, or his or her agent or agents, shall determine the tare weight. The scales designated by the director, or his or her agent or agents, used as previously stated may be the public scales of any city or town or any other scales that have been tested and sealed and any scales as in the judgment of the director are most convenient; provided, that the provisions of this section do not apply to coal or coke while being transported in trains or cars operated by any railroad or street railroad authorized to do business in this state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1923, ch. 483, § 8a; P.L. 1928, ch. 1217, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 367, §§ 7, 9; P.L. 1939, ch. 733, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 5-4-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-4 - Coal and Coke Dealers › Section 5-4-18. - Suspension or revocation of license.

§ 5-4-18. Suspension or revocation of license.
The director of labor and training, after a hearing, may suspend or revoke any license issued under the provisions of this chapter for using or giving false or insufficient weight, in violation of any provisions of this chapter or any rule or regulation promulgated by the director of labor and training under this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1923, ch. 483, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 367, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 367, § 11; P.L. 1939, ch. 733, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 5-4-18; P.L. 1998, ch. 317, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-4 - Coal and Coke Dealers › Section 5-4-19. - Judicial review of decisions.

§ 5-4-19. Judicial review of decisions.
Any person aggrieved by any decision or order of the director of labor and training made pursuant to the provisions of this chapter may appeal to the superior court under the provisions of chapter 35 of title 42.
History of Section.
P.L. 1923, ch. 483, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 367, §§ 11, 12; P.L. 1939, ch. 733, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 5-4-19.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-4 - Coal and Coke Dealers › Section 5-4-20. - Penalty for violations — Prosecution.

§ 5-4-20. Penalty for violations — Prosecution.
Whoever violates any provision of this chapter, or whoever is guilty of fraud or deceit in the weighing, selling, or delivering of coal or coke, or whoever willfully, by himself or herself or his or her servant, agent, or employee, sells or delivers or distributes or offers to sell, deliver, or distribute any coal or coke that does not comply with the universal trade custom of standards and specifications shall be punished by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) or more than five hundred dollars ($500). In any proceeding to enforce the provisions of this chapter, the director of labor and training shall not be required to enter into any recognizance or to give surety for costs.
History of Section.
P.L. 1923, ch. 483, § 9; G.L. 1938, ch. 367, §§ 10, 13; P.L. 1939, ch. 733, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 5-4-20; P.L. 1998, ch. 317, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-4 - Coal and Coke Dealers › Section 5-4-21. - Fuels to which chapter applicable.

§ 5-4-21. Fuels to which chapter applicable.
The provisions of this chapter shall be construed and deemed to apply to all anthracite and bituminous coal and to all coke and other fuels containing coal or coke that may be sold or offered for sale in this state. The term “coal,” as used in this chapter, includes both anthracite and bituminous coal and other fuels containing coal.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 367, § 14; P.L. 1939, ch. 733, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 5-4-21; P.L. 1998, ch. 317, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-4 - Coal and Coke Dealers › Section 5-4-22. - Appropriations — Disbursements.

§ 5-4-22. Appropriations — Disbursements.
For the purpose of paying necessary expenses in carrying out the provisions of this chapter, the general assembly shall annually appropriate any sum that it deems necessary; and the state controller is directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of that sum, or so much of it as may periodically be required, upon receipt by him or her of proper vouchers approved by the director of labor and training.
History of Section.
P.L. 1923, ch. 483, § 12; G.L. 1938, ch. 367, §§ 13, 16; P.L. 1939, ch. 733, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 5-4-22.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-4 - Coal and Coke Dealers › Section 5-4-23. - Severability.

§ 5-4-23. Severability.
If any clause, sentence, paragraph, or part of this chapter is for any reason adjudged by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, that judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder of the chapter, but shall be confined in its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph, or part, directly involved in the controversy in which that judgment has been rendered.
History of Section.
P.L. 1923, ch. 483, § 11; G.L. 1938, ch. 367, §§ 12, 15; P.L. 1939, ch. 733, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 5-4-23.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-5 - Private Detective Act › Section 5-5-2. - Definitions.

§ 5-5-2. Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
(1)
“Applicant” means any person who has applied for permission to engage in any act or activity that is regulated pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
(2)
“Computer forensic specialist” means a person who holds a professional certification as a computer examiner and who interprets, evaluates, tests, or analyzes preexisting data from computers, computer systems, networks, or other electronic media, provided to them by another person who owns, controls, or possesses the computer, computer system, network, or other electronic media.
(3)
“License” means any license required by this chapter.
(4)
“License fee” means any moneys required by law to be paid for the issuance or renewal of any license required by the regulations.
(5)
“Local licensing authority” means the town councils of license boards of the several towns, the mayor and city council or license bureau of a city.
(6)
“Private detective” means a person who is hired for the purpose of conducting investigations involving:
(i)
Inquiries into unsolved crimes;
(ii)
Clandestine surveillance;
(iii)
The search for missing persons; and
(iv)
The search for lost or stolen property.
(7)
Words in the singular include the plural and the plural includes the singular.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 479, § 2; P.L. 2008, ch. 111, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 310, § 24.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-5 - Private Detective Act › Section 5-5-3. - License qualifications.

§ 5-5-3. License qualifications.
In order to be eligible for a license, an applicant must:
(1)
Be a citizen of the United States or a resident alien;
(2)
Not have been convicted in any jurisdiction of a felony;
(3)
Not have had any previous private investigator license or registration revoked or application for that license or registration denied by the appropriate authority of any local licensing authority;
(4)
Not have been declared by any court of competent jurisdiction incompetent by reason of mental defect or disease unless the court has subsequently determined that his or her competency has been restored;
(5)
Not suffer from habitual drunkenness or from narcotics addiction or dependence;
(6)
Be of good moral character; and
(7)
Have experience that has been gained through:
(i)
At least five (5) years’ experience as an investigator or as a police officer with a state, county, or municipal police department or with an investigative agency of the United States of America or of any state, county, or municipality; or
(ii)
A degree in criminal justice from an accredited college or university; or
(iii)
Employment by a private detective as an investigator for at least five (5) years; or
(iv)
Substantively equivalent training or experience.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 479, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-5 - Private Detective Act › Section 5-5-4. - License application.

§ 5-5-4. License application.
Any person engaged as a private detective prior to January 1, 1988, and who continues to be engaged as of January 1, 1988, may apply for a private detective license with the local licensing authority where his or her principal place of business is located. Persons presently licensed shall be granted private detective licenses from the local licensing authority upon application and verification that he or she has not been convicted in any jurisdiction of a felony. This initial application will be treated as a renewal of a license. Subsequent applications for renewal of his or her license are governed by § 5-5-6.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 479, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-5 - Private Detective Act › Section 5-5-5. - Investigation and action on application.

§ 5-5-5. Investigation and action on application.
After an examination of the application and any further inquiry and investigation that is deemed proper and necessary as to the good character, competency, and integrity of the applicant and the persons named in the application, the local licensing authority shall as soon as practicable issue a license in a form prescribed by it to the applicant or notify the applicant of a denial of the license application. Persons shall file their applications with the local licensing authority where his or her principal place of business is located.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 479, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-5 - Private Detective Act › Section 5-5-6. - Grounds for denial of application for license or renewal of license.

§ 5-5-6. Grounds for denial of application for license or renewal of license.
The local licensing authority shall deny the application for or renewal of license if it finds that the applicant:
(1)
Has violated any provisions of this chapter or rules and regulations promulgated under this chapter; or
(2)
In the case of the applicant, commits any act that would disqualify him or her under § 5-5-10 or where the applicant has failed to meet the qualifications of this chapter;
(3)
Practices fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation;
(4)
Makes a material misstatement in the application for or renewal of a license; or
(5)
Demonstrates incompetence or untrustworthiness in actions affecting the conduct of the business required to be licensed under this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 479, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-5 - Private Detective Act › Section 5-5-7. - Procedure for approval or denial of application — Hearings.

§ 5-5-7. Procedure for approval or denial of application — Hearings.
The local licensing authority, in approving or denying an application for a license or renewal of a license, shall proceed as follows:
(1)
If the application is approved, the local licensing authority shall issue a license in the form provided in this chapter;
(2)
If the application is denied, the local licensing authority shall notify the applicant or licensee, in writing, of the denial and state the reasons for the authority’s action;
(3)
Within fifteen (15) days from the receipt of notice, the applicant or licensee may request a hearing in writing;
(4)
If a request for a hearing is received in a timely manner, the local licensing authority shall set a date for a hearing and notify the parties of the time and place of the hearing;
(5)
All hearings shall be held in accordance with the provisions of chapter 35 of title 42.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 479, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-5 - Private Detective Act › Section 5-5-8. - Renewal of licenses.

§ 5-5-8. Renewal of licenses.
Each license shall expire one year after its date of issuance. Subject to the power of the local licensing authority to deny, revoke, or suspend a license, any license shall be renewable by the local licensing authority for the next one-year period upon proper application for renewal payment of license fees. An application for renewal of a license must be received by the local licensing authority on a form provided by the authority not less than thirty (30) days prior to the expiration date of the license, and the authority shall promptly notify the licensee of the authority’s intent to refuse to renew the license. The licensee may, within fifteen (15) days after receipt of the notice of intent to refuse to renew a license, request a hearing on the refusal in the manner prescribed by this chapter. A licensee is permitted to continue to engage in business while its renewal application is pending. Upon renewal of any license, the local licensing authority shall issue a renewal license.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 479, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-5 - Private Detective Act › Section 5-5-9. - Registration and license fees.

§ 5-5-9. Registration and license fees.
(a)
The registration and license fee for a private detective is one hundred fifty dollars ($150) annually.
(b)
No license issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall be assigned or transferred, either by operation of law or otherwise.
(c)
With good cause, the local licensing authority may extend the period of time for filing the application required by this subsection.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 479, § 2.