reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-3 - Organization of General Assembly › Section 22-3-4. - Filling of vacancies.

§ 22-3-4. Filling of vacancies.
The respective houses may fill vacancies in these offices as they occur.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 19, § 12; G.L. 1909, ch. 25, § 12; G.L. 1909, ch. 25, § 27; P.L. 1910, ch. 640, § 34; G.L. 1923, ch. 24, § 28; G.L. 1923, ch. 24, § 29; P.L. 1930, ch. 1526, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 301, § 29; G.L. 1956, § 22-3-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-3 - Organization of General Assembly › Section 22-3-5. - Grand committee for induction and election of officers.

§ 22-3-5. Grand committee for induction and election of officers.
Immediately after the organization of the senate and house of representatives and notice of it as provided in §§ 22-3-2 and 22-3-3, the senate shall join the house of representatives in grand committee, for the purpose of inducting the persons elected into their respective offices, and of electing general officers in case of a failure to elect by the electors at the general election.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 19, § 13; P.L. 1901, ch. 852, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 25, § 13; G.L. 1909, ch. 25, § 28; P.L. 1910, ch. 640, § 34; G.L. 1923, ch. 24, § 29; G.L. 1923, ch. 24, § 30; P.L. 1930, ch. 1526, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 301, § 30; G.L. 1956, § 22-3-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-3 - Organization of General Assembly › Section 22-3-6. - Continuing effect of lists — Violations by secretary of state.

§ 22-3-6. Continuing effect of lists — Violations by secretary of state.
The list of members of the senate and of the house of representatives prepared and corrected as provided in this chapter shall continue to be the lists of members of the senate and of the house respectively, until altered by vote of the respective houses, and any secretary of state who shall willfully fail to prepare and correct the lists according to the provisions of this chapter, or to do any other thing in relation to the lists provided in this chapter to be done by him or her, or who shall fraudulently place upon any of the lists the name of any person not provided in this chapter to be placed on it, or who shall fraudulently neglect to place upon any of the lists the name of any person entitled to be placed on it, shall be imprisoned not less than one nor more than three (3) years.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 19, § 14; G.L. 1909, ch. 25, § 14; G.L. 1909, ch. 25, § 29; P.L. 1910, ch. 640, § 34; G.L. 1923, ch. 24, § 30; G.L. 1923, ch. 24, § 31; P.L. 1930, ch. 1526, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 301, § 31; G.L. 1956, § 22-3-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-3 - Organization of General Assembly › Section 22-3-7. - Provisions mandatory.

§ 22-3-7. Provisions mandatory.
The foregoing provisions of this title and the provisions of §§ 22-3-13 — 22-3-17 are mandatory and not merely directory.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 19, § 15; G.L. 1909, ch. 25, § 15; G.L. 1909, ch. 25, § 30, as enacted by P.L. 1910, ch. 640, § 34; G.L. 1923, ch. 24, § 31; G.L. 1923, ch. 24, § 32, as enacted by P.L. 1930, ch. 1526, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 301, § 32; G.L. 1956, § 22-3-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-3 - Organization of General Assembly › Section 22-3-8. - Form of engagement of legislators.

§ 22-3-8. Form of engagement of legislators.
The following shall be the form of engagement to be taken by the senators and representatives: You being chosen to the place of (naming the office) in the general assembly, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that you will be true and faithful to this state of Rhode Island; that you will support the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution and laws of this state, and that you will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of your office, to the best of your abilities, according to law; so help you God. (Or: this affirmation you make and give under peril of the penalty of perjury.)
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 19, § 19; G.L. 1909, ch. 25, § 18; G.L. 1909, ch. 25, § 33; P.L. 1910, ch. 640, § 34; G.L. 1923, ch. 24, § 34; G.L. 1923, ch. 24, § 35; P.L. 1930, ch. 1526, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 301, § 35; G.L. 1956, § 22-3-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-3 - Organization of General Assembly › Section 22-3-9. - Engagement of legislators absent from organization meeting.

§ 22-3-9. Engagement of legislators absent from organization meeting.
Senators and representatives not present at the first meeting of the respective houses shall, after presenting the evidence of their election, take the engagement of office before they shall act in their respective offices.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 19, § 17; G.L. 1909, ch. 25, § 17; G.L. 1909, ch. 25, § 32; P.L. 1910, ch. 640, § 34; G.L. 1923, ch. 24, § 33; G.L. 1923, ch. 24, § 34; P.L. 1930, ch. 1526, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 301, § 34; G.L. 1956, § 22-3-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-3 - Organization of General Assembly › Section 22-3-10. - Election of president pro tempore of senate.

§ 22-3-10. Election of president pro tempore of senate.
On the first Tuesday in January in each odd-numbered year, a president pro tempore of the senate shall be elected for a term of two (2) years.
History of Section.
G.L. 1909, ch. 25, § 35; P.L. 1914, ch. 1051, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 24, § 36; G.L. 1923, ch. 24, § 37; P.L. 1930, ch. 1526, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 301, § 37; G.L. 1956, § 22-3-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-3 - Organization of General Assembly › Section 22-3-11. - Election or appointment of committees.

§ 22-3-11. Election or appointment of committees.
In the month of January in each odd-numbered year, the senate shall elect its committees or provide by rule for their appointment, and the house of representatives shall elect its committees or provide by rule for their appointment.
History of Section.
G.L. 1909, ch. 25, § 36; P.L. 1914, ch. 1051, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 24, § 37; G.L. 1923, ch. 24, § 38; P.L. 1930, ch. 1526, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 301, § 38; G.L. 1956, § 22-3-11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-3 - Organization of General Assembly › Section 22-3-12. - Legislative manual. [Effective until January 1, 2024.]

§ 22-3-12. Legislative manual. [Effective until January 1, 2024.]
The secretary of state shall prepare in each odd-numbered year a legislative manual for the use of the general assembly, containing the rolls of membership, the committees, the rules and orders, and any other matter that the secretary may think proper. The number of manuals to be printed and bound will be determined by the secretary of state. Ten (10) copies shall be distributed to each of the senators and representatives of the general assembly; forty (40) copies shall be placed at the disposal of the governor; and the remainder shall be placed in the hands of the secretary of state. There shall be appropriated in each odd numbered year, an amount sufficient to cover the cost of printing and binding of the manual.
History of Section.
P.L. 1902, ch. 1057, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 28, § 11; P.L. 1920, ch. 1859, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 28, § 8; P.L. 1921, ch. 2050, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 28, § 9; G.L. 1938, ch. 307, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 22-3-12; P.L. 1989, ch. 126, art. 13, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 234, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 67.
§ 22-3-12. Government directory. [Effective January 1, 2024.]
The secretary of state shall maintain an up-to-date online directory of government officials for the use of the general public, containing the congressional delegation, general officers, general assembly members, rolls of general assembly membership, the committees, the rules and orders, judiciary information, municipal government information, state agency information, and any other matter that the secretary may think proper. The secretary of state shall also provide a printed government directory referencing the online directory information to be printed and bound in a number to be determined by the secretary of state for distribution and historical preservation purposes only. Entities included in the online directory will be responsible for submitting up-to-date information. Users of the online directory shall have access to all directory information and be provided with historical search capabilities so that the entire history of the online directory is made available to the public.
History of Section.
P.L. 1902, ch. 1057, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 28, § 11; P.L. 1920, ch. 1859, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 28, § 8; P.L. 1921, ch. 2050, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 28, § 9; G.L. 1938, ch. 307, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 22-3-12; P.L. 1989, ch. 126, art. 13, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 234, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 67; P.L. 2023, ch. 127, § 1, effective January 1, 2024; P.L. 2023, ch. 128, § 1, effective January 1, 2024.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-3 - Organization of General Assembly › Section 22-3-13. - Certification and delivery or retention of lists.

§ 22-3-13. Certification and delivery or retention of lists.
At or before twelve o’clock noon (12:00 p.m.) on the first Tuesday in January in each odd-numbered year, the secretary of state shall certify and deliver to the reading clerk of the house of representatives the list of persons, made up as provided in § 22-3-1, entitled to seats in the house of representatives, and shall certify and retain in his or her possession the list of persons so made up entitled to seats in the senate.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 19, § 5; P.L. 1901, ch. 808, § 14; P.L. 1902, ch. 1046, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 25, § 5; G.L. 1909, ch. 25, § 20; P.L. 1910, ch. 640, § 34; P.L. 1914, ch. 1051, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 24, § 21; G.L. 1923, ch. 24, § 22; P.L. 1930, ch. 1526, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 301, § 22; G.L. 1956, § 22-3-13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-3 - Organization of General Assembly › Section 22-3-14. - Correction of lists on certificate presented after call to order.

§ 22-3-14. Correction of lists on certificate presented after call to order.
In case any person whose name does not appear on the lists shall, upon the calling to order as provided in this chapter of the senate and house of representatives, respectively, and before organization, present to the secretary of state a certificate of that person’s election to the office of senator or representative, over the signatures of the board of elections, and there being no certificate of the election of any other person to that office returned to or received by the secretary of state as provided in this chapter, the secretary of state in the senate and the reading clerk in the house of representatives shall correct the lists, respectively, by placing on them the name of the person presenting the certificate as senator or representative as the case may be, from the senatorial district or representative district which it appears by the certificate he or she is entitled to represent, and by erasing from the list where it appears the name of the person previously placed on it as senator or representative by reason of no certificate of the election of any person to that office having been received by the secretary of state.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 19, § 6; P.L. 1905, ch. 1229, § 12; G.L. 1909, ch. 25, § 6; G.L. 1909, ch. 25, § 21; P.L. 1910, ch. 640, § 34; G.L. 1923, ch. 24, § 22; G.L. 1923, ch. 24, § 23; P.L. 1930, ch. 1526, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 301, § 23; impl. am. P.L. 1941, ch. 1040, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 22-3-14; P.L. 1966, ch. 116, § 24.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-3 - Organization of General Assembly › Section 22-3-15. - Substitution of incumbents for absentees on lists.

§ 22-3-15. Substitution of incumbents for absentees on lists.
In case any person whose name appears upon either of the lists made by the secretary of state as senator or representative from any senatorial district or representative district, by virtue of any certificate of election returned to the office of or received by the secretary of state, shall not be present at the time of calling the roll of members as provided below in this chapter, the list bearing the name of that person shall be further corrected, by the secretary of state in the senate and by the reading clerk in the house of representatives, by substituting for the person’s name the name of the person then holding that office.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 19, § 7; G.L. 1909, ch. 25, § 7; G.L. 1909, ch. 25, § 22; P.L. 1910, ch. 640, § 34; G.L. 1923, ch. 24, § 23; G.L. 1923, ch. 24, § 24; P.L. 1930, ch. 1526, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 301, § 24; G.L. 1956, § 22-3-15; P.L. 1966, ch. 116, § 24.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-3 - Organization of General Assembly › Section 22-3-16. - Persons entitled to participate in organization of houses.

§ 22-3-16. Persons entitled to participate in organization of houses.
The persons whose names appear upon the lists made up and corrected as provided in this chapter, and no others, shall be entitled to participate in the organization of the senate and house of representatives, respectively.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 19, § 8; G.L. 1909, ch. 25, § 8; G.L. 1909, ch. 25, § 23; P.L. 1910, ch. 640, § 34; G.L. 1923, ch. 24, § 24; G.L. 1923, ch. 24, § 25; P.L. 1930, ch. 1526, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 301, § 25; G.L. 1956, § 22-3-16.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-3 - Organization of General Assembly › Section 22-3-17. - Taking of engagement of office by members.

§ 22-3-17. Taking of engagement of office by members.
On the first Tuesday in January in each odd-numbered year, at twelve o’clock noon (12:00 p.m.), the persons whose names are borne on the respective lists shall be admitted to take seats as members of the senate and house of representatives, respectively, and those persons shall assemble at that time in their respective chambers at Providence and take their engagement of office before the secretary of state, attorney general, or some person authorized by law to administer oaths.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 19, § 9; P.L. 1901, ch. 808, § 15; P.L. 1902, ch. 1046, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 25, § 9; G.L. 1909, ch. 25, § 24; P.L. 1910, ch. 640, § 34; P.L. 1914, ch. 1051, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 24, § 25; G.L. 1923, ch. 24, § 26; P.L. 1930, ch. 1526, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 301, § 26; G.L. 1956, § 22-3-17.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-3 - Organization of General Assembly › Section 22-3-18. - Electronic voting.

§ 22-3-18. Electronic voting.
For the purpose of receiving and recording the vote of members of the general assembly pursuant to the rules of the senate and the house of representatives, the joint committee on legislative services shall provide for the senate and house of representatives an electronic device or devices for the use by the members of the general assembly in casting and recording votes.
History of Section.
P.L. 1974, ch. 196, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 542, § 43.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-3 - Organization of General Assembly › Section 22-3-19. - Sound system.

§ 22-3-19. Sound system.
There shall be installed in the chambers of the general assembly for use by members a sound reinforcement system providing for pickup and amplification of one or more of one hundred and six (106) microphones under the control of the speaker of the house of representatives, with one of these microphones to be located on the desk of each representative, and amplification of one or more of fifty-four (54) microphones under the control of the president of the senate, with one of these microphones to be located on the desk of each senator.
History of Section.
P.L. 1974, ch. 196, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 542, § 43.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-3 - Organization of General Assembly › Section 22-3-20. - Resolutions of congratulations and condolence during adjournment.

§ 22-3-20. Resolutions of congratulations and condolence during adjournment.
The speaker of the house of representatives or the president of the senate may approve a resolution of congratulations or condolence which resolution may be submitted during a period of adjournment of the general assembly. Each legislator shall be allowed no more than a total of twenty-five (25) of these resolutions annually.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 126, § 1; P.L. 1984, ch. 388, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 180, § 22.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-4 - Exemptions and Liabilities of Members › Section 22-4-1. - Warrants to compel attendance.

§ 22-4-1. Warrants to compel attendance.
The attendance of senators elect and representatives elect, and of senators and representatives, may be compelled by warrant for that purpose under the hand of the presiding officer for the time being of the senate or house of representatives, as the case may be, directed to any deputy sheriff, which warrant may be executed by that officer in any county.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 19, § 16; G.L. 1909, ch. 25, § 16; G.L. 1909, ch. 25, § 31; P.L. 1910, ch. 640, § 34; G.L. 1923, ch. 24, § 32; G.L. 1923, ch. 24, § 33; P.L. 1930, ch. 1526, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 301, § 33; G.L. 1956, § 22-4-1; P.L. 2012, ch. 324, § 51.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-4 - Exemptions and Liabilities of Members › Section 22-4-2. - Exemption from process.

§ 22-4-2. Exemption from process.
The person of every member of the general assembly shall be exempt from arrest, and his or her estate from attachment, in any civil action, during the session of the general assembly, and two (2) days before the commencement and two (2) days after the termination of the session; and all process served contrary to this section shall be void.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 600; G.L. 1909, ch. 302, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 352, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 304, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 22-4-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-5 - The Grand Committee › Section 22-5-1. - Composition — Agreement to assemble.

§ 22-5-1. Composition — Agreement to assemble.
Whenever in the Constitution or laws of this state it is provided that any act or business shall be done by the grand committee, this grand committee shall consist of a majority of all the members of the senate and a majority of all the members of the house of representatives, duly assembled pursuant to an invitation from one of those bodies, which has been accepted by the other, and the acceptance of which has been communicated by message to the body in which the invitation originated, and each house shall be attended by its secretaries and clerks.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 20, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 26, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 25, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 302, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 22-5-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-5 - The Grand Committee › Section 22-5-2. - Roll call and quorum — Reading of invitation — Declaration of assembly.

§ 22-5-2. Roll call and quorum — Reading of invitation — Declaration of assembly.
When the senate and house of representatives are assembled pursuant to an invitation, the presiding officer shall order the roll of the senate to be called by the clerk of the senate, and if a majority of all the members of the senate answer to their names, the clerk shall order the roll of the house of representatives to be called by the reading clerk of the house, and if a majority of all the members of the house answer to their names, the presiding officer shall declare that there is a quorum of the senate present, a quorum of the house present, and therefore a quorum of the grand committee present; he or she shall then cause the invitation to meet in grand committee to be read, and shall declare the grand committee to be assembled and ready to transact the business specified in the invitation; and no business shall be proceeded with until all of the provisions of this section have been complied with.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 20, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 26, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 25, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 302, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 22-5-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-5 - The Grand Committee › Section 22-5-3. - Business limited by invitation — Subcommittee to count ballots.

§ 22-5-3. Business limited by invitation — Subcommittee to count ballots.
No act or business of any kind shall be done in grand committee other than that which is distinctly specified in the invitation by virtue of which the grand committee is assembled, except to take a recess or to dissolve; provided, that the grand committee may appoint a subcommittee of its own members to count any ballots delivered to it and report the result of the count.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 20, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 26, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 25, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 302, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 22-5-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-5 - The Grand Committee › Section 22-5-4. - Record of proceedings.

§ 22-5-4. Record of proceedings.
The secretary of state, and in his or her absence the clerk of the senate, shall act as secretary of the grand committee, and shall keep a full record of the proceedings of it in a book to be provided and kept by the secretary of state for that purpose, which record shall in all cases include the names of the members of each house answering to their names at the roll calls provided for in § 22-5-2, and at all other roll calls ordered by the grand committee. In the event of the failure of any of the secretaries or clerks named in this chapter to attend, as provided in this section, the grand committee may elect some person or persons pro tempore to perform their duties.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 20, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 26, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 25, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 302, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 22-5-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-5 - The Grand Committee › Section 22-5-5. - Roll call vote.

§ 22-5-5. Roll call vote.
The ayes and noes of the grand committee shall be taken upon any question properly before the committee, at the request of one-fifth (⅕) of the members present; but this provision shall not be construed to require an aye and no vote upon the election of any candidate for office.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 20, § 5; G.L. 1909, ch. 26, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 25, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 302, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 22-5-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-5 - The Grand Committee › Section 22-5-6. - Quorum.

§ 22-5-6. Quorum.
A quorum of the grand committee shall always consist of a majority of all the members of the senate together with a majority of all the members of the house; and whenever it shall appear that a quorum is not present, no act or business shall be done, and no motion shall be in order except a motion to take a recess or that the grand committee dissolve.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 20, § 6; G.L. 1909, ch. 26, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 25, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 302, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 22-5-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-5 - The Grand Committee › Section 22-5-7. - Provisions mandatory.

§ 22-5-7. Provisions mandatory.
The provisions of this chapter are mandatory and not merely directory.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 20, § 7; G.L. 1909, ch. 26, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 25, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 302, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 22-5-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-6 - Committees and Staff › Section 22-6-1. - Deputy sheriffs in attendance.

§ 22-6-1. Deputy sheriffs in attendance.
The number of deputy sheriffs who shall attend upon the general assembly, at any session of it, shall not exceed three (3) in both chambers, unless by special order of the general assembly.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 19, § 20; G.L. 1909, ch. 25, § 19; G.L. 1909, ch. 25, § 34; P.L. 1910, ch. 640, § 34; G.L. 1923, ch. 24, § 35; G.L. 1923, ch. 24, § 36; P.L. 1930, ch. 1526, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 301, § 36; G.L. 1956, § 22-6-1; P.L. 2012, ch. 324, § 52.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-6 - Committees and Staff › Section 22-6-2. - Committee clerks.

§ 22-6-2. Committee clerks.
The chairperson of each of the committees on judiciary, corporations, special legislation, finance, labor, and health, education, and welfare of the senate and the committees on health, education and welfare, judiciary, corporations, special legislation, finance, and labor of the house of representatives, and the joint committee on accounts and claims may each employ a clerk, and the clerk of the latter committee shall be ex-officio clerk of the joint committee on law revision. In addition, the speaker of the house of representatives may appoint a deputy clerk to assist the recording clerk and in the absence of the recording clerk to perform the duties of the recording clerk as deputy and in the absence of the reading clerk to perform the duties of the reading clerk as deputy. The deputy clerk shall receive a sum in full payment for all services rendered at any regular session of the general assembly as determined and set by the joint committee on legislative services.
History of Section.
G.L. 1909, ch. 25, § 38; P.L. 1917, ch. 1460, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 24, § 38; G.L. 1923, ch. 24, § 39; P.L. 1930, ch. 1526, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 301, § 39; P.L. 1945, ch. 1537, § 1; P.L. 1946, ch. 1669, § 1; P.L. 1949, ch. 2158, § 1; P.L. 1951, ch. 2652, § 1; P.L. 1955, ch. 3411, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 22-6-2; P.L. 1962, ch. 253, § 1; P.L. 1965, ch. 237, § 2; P.L. 1967, ch. 3, § 1; P.L. 1967, ch. 51, § 1; P.L. 1969, ch. 1, § 1; P.L. 1973, ch. 164, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-6 - Committees and Staff › Section 22-6-2.1. - Subpoena power.

§ 22-6-2.1. Subpoena power.
The standing committees of the house of representatives as established by the rules of the house of representatives and the standing committees of the senate as established by the rules of the senate shall in the performance of their duties have the power upon majority vote of the committee members present and with the written approval of the speaker for committees of the house and with the written approval of the president of the senate for committees of the senate to issue witness subpoenas, subpoenas duces tecum, and orders for the production of books, accounts, papers, records, and documents which shall be signed and issued by the chairperson of the committee, or a person serving in his or her capacity, and shall be returnable to the chairperson. All subpoenas and orders shall be served as subpoenas in civil cases in the superior court are now served, and witnesses so subpoenaed shall be entitled to the same fees for attendance and travel as now provided for witnesses in civil cases in the superior court. If the person subpoenaed to attend before the committee fails to obey the command of the subpoena without reasonable cause, or refuses to be sworn, or to be examined, or to answer a legal and pertinent question, or if any person shall refuse to produce books, accounts, papers, records, and documents material to the issue, set forth in an order duly served on that person, the committee by majority vote of the committee members present may apply to any justice of the superior court, for any county, upon proof by affidavit of the fact, for a rule or order returnable in not less than two (2) nor more than five (5) days, directing the person to show cause before the justice who made the order or any other justice described above why he or she should not be adjudged in contempt. Upon the return of the orders the justice before whom the matter is brought on for hearing shall examine under oath that person, and the person shall be given an opportunity to be heard, and if the justice shall determine that the person has refused without reasonable cause or legal excuse to be examined or to answer a legal and pertinent question, or to produce books, accounts, papers, records, and documents material to the issue which he or she was ordered to bring or produce, the justice may immediately commit the offender to the adult correctional institutions, there to remain until he or she submits to do the act which he or she was required to do, or is discharged according to law.
History of Section.
P.L. 1983, ch. 301, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 180, § 23.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-6 - Committees and Staff › Section 22-6-2.2. - Immunity of witnesses in impeachment proceedings.

§ 22-6-2.2. Immunity of witnesses in impeachment proceedings.
(a)
In the case of any individual who has been or may be called to testify or provide other information at any proceeding in connection with any resolution of impeachment or impeachment trial before either house of the general assembly, or any committee, or any subcommittee of either house, the presiding justice of the superior court shall issue, in accordance with subsections (b) and (c) of this section, upon the request of a duly authorized representative of the house of the general assembly or the committee concerned, an order requiring that individual to give testimony or provide other information which he or she refuses to give or provide on the basis of the privilege against self-incrimination.
(b)
Before issuing an order under subsection (a) of this section, the presiding justice shall find that:
(1)
In the case of a proceeding before either house of the general assembly, the request for the order has been approved by an affirmative vote of a majority of the members present of that house;
(2)
In the case of a proceeding before a committee or a subcommittee of either house of the general assembly, the request for the order has been approved by an affirmative vote of two-thirds (⅔) of the members of the full committee and obtained the written approval of the speaker, for committees of the house, or written approval of the president of the senate, for committees of the senate; and
(3)
Five (5) days or more prior to the day on which the request for the order was made, the attorney general was served with notice of an intention to request the order.
(c)
The presiding justice, after notice to the witness, shall order the witness to answer all questions put to him or her or produce the evidence. The witness may not refuse to comply with the order on the basis of his or her privilege against self-incrimination; but the witness shall not be prosecuted or subjected to penalty or forfeiture for, or on account of, any transaction or matter regarding which, in accordance with the order, the witness gave answer or produced evidence and no testimony or other information compelled under the order or any information directly or indirectly derived from the testimony or other information shall be used against the witness in any criminal case, except he or she may be prosecuted or subjected to penalty or forfeiture for any perjury, false swearing, or contempt committed in answering or failing to answer, or in producing or failing to produce evidence, in accordance with the order.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 8, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 180, § 23.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-6 - Committees and Staff › Section 22-6-3. - Minority clerks.

§ 22-6-3. Minority clerks.
The president of the senate and the speaker of the house shall appoint, upon the nomination of the leaders of the minority party, a minority clerk in the senate and a minority clerk in the house whose pay shall be determined and set by the joint committee on legislative services.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 301, § 39; P.L. 1951, ch. 2652, § 1; P.L. 1955, ch. 3411, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 22-6-3; P.L. 1973, ch. 164, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-6 - Committees and Staff › Section 22-6-4. - Deposit and filing of petitions, bills, and resolutions.

§ 22-6-4. Deposit and filing of petitions, bills, and resolutions.
Each clerk appointed under the provisions of §§ 22-6-2 and 22-6-3, within thirty (30) calendar days after the final adjournment of the general assembly in each even-numbered year, shall deposit with the secretary of state all petitions, bills, acts, and resolutions which are on the files of the committee of which he or she is a clerk, and those petitions, bills, acts, and resolutions shall remain in the custody of the secretary of state and shall be filed in the manner that the secretary may direct; provided, that upon the request of a chairperson of any committee of any subsequent general assembly there shall be returned to the files of the respective committees the petitions, bills, acts, and resolutions as in the judgment of the chairperson are required for use by his or her committee. In like manner, the recording clerk of the house of representatives, within thirty (30) calendar days after the final adjournment of the general assembly in each even-numbered year, shall deposit with the secretary of state any bills that may be in his or her possession.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 24, § 39; P.L. 1926, ch. 806, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 24, § 40; P.L. 1930, ch. 1526, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 301, § 40; G.L. 1956, § 22-6-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-6 - Committees and Staff › Section 22-6-5. - Compensation of reading and recording clerks.

§ 22-6-5. Compensation of reading and recording clerks.
The reading clerk of the senate, the reading clerk of the house of representatives, and the recording clerk of the house of representatives shall each receive a sum in full payment for all services rendered at any regular session of the general assembly as determined and set by the joint committee on legislative services.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 301, § 41; P.L. 1949, ch. 2364, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 22-6-5; P.L. 1961, ch. 188, § 1; P.L. 1973, ch. 164, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-6 - Committees and Staff › Section 22-6-6. - Compensation of special committee clerks.

§ 22-6-6. Compensation of special committee clerks.
The clerk of the judiciary committee, the clerk of the finance committee, the clerk of the corporations committee, the clerk of the special legislative committee, the clerk of the labor committee and the clerk of the health, education, and welfare committee of each house of the general assembly shall each receive a sum in full payment for all services rendered at any regular session of the general assembly as determined and set by the joint committee on legislative services.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 301, § 41; P.L. 1949, ch. 2364, § 1; P.L. 1955, ch. 3411, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 22-6-6; P.L. 1965, ch. 237, § 1; P.L. 1967, ch. 3, § 1; P.L. 1967, ch. 51, § 1; P.L. 1969, ch. 1, § 1; P.L. 1973, ch. 164, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-6 - Committees and Staff › Section 22-6-7. - Compensation of roving clerks.

§ 22-6-7. Compensation of roving clerks.
The additional clerks of committees to serve the other committees of the senate under the direction of the clerk of the senate and the clerks of the committees of the house under the direction of the reading clerk of the house, the “roving clerks,” so-called, shall each receive a sum in full payment for all services rendered at any regular session of the general assembly as determined and set by the joint committee on legislative services.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 301, § 41; P.L. 1949, ch. 2364, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 22-6-7; P.L. 1965, ch. 237, § 1; P.L. 1973, ch. 164, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-6 - Committees and Staff › Section 22-6-8. - Compensation of doorkeepers.

§ 22-6-8. Compensation of doorkeepers.
The head doorkeepers of the senate and the house of representatives shall each receive a sum in full payment for all services rendered at any regular session of the general assembly as determined and set by the joint committee on legislative services. The assistant doorkeepers of the senate and the house of representatives shall each receive a sum in full payment for all services rendered at any regular session of the general assembly as determined and set by the joint committee on legislative services.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 301, § 41; P.L. 1949, ch. 2364, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 22-6-8; P.L. 1967, ch. 218, § 1; P.L. 1973, ch. 164, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-6 - Committees and Staff › Section 22-6-9. - Compensation of pages.

§ 22-6-9. Compensation of pages.
The pages of the senate and the house of representatives, with the exception of the head pages of the senate and the house of representatives, and the assistant head page of the house of representatives, shall each receive a sum in full payment for all services rendered at any regular session of the general assembly as determined and set by the joint committee on legislative services.
History of Section.
P.L. 1970, ch. 294, § 1; P.L. 1973, ch. 164, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-6 - Committees and Staff › Section 22-6-10. - Fiscal assistance for finance committee of house of representatives.

§ 22-6-10. Fiscal assistance for finance committee of house of representatives.
In order to properly carry out the functions of the committee on finance of the house of representatives as provided in chapter 3 of title 35, the chairperson of the committee on finance, with the approval of a majority of the members of the committee, may employ a fiscal assistant, a federal coordinator, and expert and technical assistants who shall by their experience and training be qualified in governmental, financial, and budgetary matters. In addition, the chairperson, with the approval of a majority of the members of the committee, may employ any research and secretarial assistance that shall be deemed necessary.
History of Section.
P.L. 1959, ch. 79, art. 3, § 1; P.L. 1967, ch. 222, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-6 - Committees and Staff › Section 22-6-11. - Duties of fiscal assistant.

§ 22-6-11. Duties of fiscal assistant.
It shall be the duty of the fiscal assistant of the committee on finance of the house of representatives, with the approval of the chairperson of the committee, to:
(1)
Review all revenues received by the state in the last complete fiscal year, together with the estimates made for that year as contained in the governor’s budget, and report, insofar as practical, on all deviations between the estimated revenues and the actual collections;
(2)
Review all expenditures, together with the regular and supplementary appropriations made for that year, and report on all deviations between the appropriations and the actual expenditures. The report shall also provide information on the quantity and quality of the services rendered for the amounts expended, and this information shall be reduced insofar as practical to an evaluation of performance based on appropriate standards and objectives;
(3)
Review the state’s indebtedness and capital improvement program;
(4)
Make recommendations for revising or amending previously enacted public and general laws involving the expenditure of public funds;
(5)
Advise the finance committee of the house of representatives on matters pertaining to the state’s finances and make recommendations for improving the operating efficiency and economy of the various departments and agencies of the state government;
(6)
Prepare and submit to the finance committee of the house of representatives and to its members following the submission of the annual budget by the governor, but prior to its enactment, an analysis of all proposed revenues and expenditures with recommendations for revisions;
(7)
Prepare and submit to the finance committee of the house of representatives an analytical report on any legislation proposing new or expanded services by the state with estimates of any costs which may be involved;
(8)
Prepare and submit to the finance committee of the house of representatives analytical reports on all proposed state bond issues with estimates of debt service and operating costs involved;
(9)
Prepare and submit reports on any aspect of the state government or its finances which the finance committee of the house of representatives may require;
(10)
Notify the finance committee of the house of representatives and the speaker of the house of representatives whenever the fiscal assistant shall determine by his or her review of the state’s revenue and expenditures that actual revenue upon which appropriations were based or that expenditures are exceeding the budget officer’s quarterly or monthly allotments.
History of Section.
P.L. 1959, ch. 79, art. 3, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 167, art. XXVI, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-6 - Committees and Staff › Section 22-6-12. - Access to public records.

§ 22-6-12. Access to public records.
The committee on finance of the house of representatives shall have free access to all public records and documents in this state which may be of value to it in connection with the research and study of the committee and its staff. The committee or any member or any of its personnel may inspect the properties, equipment, facilities, and records of the various departments, commissions, boards, or agencies of the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1959, ch. 79, art. 3, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-6 - Committees and Staff › Section 22-6-13. - Subpoena power.

§ 22-6-13. Subpoena power.
The committee on finance of the house of representatives is authorized in the performance of its duties as provided in §§ 22-6-10 — 22-6-12 to require the attendance of any state employee by subpoena or otherwise and to require the production of books, papers, and documents which are necessary for its work.
History of Section.
P.L. 1959, ch. 79, art. 3, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-6 - Committees and Staff › Section 22-6-14. - Staff offices.

§ 22-6-14. Staff offices.
The committee on finance of the house of representatives shall be provided with suitable offices in the state house for its staff.
History of Section.
P.L. 1959, ch. 79, art. 3, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-6 - Committees and Staff › Section 22-6-15. - Annual appropriations.

§ 22-6-15. Annual appropriations.
The general assembly shall annually appropriate a sum that shall be necessary to carry out the provisions of §§ 22-6-10 — 22-6-14.
History of Section.
P.L. 1959, ch. 79, art. 3, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-7 - Joint Committee on Accounts and Claims › Section 22-7-1. - Permanent committee — Composition.

§ 22-7-1. Permanent committee — Composition.
The joint committee on accounts and claims, previously created under joint rules of the senate and the house of representatives, shall consist of four (4) members of the senate to be appointed by the president of the senate and five (5) members of the house of representatives to be appointed by the speaker, and is created as the permanent joint committee on accounts and claims of the general assembly. The members of this joint committee on accounts and claims shall serve until their successors shall be duly appointed as provided in this chapter and until the successors shall have been duly qualified.
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3438, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 22-7-1; P.L. 1999, ch. 105, § 14; P.L. 2001, ch. 180, § 24; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 68.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-7 - Joint Committee on Accounts and Claims › Section 22-7-2. - Selection of officers.

§ 22-7-2. Selection of officers.
Upon organization of the joint committee, by majority vote, one of their number shall be chosen as chairperson and another of their number shall be chosen vice-chairperson, and, by like vote, they shall choose a clerk, who shall not be one of their own number.
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3438, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 22-7-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-7 - Joint Committee on Accounts and Claims › Section 22-7-3. - Filling of vacancies.

§ 22-7-3. Filling of vacancies.
Vacancies in the membership of the joint committee shall be filled in a like manner as the original appointment.
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3438, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 22-7-3; P.L. 1999, ch. 105, § 14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-7 - Joint Committee on Accounts and Claims › Section 22-7-4. - Investigation of claims.

§ 22-7-4. Investigation of claims.
It shall be the first duty of the joint committee to investigate all claims against the state coming before it for determination.
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3438, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 22-7-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-7 - Joint Committee on Accounts and Claims › Section 22-7-5. - Adjustment and compromise of claims.

§ 22-7-5. Adjustment and compromise of claims.
It shall be the further duty of the joint committee to exhaust all possibility of adjustment and compromise of valid claims before hearing on them. To this end, the claimant on the one hand and the state, acting through the department, division, bureau, or other state agency having immediate charge of the subject matter of the claim, on the other hand may stipulate and agree upon the amount and manner of making final disposition of the claim. The stipulation and agreement may, but need not, be adopted by the joint committee as its findings and its determination of the claim.
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3438, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 22-7-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-7 - Joint Committee on Accounts and Claims › Section 22-7-6. - Reference and reports on resolutions for payments.

§ 22-7-6. Reference and reports on resolutions for payments.
Each branch of the legislature shall refer to the joint committee created in this chapter all resolutions for the payment of sundry accounts presented to it while in session, and the joint committee shall immediately report its findings when in favor of the claimant to the branch by which the resolution was referred.
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3438, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 22-7-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-7 - Joint Committee on Accounts and Claims › Section 22-7-7. - Compensation of clerk.

§ 22-7-7. Compensation of clerk.
The clerk of the joint committee shall receive a sum per annum as determined and set by the joint committee on legislative services.
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3438, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 22-7-7; P.L. 1961, ch. 177, § 1; P.L. 1973, ch. 164, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-7 - Joint Committee on Accounts and Claims › Section 22-7-8. - Place of meetings — Quorum.

§ 22-7-8. Place of meetings — Quorum.
Adequate space shall be provided in the state house for the use of the joint committee in the performance of its duties, but the joint committee may hold its meetings and conduct its hearings elsewhere when doing so will better serve the convenience of claimants or the committee. A majority in number of the committee shall at all times constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3438, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 22-7-8.