reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8.2 - State Register › Section 42-8.2-5.1. - Gubernatorial executive orders.

§ 42-8.2-5.1. Gubernatorial executive orders.
The secretary of state shall collect the executive orders of the governor and publish them on the website of the secretary of state arranged by topic and in addition by publishing them in numerical or chronological order.
History of Section.
P.L. 2019, ch. 177, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 255, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8.2 - State Register › Section 42-8.2-6. - Regulations to be promulgated.

§ 42-8.2-6. Regulations to be promulgated.
The secretary of state shall prescribe regulations for carrying out this chapter. The regulations shall provide, among other things:
(1)
The manner of certification of copies required to be certified under § 42-8.2-3;
(2)
The documents which shall be authorized under § 42-8.2-5 to be published in the state register;
(3)
The manner and form in which the state register shall be printed, reprinted, compiled, indexed, bound and distributed;
(4)
The number of copies of the state register which shall be printed, reprinted and compiled, the number which shall be distributed without charge to members of the state legislature, officers and employees of the state of Rhode Island or any state agency, for official use, and the number which shall be available for distribution to the public;
(5)
The price to be charged for individual copies of and subscriptions to the state register and reprints and bound volumes of it; and
(6)
The secretary of state shall allocate expenses for each agency, board, commission or department.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 264, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 180, § 94; P.L. 2005, ch. 20, § 7; P.L. 2005, ch. 27, § 7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8.2 - State Register › Section 42-8.2-7. - Filing document as constructive notice — Publication as presumption of validity — Judicial notice.

§ 42-8.2-7. Filing document as constructive notice — Publication as presumption of validity — Judicial notice.
(a)
A document required to be published by § 42-8.2-5 in the state register is not valid as against a person who has not had actual knowledge thereof until the duplicate originals or certified copies of the document have been filed with the office of the secretary of state and a copy made available for public inspection as provided by § 42-8.2-3. Unless otherwise specifically provided by statute, filing the document required or authorized to be published by § 42-8.2-5, except in cases where notice by publication is insufficient in law, is sufficient to give notice of the contents of the document to a person subject to or affected by it.
(b)
Notice hereunder shall be in addition to all other notices required by the Administrative Procedures Act, chapter 35 of this title, or any other rule or regulation requiring notice. The publication in the state register of a document creates a rebuttable presumption:
(1)
That it was duly issued, prescribed or promulgated;
(2)
That it was filed with the office of the secretary of state and made available for public inspection at the day and hour stated in printed notation;
(3)
That the copy contained in the state register is a true copy of the original; and
(4)
That all requirements of this chapter and the regulations prescribed hereunder relative to the document have been complied with. The contents of the state register shall be judicially noticed and without prejudice to any other mode of citation, may be cited by volume and page number.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 264, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 340, § 10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8.2 - State Register › Section 42-8.2-8. - Cost of publication.

§ 42-8.2-8. Cost of publication.
(a)
The cost of printing, reprinting, wrapping, binding, and distributing the state register and regulations promulgated hereunder, and except as provided in subsection (b) hereof, other expenses incurred by the secretary of state in carrying out the duties placed upon him or her by this chapter shall be charged to the revolving fund. Reimbursements for these costs and expenses shall be made by the state controller and credited, together with all receipts.
(b)
The cost of printing, reprinting, wrapping, binding, and distributing all of the publications of the state register program and other expenses incurred by the secretary of state in connection with such publications, shall be borne by the appropriations to the secretary of state and the appropriations are made available, and are authorized to be increased by additional sums necessary for the purposes, the increases to be based upon estimates submitted by the secretary of state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 264, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8.2 - State Register › Section 42-8.2-9. - Code of state regulations.

§ 42-8.2-9. Code of state regulations.
(a)
The secretary of state may require, from time to time as he or she considers necessary, the preparation and publication in special or supplemental editions of the state register of the complete codifications of the documents of each agency of state government having general applicability and legal effect, issued or promulgated by the agency by publication in the state register or by filing with the secretary of state, and which rules and regulations are relied upon by the agency as authority for, or are invoked or used by it in the discharge of, its activities or functions, and are in effect as to facts arising on or after dates specified by the secretary of state.
(b)
A codification published under subsection (a) shall be printed and bound in permanent form and shall be designated as the “Code of State Regulations”. The secretary of state shall regulate the binding of the printed codifications into separate books with a view to practical usefulness and economical manufacture. Each book shall contain an explanation of its coverage and other aids to users that the administrative committee may require. A general index to the entire code of state regulations shall be separately printed and bound.
(c)
The secretary of state shall regulate the supplementation and the collation and republication of the printed codifications with a view to keeping the code of state regulations as current as practicable. Each book shall be either supplemented or collated and republished at least once each calendar year.
(d)
The office of the state register shall prepare and publish the codifications, supplements, collations and indexes authorized by this section.
(e)
The codified documents of the several agencies published in the supplemental addition of the state register under this section, as amended by documents subsequently filed with the office of secretary of state and published in the daily issues of the state register, shall be prima facie evidence of the text of the documents and of the fact that they are in effect on and after the date of publication.
(f)
The secretary of state shall prescribe regulations for carrying out this section and the fee to be charged to state agencies, boards, commissions, departments, subscribers, and the general public and all independent agencies, boards, commissions, and departments not subject to the control of the state controller.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 264, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 20, § 7; P.L. 2005, ch. 27, § 7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-9 - Department of Attorney General › Section 42-9-1. - Head of department — Assistants.

§ 42-9-1. Head of department — Assistants.
(a)
There shall be a department of the attorney general. The head of the department shall be the attorney general who shall have supervision over the department and shall appoint thirty (30) assistant attorneys general.
(b)
The assistant attorneys general shall have powers and duties similar to those imposed upon the attorney general by law and shall be performed under and by the advice and direction of the attorney general. The attorney general shall appoint such special assistant attorneys general as may from time to time be necessary and as shall be authorized by annual appropriation or otherwise provided for in the annual budget adopted by the general assembly, whose powers and duties shall be designated pursuant to § 42-9-2.
History of Section.
P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 40; G.L. 1956, § 42-9-1; P.L. 1967, ch. 84, § 1; P.L. 1980, ch. 21, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 125, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 313, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 406, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-9 - Department of Attorney General › Section 42-9-2. - Powers and duties of department — Division of juvenile prosecution established.

§ 42-9-2. Powers and duties of department — Division of juvenile prosecution established.
(a)
The attorney general, the assistant attorneys general, and those special assistant attorneys general who have been designated by the attorney general, shall exercise the powers and duties prescribed in and shall enforce the provisions of this chapter and of §§ 12-1-4 — 12-1-12, and in all other provisions of the general laws and public laws insofar as they relate to the powers and duties of the attorney general. The attorney general shall file notice with the secretary of state and the clerk of the superior court.
(b)
There shall be established within the department of attorney general a division of juvenile prosecution which shall prosecute all delinquency petitions based on the commission of any offense which if committed by an adult would constitute a capital offense, all delinquency petitions based on the commission of an offense which if committed by an adult would constitute the offense of assault with intent to commit a capital offense, all delinquency petitions based upon the commission of an offense which if committed by an adult would constitute the offense of manslaughter, and all assault offenses which if committed by an adult would constitute a felony. The division of juvenile prosecution shall also have jurisdiction to file petitions pursuant to §§ 14-1-7 and 14-1-7.1.
History of Section.
P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 41; G.L. 1956, § 42-9-2; P.L. 1980, ch. 21, § 1; P.L. 1982, ch. 258, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-9 - Department of Attorney General › Section 42-9-3. - Attendance at general assembly and courts — Information on criminal matters.

§ 42-9-3. Attendance at general assembly and courts — Information on criminal matters.
The attorney general shall give his or her attendance at the general assembly, and at the supreme and superior courts, for the service thereof; and shall give unto those courts due advice and information concerning any criminal matters, breaches of the peace, or wrong done to the state or any of the citizens thereof, that shall come to his or her knowledge.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 17, § 1; C.P.A. 1905, § 1083; G.L. 1909, ch. 23, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 22, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 10, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 42-9-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-9 - Department of Attorney General › Section 42-9-4. - Prosecution of offenses.

§ 42-9-4. Prosecution of offenses.
(a)
The attorney general shall draw and present all informations and indictments, or other legal or equitable process, against any offenders, as by law required, and diligently, by a due course of law or equity, prosecute them to final judgment and execution.
(b)
The duty of the attorney general under this section shall include the duty to prosecute all charges of violations of §§ 31-27-2.1, 31-27-2.3, and/or 31-27-2.5, jurisdiction over the adjudication of which is conferred upon the traffic tribunal under chapter 41.1 of title 31.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 17, § 2; C.P.A. 1905, § 1084; G.L. 1909, ch. 23, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 22, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 10, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 42-9-4; P.L. 1994, ch. 378, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 6, § 40.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-9 - Department of Attorney General › Section 42-9-5. - Prosecution of other process.

§ 42-9-5. Prosecution of other process.
The attorney general shall commence and prosecute to final judgment and execution those other legal or equitable processes, and shall perform those other duties which are or may be required of him or her by law; except insofar as he or she may have been required to act as the legal officer of the department of health, those functions are hereby transferred to the chief counsel of the division of legal services of the department of health.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 17, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 23, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 22, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 10, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 42-9-5; P.L. 1974, ch. 274, § 2; P.L. 1988, ch. 84, § 82.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-9 - Department of Attorney General › Section 42-9-6. - Legal adviser — Representation of state officers and agencies.

§ 42-9-6. Legal adviser — Representation of state officers and agencies.
Except as otherwise in the general laws provided, the attorney general, whenever requested, shall act as the legal adviser of the individual legislators of the general assembly, of all state boards, divisions, departments, and commissions and the officers thereof, of all commissioners appointed by the general assembly, of all the general officers of the state, and of the director of administration, in all matters pertaining to their official duties, and shall institute and prosecute, whenever necessary, all suits and proceedings which they may be authorized to commence, and shall appear for and defend the above-named individual legislators, boards, divisions, departments, commissions, commissioners, and officers, in all suits and proceedings which may be brought against them in their official capacity.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 17, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 23, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 22, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 10, § 4; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2727, art. 1, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 42-9-6; P.L. 1974, ch. 274, § 2; P.L. 1975, ch. 248, § 1; P.L. 1979, ch. 181, § 1; P.L. 1982, ch. 267, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-9 - Department of Attorney General › Section 42-9-6.1. - Annual report of defense of challenged legislation.

§ 42-9-6.1. Annual report of defense of challenged legislation.
(a)
The attorney general shall annually on or before the thirty-first (31st) day of January of each year submit a report to the general assembly showing the transactions of his or her office and that of any special counsel appointed by or through his or her office during the previous calendar year in relation to the defense of legislation passed by the general assembly which has been challenged on the grounds that it violates a provision of either the Constitution of the United States or the Constitution of the state of Rhode Island.
(b)
The report shall include: (1) the name of each case; (2) the bill number of the challenged legislation; (3) the court in which the case was filed; (4) whether the case is being handled directly by the attorney general’s office and/or the name of additional special counsel that have been appointed; (5) a summary of the proceedings including any final disposition of the case; and (6) the cost to the state, as near as may be ascertained, for defending each case.
(c)
This report shall be a public document.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 261, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 340, § 11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-9 - Department of Attorney General › Section 42-9-7. - Approval of land titles and conveyances.

§ 42-9-7. Approval of land titles and conveyances.
Whenever an appropriation is available for the purpose of purchasing or acquiring land, the officer, board, division, department, or commission authorized to make the purchase or to acquire the land shall not accept any deed nor shall the state controller draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment for the land until the officer, board, division, department, or commission has obtained an acceptable policy of title insurance covering the real estate. No easement or right-of-way shall be construed to be an encumbrance within the meaning of the preceding sentence.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 32, § 23; P.L. 1925, ch. 610, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 10, § 10; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 65; P.L. 1946, ch. 1771, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 42-9-7; P.L. 2002, ch. 401, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-9 - Department of Attorney General › Section 42-9-8.2. - Local police officers assigned to attorney general.

§ 42-9-8.2. Local police officers assigned to attorney general.
Local police officers assigned to the attorney general for the purposes of a specific investigation shall exercise the same powers of arrest exercised by an investigator if the power is exercised in that investigation. If a local police officer is assigned to the department of attorney general for the purpose of investigation into criminal matters, generally, he or she shall exercise the same powers of arrest exercised by an investigator. The authorization for such local police officers acting under the authority of this statute shall be on file at the department of attorney general, and the police officer’s local department. A local police officer’s power of arrest obtained pursuant to this section shall be authorized only for as long as he or she is under the direct supervision of the department of the attorney general. The officer’s assignment shall be a one year appointment unless sooner terminated by the attorney general and the attorney general shall have the authority to reappoint a local police officer to an additional one year term.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 286, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-9 - Department of Attorney General › Section 42-9-9. - Oath of assistants — Tenure of office.

§ 42-9-9. Oath of assistants — Tenure of office.
The several assistant attorneys general shall take the engagement prescribed by § 36-1-2 before a justice of the supreme court and shall hold office during the pleasure of the attorney general.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 17, § 6; G.L. 1909, ch. 23, § 6; P.L. 1912, ch. 778, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 22, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 10, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 42-9-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-9 - Department of Attorney General › Section 42-9-10. - Salaries as full payment.

§ 42-9-10. Salaries as full payment.
The salaries of the attorney general and of the assistant attorneys general shall be in full payment for all services appertaining to the offices of attorney general and assistant attorneys general, respectively.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 17, § 7; G.L. 1909, ch. 23, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 22, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 10, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 42-9-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-9 - Department of Attorney General › Section 42-9-11. - Employees of office — Payment of expenses.

§ 42-9-11. Employees of office — Payment of expenses.
The attorney general is hereby authorized and empowered to employ in his or her office such clerical assistance as he or she may require in the discharge of his or her duties as attorney general, and the general assembly shall annually appropriate such sums, and make other provisions in the annual budget, as may be necessary for the payment of clerical assistance, for general expenses and supplies, and for the employment of special counsel and investigators in the attorney general’s department, and for the employment of all employees who shall not be in the classified service of the state nor be subject in any manner or control by the personnel administrator or by any person other than the attorney general. The state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of that clerical assistance, out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated, upon receipt by him or her of proper vouchers approved by the attorney general.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 17, § 8; P.L. 1897, ch. 476, § 1; P.L. 1906, ch. 1321, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 23, § 8; P.L. 1920, ch. 1873, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 22, § 8; P.L. 1923, ch. 479, § 1; P.L. 1929, ch. 1414, § 1; P.L. 1930, ch. 1539, § 1; P.L. 1935, ch. 2250, § 149; G.L. 1938, ch. 10, § 8; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 65; G.L. 1956, § 42-9-11; P.L. 1976, ch. 340, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 406, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-9 - Department of Attorney General › Section 42-9-12. - Annual law enforcement report.

§ 42-9-12. Annual law enforcement report.
(a)
The attorney general shall annually on or before the thirtieth (30th) day of June make a report in writing to the governor showing the transactions of his or her office in relation to the enforcement of law during the prior year ending on the thirty-first (31st) day of December.
(b)
The report shall show for each of the counties of the state the number of non-warranted indictments and information cases pending at the beginning of the year, and the number of warranted indictments and information cases pending at the beginning of the year, the number of indictments returned and informations filed during the year, the number of indictments and informations disposed of during the year:
(1)
By jury trial;
(2)
By jury waived trial;
(3)
Without jury trial on plea of guilty or nolo; and
(4)
By a nol pros; and the number of non-warranted and warranted indictments and informations pending at the end of the year.
(c)
The report shall also show, in regard to appeals from the several district courts to the superior court in cases of violation of law, the number of non-warranted appeals pending at the beginning of the year, and the number of warranted appeals pending at the beginning of the year, the number taken during the year, the number disposed of during the year:
(1)
By jury trial;
(2)
By jury-waived trial;
(3)
Without jury trial on plea of guilty or nolo; and
(4)
Or by a discontinuance; and the number of non-warranted and warranted appeals pending at the close of the year.
(d)
The report shall also show the number of offenders punished by sentence or imprisonment, or by the payment of a fine, or by both fine and imprisonment, or by suspended or deferred sentence or probation.
(e)
The report shall be subdivided to show the sex of the offenders and the age of the offenders, arranged by decades. The report shall be compiled using statistics provided by the Rhode Island statewide judicial information system.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 22, § 10; P.L. 1928, ch. 1184, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 10, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 42-9-12; P.L. 1982, ch. 227, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 325, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-9 - Department of Attorney General › Section 42-9-12.1. - Annual gun crimes law enforcement report.

§ 42-9-12.1. Annual gun crimes law enforcement report.
(a)
The attorney general shall annually, on or before March 31, make a report in writing to the general assembly showing the transactions of the attorney general’s office in relation to the enforcement of law with respect to crimes involving a gun during the prior year ending on December 31.
(b)
The report shall contain the total number of cases with respect to charges involving a firearm in all courts in the state of Rhode Island filed during the calendar year. The report shall also contain all cases with respect to charges involving a firearm that have been disposed of during the calendar year:
(1)
By trial;
(2)
[Deleted by P.L. 2021, ch. 261, § 1 and P.L. 2021, ch. 268, § 1.]
(3)
Without jury trial on plea of guilty or nolo contendere; and
(4)
By a nol pros; and the number of non-warranted and warranted indictments and informations pending at the end of the year.
(c)
The report shall also show the disposition of each case, with the sentences and fines specified in each instance.
(d)
The report shall be subdivided by and specifically include each court docket number and the charge or charges associated with it.
(e)
For each report beginning with the report due March 31, 2023, the reports shall show whether the firearm or firearms at issue in each case was a rifle, semi-automatic rifle, shotgun, revolver, semi-automatic handgun, or miscellaneous firearm.
(f)
The report shall be compiled using statistics provided by the Rhode Island statewide judicial information system and may be supplemented by data maintained by the attorney general’s office.
History of Section.
P.L. 2018, ch. 319, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 347, § 1; P.L. 2021, ch. 261, § 1, effective July 14, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 268, § 1, effective July 14, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-9 - Department of Attorney General › Section 42-9-18. - Reports, use of experts, and costs.

§ 42-9-18. Reports, use of experts, and costs.
(a)
Notwithstanding the provisions of § 23-17.14-13, the department of attorney general, may in effectuating the purpose of:
(1)
The Hospital Conversion Act pursuant to chapter 17.14 of title 23; or
(2)
Any non-profit hospital service corporation conversion; or
(3)
Non-profit medical service corporation conversion; or
(4)
Any health care conversion; engage experts or consultants including but not limited to, actuaries, investment bankers, accountants, attorneys, or industry analysts.
(b)
All copies of reports prepared by experts and consultants, and costs associated with those reports, shall be made available to the transacting parties and to the public.
(c)
All costs incurred under the provisions of this section are the responsibility of the one or more transacting parties in an amount to be determined by the attorney general.
History of Section.
P.L. 1999, ch. 31, art. 10, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 340, § 11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-9 - Department of Attorney General › Section 42-9-19. - Acceptance of settlements — Multi-state initiatives — Attorney general settlement restricted account.

§ 42-9-19. Acceptance of settlements — Multi-state initiatives — Attorney general settlement restricted account.
(a)
The attorney general is hereby authorized and empowered to accept in the name of the state any settlement resulting from a multi-state initiative. The attorney general is additionally authorized and empowered to recover attorney’s fees and costs that shall be considered settlement proceeds for purposes of this chapter.
(b)
The settlement proceeds shall be transferred to the general treasurer for deposit in the general fund. The general treasurer shall transfer proceeds, up to seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($750,000) in any fiscal year, to the “attorney general multi-state initiative restricted-receipt account.” Any balance in excess of seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($750,000) remaining in the account at the end of the fiscal year shall be transferred back to the state general fund. The restricted-receipt account shall be used to pay for staff, operational, and litigation costs associated with multi-state initiatives.
(c)
Expenditure of all settlement proceeds accepted by the attorney general as part of the terms of the relevant master settlement agreement shall be subject to the annual appropriation process and approval by the general assembly.
History of Section.
P.L. 2003, ch. 376, art. 39, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 88, art. 2, § 11; P.L. 2021, ch. 162, art. 3, § 10, effective July 6, 2021; P.L. 2023, ch. 79, art. 2, § 9, effective June 16, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-9 - Department of Attorney General › Section 42-9-19.1. - Acceptance of settlements — Non-Multi-state initiatives — Attorney general settlement restricted account.

§ 42-9-19.1. Acceptance of settlements — Non-Multi-state initiatives — Attorney general settlement restricted account.
(a)
There is hereby established a restricted receipt account within the department of attorney general entitled “attorney general non-multi-state initiative restricted-receipt account.” Funds consisting of attorneys’ fees previously recovered pursuant to the Distributors — Rhode Island Settlement Agreement resolving opioid-related claims against McKesson Corporation, Cardinal Health, Inc., and/or AmerisourceBergen Corporation in the case State of Rhode Island v. Purdue Pharma L.P. et al., CA No. PC-2018-4455, shall be deposited into this restricted receipt account.
(b)
The following funds shall also be deposited into this restricted receipt account:
(1)
All future attorneys’ fees recovered from the case referenced in subsection (a) of this section; and
(2)
Twenty percent (20%) of attorneys’ fees recovered in other non-multi-state initiatives.
(c)
This restricted receipt account shall be used to pay for staff and other operational expenses of the department.
(d)
Expenditures from this restricted receipt account shall be subject to the annual appropriation process and approval by the general assembly.
(e)
All settlement proceeds from non-multi-state initiatives, except those deposited in this restricted receipt account pursuant to this section, shall be deposited into the general fund.
History of Section.
P.L. 2023, ch. 79, art. 2, § 10, effective June 16, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-9.1 - Office of Health Care Advocate › Section 42-9.1-1. - Legislative Findings.

§ 42-9.1-1. Legislative Findings.
The general assembly finds and declares:
(1)
All citizens of Rhode Island should have access to quality and affordable health care;
(2)
The demanding business environment in which health care is delivered requires that the public have an advocate to assure that the policy and goal of assuring quality, affordable health care is achieved and maintained;
(3)
The department of attorney general, as the state’s legal advisor, advocate parens patriae, and protector of the public trust and charitable assets, and by constitution and statute for the people of the state, has the authority to advocate for and on behalf of the citizens of Rhode Island to assure that quality health care standards are met;
(4)
In order to protect public health and welfare and public and charitable assets, it is necessary to establish and fund an office of health care advocate within the department of attorney general.
History of Section.
P.L. 1999, ch. 162, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 369, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-9.1 - Office of Health Care Advocate › Section 42-9.1-2. - Establishment.

§ 42-9.1-2. Establishment.
(a)
There shall be established within the department of attorney general an office of health care advocate. The health care advocate shall be an assistant or special assistant attorney general to be appointed by the attorney general. The health care advocate is authorized to perform the following duties as the attorney general may direct:
(1)
Appear as an amicus curiae in civil actions involving any health care quality standard or issue as determined by the attorney general;
(2)
Intervene in or request initiation of administrative actions related to health care or health insurance by the state or any agency thereof as determined by the attorney general;
(3)
Review complaints and conduct any investigations deemed by the attorney general necessary to assure quality health care delivery;
(4)
Assist and cooperate with the director of any state department or person in charge of any state agency, in the investigation of any complaints, occurrences, conditions, or practices with respect to inadequacies in health care or health insurance;
(5)
To take all necessary and appropriate action, including but not limited to public education, legislative advocacy, and where authorized by law to institute formal legal action, to secure and insure compliance with the provisions of titles 23 and 27 and to advocate for any changes necessary to support the goal of quality and affordable health care for all citizens of Rhode Island.
(b)
For the purposes of this section, “health care quality standard” means any statute, ordinance, limitation, regulation, rule, order, license, stipulation, agreement, or permit of the state, or any agency of the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1999, ch. 162, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 369, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 340, § 12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-9.1 - Office of Health Care Advocate › Section 42-9.1-3. - Department cooperation.

§ 42-9.1-3. Department cooperation.
The health care advocate shall cooperate with the directors of the departments of health and business regulation to assure good quality and affordable health care.
History of Section.
P.L. 1999, ch. 162, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 369, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-9.1 - Office of Health Care Advocate › Section 42-9.1-4. - No derogation of attorney general.

§ 42-9.1-4. No derogation of attorney general.
(a)
No provision of this chapter shall derogate from the common law or statutory authority of the attorney general nor shall any provision be construed as a limitation on the common law or statutory authority of the attorney general, including the authority to investigate at any time charitable trusts for the purpose of determining and ascertaining whether they are being administered in accordance with law and with terms and purposes thereof.
(b)
No provision of this chapter shall be construed as a limitation on the application of the doctrine of cy pres or any other legal doctrine applicable to charitable assets and/or charitable trusts.
(c)
No provisions of this chapter shall derogate from the statutory authority of the department of health or any other department of the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1999, ch. 162, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 369, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-9.1 - Office of Health Care Advocate › Section 42-9.1-5. - Powers of the attorney general.

§ 42-9.1-5. Powers of the attorney general.
(a)
The health care advocate shall be entitled to receive confidential health care information available to the department of health and to law enforcement to the extent authorized by, and in accordance with the provisions of chapter 37.3 of title 5, the confidentiality of health care communications and information act. Any such information shall not be disclosed by the health care advocate except pursuant to judicial process and shall not be used against a patient in any civil or criminal proceeding or in any other matter.
(b)
Any confidential health care information received pursuant to this chapter shall not include the name, address or social security number of the patient or other such information that specifically identifies a patient. Upon the completion of any investigation, administrative or legal action, all records obtained by the health care advocate pursuant to this section shall be destroyed. All costs incurred in providing the health care advocate with any information pursuant to this section shall be borne by the provider.
History of Section.
P.L. 1999, ch. 162, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 369, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-9.1 - Office of Health Care Advocate › Section 42-9.1-6. - Immunity.

§ 42-9.1-6. Immunity.
In the absence of malice or bad faith, any health care provider or entity licensed by the state of Rhode Island, or an authorized agent of such health care provider or entity, who upon request by the attorney general provides information that is not identifiable to a specific person to the attorney general in accordance with this chapter shall be immune from prosecution for the release of such information that is not identifiable to a specific person to the attorney general and shall not be liable in any way for damages to any individual for the release of such information to the attorney general. Nothing herein is intended to abrogate or modify in any way any common law or statutory privilege or immunity heretofore enjoyed by such health care provider or entity or its agents.
History of Section.
P.L. 1999, ch. 162, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 369, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-9.2 - Office of Elder Justice Prosecution Unit › Section 42-9.2-1. - Legislative findings.

§ 42-9.2-1. Legislative findings.
The general assembly finds and recognizes that:
(1)
The proportion of Rhode Island’s population that is sixty (60) years or older will dramatically increase in the next thirty (30) years.
(2)
Elder abuse, neglect and exploitation have no boundaries, and cross all racial, socio-economic, gender and geographic lines.
(3)
The federal government or congress has been slow to enact legislation to respond to the needs of victims of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation or to undertake prevention efforts.
(4)
All citizens of Rhode Island should be protected from elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.
(5)
That the public will benefit from a coordinated, multi-agency effort to ensure that the policy goals and laws established to protect Rhode Island’s seniors from elder abuse, neglect and exploitation are achieved and enforced.
(6)
In order to protect the public safety, health and welfare of Rhode Island’s elder population, the general assembly finds it necessary to establish and fund an elder justice prosecution unit within the department of attorney general.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 331, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 398, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-9.2 - Office of Elder Justice Prosecution Unit › Section 42-9.2-2. - Definitions.

§ 42-9.2-2. Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
(1) “Abuse”
means the knowing infliction of physical or psychological harm or the knowing deprivation of goods or services that are necessary to meet essential needs or to avoid physical or psychological harm.
(2) “Caregiver”
means any person who is for a significant period of time the primary caregiver and/or is primarily responsible for the management of the funds of a senior.
(3) “Elder”
means an individual sixty (60) years or older.
(4) “Elder justice”
means efforts to prevent, detect, treat, intervene in and prosecute elder abuse, neglect and exploitation and to protect elders while maximizing their autonomy as well as the recognition of an elder’s rights, including the right to be free of abuse, neglect and exploitation.
(5) “Exploitation”
means the fraudulent or otherwise illegal, unauthorized or improper act or process of an individual, including a caregiver or fiduciary, that uses the resources of an elder for monetary or personal benefit, profit, gain, or that results in depriving an elder of rightful access to or use of, benefits, resources, belongings, or assets by use of undue influence, harassment, duress, deception, false representation or false pretenses.
(6) “Neglect”
means the failure of a caregiver or fiduciary to provide the goods or services that are necessary to maintain the health or safety of an elder.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 331, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 398, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-9.2 - Office of Elder Justice Prosecution Unit › Section 42-9.2-3. - Establishment.

§ 42-9.2-3. Establishment.
There shall be established and funded within the department of attorney general an elder justice prosecution unit. The elder justice prosecution unit shall be an assistant or special assistant attorney general appointed by the attorney general. Additionally, the unit shall have both an inspector and paralegal to be appointed by the attorney general. The elder justice prosecution unit is authorized to perform the following duties as the attorney general may direct:
(1)
Prosecute cases relating to elder abuse, neglect and exploitation;
(2)
Educate law enforcement department of elderly affairs personnel on investigative issues unique to elder justice;
(3)
Intervene in, or request that the state or any agency thereof initiate administrative, legal and legislative actions related to elder justice issues as determined by the attorney general.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 331, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 398, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-9.3 - Office of Civil Rights Advocate › Section 42-9.3-1. - Establishment.

§ 42-9.3-1. Establishment.
There shall be established within the department of attorney general an office of civil rights advocate. The civil rights advocate shall be appointed by the attorney general and is authorized to perform his or her duties as the attorney general may direct, including, but not limited to, training and education, reviewing complaints and conducting investigations, and bringing civil actions under this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 377, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 393, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-9.3 - Office of Civil Rights Advocate › Section 42-9.3-2. - Action by attorney general.

§ 42-9.3-2. Action by attorney general.
(a)
Whenever any person, whether or not acting under color of law, intentionally interferes or threatens to intentionally interfere, by physical force or violence against a person, by damage or destruction of property or by trespass on property, with the exercise or enjoyment by any other person of rights secured by the United States Constitution or the laws of the United States or of rights secured by the Constitution of Rhode Island or laws of the state, the attorney general may bring a civil action for injunctive or other appropriate equitable relief in order to protect the peaceable exercise or enjoyment of the rights secured.
(b)
A civil action under this chapter shall be brought in the name of the state for or on behalf of any person so aggrieved and shall be instituted in the superior court for the county where the alleged victim resides or has a principal place of business or where the alleged violation occurred or is threatened.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 377, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 393, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-9.3 - Office of Civil Rights Advocate › Section 42-9.3-3. - Penalties.

§ 42-9.3-3. Penalties.
Each violation of this chapter is a civil violation for which a civil penalty of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each defendant may be adjudged. This penalty shall be paid to the general fund after the attorney general is reimbursed for costs of bringing the action. Said penalty shall not serve as a defense to or in mitigation of any action for damages brought by any person so aggrieved.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 377, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 393, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-9.3 - Office of Civil Rights Advocate › Section 42-9.3-4. - Severability.

§ 42-9.3-4. Severability.
If any provision or part of this chapter or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the section which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions or parts of this section are severable.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 377, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 393, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-10 - Treasury Department › Section 42-10-1. - General treasurer — Duties in general.

§ 42-10-1. General treasurer — Duties in general.
There shall be a treasury department. The head of the treasury department shall be the general treasurer. The general treasurer shall perform the duties required by this chapter, chapters 11 and 15 of title 5; chapter 4 of title 35; chapter 21 of title 44; and all other provisions of the general laws and public laws insofar as those powers and duties relate to the general treasurer and the treasury department. He or she shall receive all revenues of the state except as may otherwise be specified by law. He or she shall disburse only such sums of money as are authorized by the department of administration, except as may otherwise be provided by law.
History of Section.
P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 50; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2727, art. 1, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 42-10-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-10 - Treasury Department › Section 42-10-2. - Bond of treasurer.

§ 42-10-2. Bond of treasurer.
The general treasurer shall, before entering upon the duties of his or her office, give bond to the state with sufficient sureties to the satisfaction of the governor in the sum of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000), for the true and faithful discharge of the duties of his or her office; which bond shall be deposited with and kept by the secretary of state.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 34, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 43, § 1; P.L. 1910, ch. 559, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 44, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 24, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 42-10-2; P.L. 1977, ch. 196, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-10 - Treasury Department › Section 42-10-3. - Deputy treasurers — Appointment and bond.

§ 42-10-3. Deputy treasurers — Appointment and bond.
The general treasurer is hereby empowered, from time to time, to appoint one or more deputies under him or her who shall be engaged to the faithful performance of his or her duties, and shall, before entering the duties of his or her office, give bond to the state with sufficient sureties to the satisfaction of the governor, in the sum of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) for the true and faithful performance of the duties of his or her office; which bond shall be deposited with and kept by the secretary of state. The general treasurer shall be liable for any misconduct, neglect, or default of those deputies.
History of Section.
P.L. 1923, ch. 454, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 25, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 42-10-3; P.L. 1977, ch. 196, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 181, art. 5, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-10 - Treasury Department › Section 42-10-4. - Delegation of powers to deputies.

§ 42-10-4. Delegation of powers to deputies.
The general treasurer may, from time to time in writing, authorize the deputies to do any and all things required of the general treasurer, and the acts of the deputies so authorized shall have the same legal effect as if done by the general treasurer, provided, however, that in no case shall the deputies have power to sign the bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness of the state, and provided, further, that the authorization may be terminated at the pleasure of the general treasurer.
History of Section.
P.L. 1923, ch. 454, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 25, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 42-10-4; P.L. 1985, ch. 181, art. 5, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-10 - Treasury Department › Section 42-10-5. - Tenure of deputies.

§ 42-10-5. Tenure of deputies.
The deputies shall hold office at the pleasure of the general treasurer.
History of Section.
P.L. 1923, ch. 454, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 25, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 42-10-5; P.L. 1985, ch. 181, art. 5, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-10 - Treasury Department › Section 42-10-6. - Employment of assistance.

§ 42-10-6. Employment of assistance.
The general treasurer may employ a clerk in his or her office, and such additional clerical assistance as he or she may require in the discharge of his or her duties.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 33, § 20; P.L. 1898, ch. 600, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 43, § 21; G.L. 1923, ch. 44, § 21; G.L. 1938, ch. 24, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 42-10-6.