reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-28 - Door-To-Door Sales › Section 6-28-5. - Seller’s obligations on cancellation.

§ 6-28-5. Seller’s obligations on cancellation.
(a)
Within twenty (20) days after a door-to-door sale has been cancelled, the seller shall tender to the buyer any payments made by the buyer and any note or other evidence of indebtedness. Any security interest arising out of the transaction will be canceled.
(b)
If the downpayment includes goods traded in, the goods shall be tendered in substantially as good condition as when received. If the seller fails to tender the goods as provided by this section, the buyer may elect to recover an amount equal to the trade-in allowance stated in the agreement.
(c)
The seller may retain as a cancellation fee five percent (5%) of the cash price; five dollars ($5.00); or the amount of the cash down payment, whichever is least. If the seller fails to comply with an obligation imposed by this section, or if the buyer avoids the sale on any ground independent of his right to cancel under § 6-28-3, the seller is not entitled to retain a cancellation fee.
(d)
Until the seller has complied with the obligations imposed by this section, the buyer may retain possession of goods delivered to him or her by the seller and has a lien on the goods for any recovery to which the buyer is entitled.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 52, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 19.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-28 - Door-To-Door Sales › Section 6-28-6. - Statement required on note.

§ 6-28-6. Statement required on note.
Any note or other evidence of indebtedness given by a buyer in connection with a door-to-door sale shall be dated not earlier than the date of the agreement or offer to purchase. The seller shall cause the words “Nonnegotiable consumer note” to be placed prominently on the note and an assignee or holder of a note or other evidence of indebtedness with the words “Nonnegotiable consumer note” appearing prominently on the note shall take the note subject to the claims and defenses permitted under § 6A-3-306, irrespective of whether or not an assignee or holder qualifies as a “holder in due course” as defined in § 6A-3-302.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 52, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 19.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-28 - Door-To-Door Sales › Section 6-28-7. - Buyer’s obligations on cancellation.

§ 6-28-7. Buyer’s obligations on cancellation.
(a)
Except as provided in § 6-28-5(d), within twenty (20) days after a door-to-door sale has been cancelled by the buyer, upon demand the buyer shall tender to the seller any goods delivered by the seller pursuant to the sale, but the buyer is not obligated to tender at any place other than his or her own address. Buyer’s compliance with the seller’s instructions regarding the return shipment of the goods shall be at the seller’s expense and risk. If the seller fails without interference from the buyer to take possession of the goods within twenty (20) days after cancellation, the goods shall become the property of the buyer without obligation to pay for them.
(b)
The buyer shall take reasonable care of the goods in his or her possession both prior to cancellation and during the twenty-day (20) period following. During the twenty-day (20) period after cancellation, except for the buyer’s duty of care, the goods are at the seller’s risk.
(c)
If the seller has performed any services pursuant to a door-to-door sale prior to its cancellation, the seller is entitled to no compensation except the cancellation fee provided in this chapter. If the seller’s services result in the alteration of property of the buyer, the seller shall restore the property to substantially as good condition as it was at the time the services were rendered.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 52, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 19.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-28 - Door-To-Door Sales › Section 6-28-8. - Penalty for violation.

§ 6-28-8. Penalty for violation.
Any person who violates any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 52, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-28.1 - Unfair Home Improvement Loans to Senior Citizens › Section 6-28.1-1. - Short title.

§ 6-28.1-1. Short title.
This chapter may be cited as the “Unfair Home Improvement Loans for Senior Citizens Act.”
History of Section.
P.L. 1997, ch. 121, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-28.1 - Unfair Home Improvement Loans to Senior Citizens › Section 6-28.1-2. - Definitions.

§ 6-28.1-2. Definitions.
(a)
“Consumer” means an individual who seeks or acquires, by purchase or lease, any goods or services for personal, family, or household purposes.
(b)
“Disabled person” means any person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
(c)
“Goods” means tangible chattels bought or leased for use primarily for personal, family, or household purposes, including certificates or coupons exchangeable for these goods, and including goods that, at the time of the sale or subsequently, are to be so affixed to real property as to become a part of real property whether or not severable from real property.
(d)
“Home solicitation” means any transaction made at the consumer’s primary residence, except those transactions initiated by the consumer. A consumer response to an advertisement is not a home solicitation.
(e)
“Person” means an individual, partnerships, corporation, limited-liability company, association, or other group, however organized.
(f)
“Senior citizen” means a person who is sixty-five (65) years of age or older.
(g)
“Services” means work, labor, and services for other than a commercial or business and including services furnished in connection with the sale or repair of goods.
(h)
“Transaction” means an agreement between a consumer and any other person, whether or not the agreement is a contract enforceable by action, and includes the making of, and the performance pursuant to, that agreement.
History of Section.
P.L. 1997, ch. 121, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 20.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-28.1 - Unfair Home Improvement Loans to Senior Citizens › Section 6-28.1-3. - Home solicitation.

§ 6-28.1-3. Home solicitation.
(a)
The following unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices undertaken by any person in a transaction intended to result or which results in the sale or lease of goods or services to any consumer are unlawful:
The home solicitation of a consumer who is a senior citizen where a loan is made encumbering the primary residence of that consumer for the purposes of paying for home improvements and where the transaction is part of a pattern or practice in violation of either subsection (h) or (i) of 15 U.S.C. § 1639 or subsection (e) of 12 CFR 226.32.
(b)
A third party shall not be liable under this section unless: (1) There was an agency relationship between the party who engaged in home solicitation and the third party; or (2) The third party had actual knowledge of or participated in the unfair or deceptive transaction. A third party who is a holder in due course under a home solicitation transaction shall not be liable under this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1997, ch. 121, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 20.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-28.1 - Unfair Home Improvement Loans to Senior Citizens › Section 6-28.1-4. - Penalty for violation.

§ 6-28.1-4. Penalty for violation.
Anyone who violates any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Any person, firm, or corporation, who or that has been found guilty, as previously stated, or any person, firm, or corporation acquiring derivative rights from someone found guilty shall be prohibited from maintaining any civil action for the recovery of any debt created as a result of the violation and shall issue a discharge of any encumbrance recorded on the real property securing the debt.
History of Section.
P.L. 1997, ch. 121, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 20.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-29 - Referral Selling › Section 6-29-1. - Home solicitation referral selling.

§ 6-29-1. Home solicitation referral selling.
No seller in a home solicitation sale or a cash sale as defined in § 6-28-2 shall offer to pay a commission or give a rebate or discount to the buyer in consideration of the buyer’s giving to the seller the names of prospective purchasers or otherwise aiding the seller in making a sale to another person unless the seller actually delivers to the purchaser a chart showing the actual experience of purchasers for the three (3) calendar years ending prior to the contract under consideration, including the number of and monies paid to those who participated in the plan, and unless there shall be a separate, written agreement signed and dated by the buyer and also signed by the seller containing the following in ten-point (10) bold-face type or larger, directly above the space reserved in the agreement for the signature of the buyer:
(1)
No purchase of goods or services between the parties to the sale has been induced by the promise of monies to be earned under this agreement;
(2)
The purchase price of any goods or services in any transaction between the parties to the sale has not been increased in any way because of this agreement;
(3)
No payments due under this agreement may be held up, credited, or set-off toward payment of any obligation between the parties except on written authorization specifically allowing that action; and
(4)
No other representations or agreements, oral or written, have been made by the parties to the sale relating to the terms of this agreement.
History of Section.
P.L. 1968, ch. 149, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 21.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-29 - Referral Selling › Section 6-29-2. - Sales induced by referral offer voidable.

§ 6-29-2. Sales induced by referral offer voidable.
Any sale made in respect to which a commission, rebate, or discount is represented as being given in return for names of other prospective buyers shall be voidable at the option of the buyer, unless there is a written agreement between the parties to the sale containing the provisions set forth in § 6-29-1.
History of Section.
P.L. 1968, ch. 149, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-29 - Referral Selling › Section 6-29-3. - Penalties.

§ 6-29-3. Penalties.
Any seller who shall violate the provisions of § 6-29-1 and any seller who shall make a false representation that he or she is making a price concession in return for being given names of other prospective buyers shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
History of Section.
P.L. 1968, ch. 149, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-30 - Distribution of Credit Cards › Section 6-30-1. - Solicitation by mail.

§ 6-30-1. Solicitation by mail.
No person engaged in the business of granting or extending credit by the use of a credit card shall mail any credit card to any individual unless the individual shall have previously made a request, in writing or verbally, for any credit card.
History of Section.
P.L. 1970, ch. 177, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 337, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-30 - Distribution of Credit Cards › Section 6-30-2. - “Credit card” defined.

§ 6-30-2. “Credit card” defined.
As used in this chapter, “credit card” means any instrument or device, whether known as a credit card, credit plate, or by any other name, issued with or without fee by an issuer for the use of the cardholder in obtaining money, goods, services, or anything else of value on credit.
History of Section.
P.L. 1970, ch. 177, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-30 - Distribution of Credit Cards › Section 6-30-3. - Exceptions.

§ 6-30-3. Exceptions.
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to:
(1)
The issuance of any credit card to any individual who shall at the time of the issuance have a credit account relationship with the issuer.
(2)
The issuance of any credit card to any individual whose credit account shall have been transferred to the issuer by any other person engaged in the business of granting or extending credit by the use of a credit card.
(3)
The renewal of any credit card previously issued that has been used by the cardholder during the previous new or renewal term.
History of Section.
P.L. 1970, ch. 177, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 22.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-30 - Distribution of Credit Cards › Section 6-30-4. - Penalty for violation.

§ 6-30-4. Penalty for violation.
Anyone who violates any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Any person, firm, or corporation who or that has been found guilty of violating any provision of this chapter or any person, firm, or corporation acquiring derivative rights from someone found guilty shall be prohibited from maintaining any civil action for the recovery of any debt created through the use of the credit card.
History of Section.
P.L. 1970, ch. 177, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 22.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-30 - Distribution of Credit Cards › Section 6-30-5. - Verbal applications for credit cards.

§ 6-30-5. Verbal applications for credit cards.
Persons engaged in the business of granting or extending credit by use of credit card may take a request, verbally or in writing, for any credit card.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 337, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-31 - Unit Pricing › Section 6-31-1. - Definitions.

§ 6-31-1. Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
(1)
“Consumer commodity” means any food, drug, device, or cosmetic and other article, product, or commodity of any other kind or class, except for drugs sold only by prescription, that:
(i)
Are customarily produced for sale to retail sales agencies or instrumentalities for consumption by individuals; for use by individuals for purposes of personal care; or in the performance of services ordinarily rendered in or around the household; and
(ii)
Usually are consumed or expended in the course of the consumption or use.
(2)
“Director” means the director of business regulation.
(3)
“Retail price” means the price at which the consumer commodity is sold to the ultimate customer.
(4)
“Sale at Retail” means sale of a consumer commodity to the ultimate customer.
(5)
“Total price” of a consumer commodity means the full purchase price of a consumer commodity without regard to units of weight, measure, or count.
(6)
“Ultimate customer” is a person who purchases a product other than for resale.
(7)
“Unit price” of a consumer commodity means the retail price of a consumer commodity expressed in terms of the retail price of the commodity per the unit of weight, measure, or count, as the director designates, computed to the nearest whole cent or fraction thereof as the director designates.
History of Section.
P.L. 1972, ch. 15, § 1; P.L. 1975, ch. 191, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 433, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 23.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-31 - Unit Pricing › Section 6-31-2. - Consumer information required.

§ 6-31-2. Consumer information required.
(a)(1)
Every person who sells, offers for sale, or exposes for sale at retail any aluminum foil, bread, carbonated soft drinks, cereals, cooking oils, dog or cat food, facial tissues, fish, fowl, fruits, grains, meats, napkins, plastic food wrapping, vegetables, waxed paper, or other consumer commodity designated by the director, shall disclose to the consumer the unit price of the consumer commodity as provided in this chapter.
(2)
The same unit of weight, measure, or count shall be utilized to express the unit price of different sizes or brand names of the same or similar consumer commodities. All stamps, tags, or labels expressing the total price shall be standardized within each place of business and shall set forth the cents from dollars by use of a decimal point, different type or type size, or a cents sign.
(b)
Every person who sells, offers for sale, or exposes for sale at retail any consumer commodity shall disclose to the consumer the total price of the consumer commodity as provided in this chapter.
(c)
Wherever meat, poultry, fish, fresh vegetables, and fresh fruit are sold by a measure of weight and are packaged or wrapped for sale by a retailer in advance of being sold, offered for sale, or exposed for sale, an accurate computing scale of adequate capacity shall be placed in a conspicuous accessible location so the buyer may weigh the product that is being purchased.
History of Section.
P.L. 1972, ch. 15, § 1; P.L. 1975, ch. 27, § 1; P.L. 1981, ch. 241, § 1; P.L. 1984, ch. 92, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 23.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-31 - Unit Pricing › Section 6-31-3. - Means of disclosure.

§ 6-31-3. Means of disclosure.
Persons subject to the requirements of § 6-31-2 shall disclose the unit price and total price to consumers in one or more of the following appropriate ways:
(1)
If the consumer commodity is so located that it is not conspicuously visible to the consumer, or if the consumer commodity is so located that the price information, if displayed in accordance with subdivision (2), would not be conspicuously visible to the consumer by a sign or list bearing the price information conspicuously placed near the point of procurement; or
(2)
By attachment of a stamp, tag, or label directly adjacent to the consumer commodity, on the shelf on which the commodity is displayed, or by stamping or affixing the price information on the commodity itself; provided, however, that upon each commodity shall be stamped or affixed the total price of the commodity in arabic numerals if and when a computerized system is used; or
(3)
In accord with regulations promulgated by the director.
History of Section.
P.L. 1972, ch. 15, § 1; P.L. 1975, ch. 191, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 23.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-31 - Unit Pricing › Section 6-31-4. - Repealed.

§ 6-31-4. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1972, ch. 15, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 1990, ch. 392, § 1, effective July 12, 1990.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-31 - Unit Pricing › Section 6-31-5. - Director’s powers.

§ 6-31-5. Director’s powers.
(a)
The director shall do all of the following:
(1)
Designate by regulation those consumer commodities, in addition to the consumer commodities specifically enumerated in § 6-31-2(a), as to which display of the unit price shall be required upon a determination that the display will be in the best interest of consumers;
(2)
Designate by regulation the unit of weight, measure, or count in terms of which the unit price of each consumer commodity shall be expressed, provided that no designated unit shall be such as to require persons subject to the provisions of § 6-31-2(a) to measure any consumer commodity solely for the purpose of complying with § 6-31-2(a);
(3)
Designate by regulation whether the unit price of each consumer commodity subject to the provisions of § 6-31-2(a) shall be expressed to the nearest whole cent or to an appropriate fraction thereof;
(4)
Exempt, by regulation, classes of retail establishments from any or all requirements of this chapter upon a determination that because sales of consumer commodities regulated by this chapter are purely incidental to the business of the classes of retail establishments, compliance with this chapter is impracticable and unnecessary for adequate protection of consumers; provided, however, that any person, firm, corporation, or other business entity with less than eight (8) full-time employees shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter;
(5)
Prescribe, by regulation, means for the disclosure of price information upon determination that they are more effective than those prescribed in § 6-31-3; and
(6)
Promulgate any other regulation necessary to effectuate the provisions of this chapter in accordance with the best interests of consumers.
(b)
The director shall give public notice of his or her intention to promulgate regulations pursuant to subsection (a) and shall receive the opinions of interested parties on the regulations. Regulations shall take effect thirty (30) days from the date on which the notice is given.
(c)
The director shall hold hearings whenever he or she has probable cause to believe, or whenever twenty-five (25) or more citizens state in writing to the director their belief, that the actions of any person subject to the provisions of this chapter have evidenced a pattern of noncompliance with any or all of those provisions. Pursuant to the hearings, to which the suspected violator shall be invited with written notice at least ten (10) days before the hearing is held, the director shall, upon a finding that a pattern of noncompliance has been shown:
(1)
Issue a warning citation; or
(2)
Report any pattern of noncompliance to the attorney general who shall cause appropriate proceedings to be instituted in the proper courts.
History of Section.
P.L. 1972, ch. 15, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 433, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 529, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 23.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-31 - Unit Pricing › Section 6-31-6. - Penalties.

§ 6-31-6. Penalties.
Any person whose actions evince a pattern of noncompliance with any or all provisions of this chapter shall be punishable by imprisonment for a term not exceeding six (6) months or by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500), or by a fine only of not more than five hundred dollars ($500).
History of Section.
P.L. 1972, ch. 15, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-32 - Lay-Away Sales › Section 6-32-1. - “Lay-away sales” defined.

§ 6-32-1. “Lay-away sales” defined.
As used in this chapter, “lay-away sales” means any sale of goods in which the goods are offered for sale to the public on terms that permit periodic payment for the goods and with respect to which delivery is deferred until completion of payment of the entire purchase price.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 291, § 2; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 24.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-32 - Lay-Away Sales › Section 6-32-2. - Duties of the seller.

§ 6-32-2. Duties of the seller.
It shall be unlawful for any seller of goods:
(1)
To fail to disclose or to misrepresent in any way the store’s policy with reference to a “lay-away” sale;
(2)
To represent to a buyer who is purchasing on a “lay-away” sale that the specific goods chosen by the buyer or an exact duplicate of the goods are being laid away for that buyer when that is not a fact;
(3)
To fail to disclose to the buyer that the specified goods or their exact duplicate will only be set aside for a certain period of time;
(4)
To deliver to the buyer after payments (pursuant to the lay-away sale) are completed, goods that are not identical to, or exact substitutes of, those specified, unless prior approval in writing has been received from the buyer;
(5)
To increase the price of the goods specified either by way of increasing the payments or substituting goods that are of a lower quality or price;
(6)
To fail to deliver to the buyer, on any date payment is made, a receipt showing the amount and the date of that payment, and, upon request, the balance of payments made up to that date.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 291, § 2; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 24.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-32 - Lay-Away Sales › Section 6-32-3. - Right to cancel — Method — Exception for special-order merchandise.

§ 6-32-3. Right to cancel — Method — Exception for special-order merchandise.
(a)
In addition to any right otherwise to revoke an offer, the buyer may cancel a lay-away plan sale by written notice of cancellation to the seller at the address specified for notice of cancellation provided by the seller not later than midnight ten (10) days following the buyer’s signing the agreement, excluding Sunday and any holiday on which regular mail deliveries are not made. After the ten (10) days the seller may retain no more than ten percent (10%) of the total payments made. The notice of cancellation shall be by personal delivery of registered or certified mail.
(b)
This right to cancel a lay-away plan sale shall not apply to special order merchandise, that, for the purposes of this section, means:
(1)
Merchandise that is to be custom made and the seller has made either a commitment for its procurement or a substantial beginning of its production; or
(2)
Merchandise that substantially differs from the merchandise that the seller ordinarily offers for sale.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 291, § 2; P.L. 1979, ch. 163, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 24.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-32 - Lay-Away Sales › Section 6-32-4. - Notice required on agreement.

§ 6-32-4. Notice required on agreement.
(a)
No lay away sale shall be effective unless a written memorandum of the sale is signed and dated by the buyer and unless it conspicuously contains the following directly above the space reserved in the agreement or sales slip for the signature of the buyer:
Notice to buyer:
(1)
You are entitled to a copy of this document at the time you sign it.
(2)
You may at any time pay off the full unpaid balance due under this agreement, and in so doing you may be entitled to receive a partial rebate of the finance and insurance charges, if any.
(3)
You may cancel this agreement provided you notify the seller in person or by registered or certified mail, which shall be given not later than midnight of the tenth calendar day after the day on which the buyer signs the agreement, excluding Sunday and any holiday on which regular mail deliveries are not made.
(b)
The seller is not precluded from using his or her own form of notice provided it at least affords the consumer the protection of the statutory notice.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 291, § 2; P.L. 1980, ch. 380, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-32 - Lay-Away Sales › Section 6-32-5. - Seller’s obligations on cancellation.

§ 6-32-5. Seller’s obligations on cancellation.
Within thirty (30) days after a lay-away sale has been cancelled, the seller shall tender to the buyer any payments made by the buyer and any note or other evidence of indebtedness. If the down payment includes goods traded in, the goods shall be tendered in substantially as good condition as when received. If the seller fails to tender the goods as provided in this section, the buyer may elect to recover an amount equal to the trade in allowance stated in the agreement.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 291, § 2; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 24.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-32 - Lay-Away Sales › Section 6-32-6. - Penalty for violation.

§ 6-32-6. Penalty for violation.
Any person who violates any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 291, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-33 - Unsolicited Goods › Section 6-33-1. - Unsolicited goods.

§ 6-33-1. Unsolicited goods.
If unsolicited goods or merchandise of any kind are either addressed to or intended for the recipient, the goods or merchandise shall, unless otherwise agreed, be deemed a gift to the recipient who may use them or dispose of them in any manner without any obligation to the sender.
History of Section.
P.L. 1975, ch. 145, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-34 - Construction Indemnity Agreements › Section 6-34-1. - Construction indemnity agreements.

§ 6-34-1. Construction indemnity agreements.
(a)
A covenant, promise, agreement, or understanding in, or in connection with or collateral to, a contract or agreement relative to the design, planning, construction, alteration, repair, or maintenance of a building, structure, highway, road, appurtenance, and appliance, including moving, demolition, and excavating connected with a building, structure, highway, road, appurtenance, or appliance, pursuant to which contract or agreement the promisee or the promisee’s independent contractors, agents, or employees has hired the promisor to perform work, purporting to indemnify the promisee, the promisee’s independent contractors, agents, employees, or indemnitees against liability for damages arising out of bodily injury to persons or damage to property proximately caused by or resulting from the negligence of the promisee, the promisee’s independent contractors, agents, employees, or indemnitees, is against public policy and is void; provided that this section shall not affect the validity of any insurance contract, worker’s compensation agreement, or an agreement issued by an insurer.
(b)
Nothing in this section shall prohibit any person from purchasing insurance for his or her own protection or from purchasing a construction bond.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 247, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-34.1 - Law Applicable to Construction Contracts › Section 6-34.1-1. - Law applicable to construction contracts.

§ 6-34.1-1. Law applicable to construction contracts.
(a)
If a contract is principally for the construction or repair of improvements to real property located in Rhode Island and the contract contains a provision that makes the contract or any conflict arising under it subject to the law of another state; to litigation in the courts of another state; or to arbitration in another state; that provision is voidable by the party that is obligated by the contract to perform the construction or repair.
(b)
A contract is principally for the construction or repair of improvements to real property located in Rhode Island if the contract obligates a party, as its principal obligation under the contract, to provide labor, or labor and materials, for the construction or repair of improvements to real property located in Rhode Island as a general contractor or subcontractor.
(c)
A contract is not principally for the construction or repair of improvements to real property located in Rhode Island if:
(1)
The contract is a partnership agreement or other agreement governing an entity or trust;
(2)
The contract provides for a loan or other extension of credit and the party promising to construct or repair improvements does so as part of its agreements with the lender or other extender of credit; or
(3)
The contract is for the management of real property or improvements and the obligation to construct or repair is part of that management.
(d)
Subsections (b) and (c) of this section are not an exclusive list of situations in which a contract is or is not principally for the construction or repair of improvements to real property located in this state.
(e)
The superior court of the state of Rhode Island shall have exclusive jurisdiction in relation to the construing or enforceability of § 6-34.1-1.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 392, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 379, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 509, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 25.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-35 - Highway Accident Agreements › Section 6-35-1. - Agreements.

§ 6-35-1. Agreements.
Any contractual agreement relating to the repair of a motor vehicle entered into as a direct and immediate result of an automobile collision on a public highway, thoroughfare, or street may be rescinded at the option of the owner of the motor vehicle within forty-eight (48) hours after the occurrence of the accident by presenting written notice of the rescission to the other party. The owner of the motor vehicle shall not be liable for the cost of any repair work done prior to the expiration of the rescission period and the motor vehicle must be returned to the owner upon request.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 143, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-35 - Highway Accident Agreements › Section 6-35-2. - Exemptions.

§ 6-35-2. Exemptions.
Nothing contained in this chapter shall apply to a contractual agreement for the towing of a motor vehicle or for services directed by a law enforcement officer in the exercise of his or her duly authorized police powers.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 143, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-35 - Highway Accident Agreements › Section 6-35-3. - Conflict with other law.

§ 6-35-3. Conflict with other law.
Whenever the application of any provisions of any other law of this state conflicts with the application of any provision of this chapter, then this chapter shall prevail.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 143, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-36 - Antitrust Law › Section 6-36-1. - Short title.

§ 6-36-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Rhode Island Antitrust Act.”
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 98, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-36 - Antitrust Law › Section 6-36-2. - Purpose — Rules of construction.

§ 6-36-2. Purpose — Rules of construction.
(a)
The purposes of this chapter are:
(1)
To complement the laws of the United States governing monopolistic and restrictive trade practices; and
(2)
To promote the unhampered growth of commerce and industry throughout the state by prohibiting unreasonable restraints of trade and monopolistic practices, inasmuch as these have the effect of hampering, preventing, or decreasing competition. It is intended, that as a result, the prices of goods and services to consumers will be fairly determined by free-market competition in activities affecting trade or commerce in this state, including the manufacturing, distribution, financing, and service sectors of the economy, except as otherwise provided by the statutes, regulations, and judicial decisions of this state. The general assembly intends to fully exercise its power to affect and regulate commerce in order to effectuate the purpose of this chapter.
(b)
This chapter shall be construed in harmony with judicial interpretations of comparable federal antitrust statutes insofar as practicable, except where provisions of this chapter are expressly contrary to applicable federal provisions as construed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 98, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 26.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-36 - Antitrust Law › Section 6-36-3. - Definitions.

§ 6-36-3. Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter, the terms defined in this section have the following meanings:
(1)
“Commodity” means any goods, merchandise, wares, produce, chose in action, article of commerce, or any other tangible or intangible property, real, personal, or mixed, for use, consumption, enjoyment, or resale;
(2)
“Department” means the department of attorney general of this state;
(3)
“Documentary material” means any original or copy of any book, record, memorandum, paper communication, tabulation, map, chart, photograph, mechanical transcription, or other tangible document or recording;
(4)
“Investigative demand” or “demand” means an investigative demand pursuant to § 6-36-9(b);
(5)
“Person” means any natural person or the estate of any natural person; or trust or association of persons, whether formal or otherwise; or any corporation, partnership, company, or any other legal or commercial entity;
(6)
“Public body” means the state of Rhode Island; any of its public agencies; cities and towns; its other political subdivisions; and other authorities;
(7)
“Service” means any kind of activity performed in whole or in part for financial gain including, but not limited to, personal services;
(8)
“Trade or commerce” means any economic activity of any type whatsoever involving any commodity or service or business activity whatsoever.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 98, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 350, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 26.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-36 - Antitrust Law › Section 6-36-4. - Restraint of trade or commerce.

§ 6-36-4. Restraint of trade or commerce.
Every contract, combination, or conspiracy in restraint of, or to monopolize, trade or commerce is unlawful.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 98, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-36 - Antitrust Law › Section 6-36-5. - Establishment, maintenance, or use of monopoly power.

§ 6-36-5. Establishment, maintenance, or use of monopoly power.
The establishment, maintenance, or use of a monopoly, or an attempt to establish a monopoly, of trade or commerce by any person, for the purpose of excluding competition or controlling, fixing, or maintaining prices, is unlawful.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 98, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-36 - Antitrust Law › Section 6-36-6. - Certain contracts unlawful.

§ 6-36-6. Certain contracts unlawful.
A contract for the supplying of commodities or furnishing of services; or for the fixing of prices charged for the commodities or services; or for the giving or selling of a discount or rebate, on the condition, agreement, or understanding that one party shall not deal in the commodities or services of a competitor or competitors of the other party; is unlawful where the effect of the contract or the condition, agreement, or understanding may be to lessen competition or tend to create a monopoly in any line of commerce in any region of this state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 98, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 26.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-36 - Antitrust Law › Section 6-36-7. - Scope of chapter.

§ 6-36-7. Scope of chapter.
(a)
This chapter applies to: (1) any contract, combination, or conspiracy, wherever created, formed, or entered into; (2) any establishment, maintenance, or use of monopoly power; and (3) any attempt or conspiracy to establish, maintain, or use monopoly power; wherever any of the foregoing has an impact on trade or commerce of this state sufficient to invoke the jurisdiction of the superior court.
(b)
In deciding whether conduct restrains or monopolizes trade or commerce or may substantially lessen competition within this state, determination of the relevant market or effective area of competition shall not be limited by the boundaries of this state. However, some portion of the relevant market or effective area of competition must be at least in part within this state.
(c)
No action or proceeding instituted pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall be barred on the ground that the activity or conduct complained of in any way affects or involves interstate or foreign commerce.
(d)
In any action under this chapter, the fact that a person or public body has not dealt directly with the defendant shall not bar or otherwise limit recovery. Provided, however, that courts shall exclude from the amount of monetary relief awarded in the action any amount of monetary relief which duplicates amounts which have been awarded for the same injury.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 98, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 274, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 365, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-36 - Antitrust Law › Section 6-36-8. - Exemptions.

§ 6-36-8. Exemptions.
Any activity or activities exempt from the provisions of the antitrust laws of the United States shall be similarly exempt from the provisions of this chapter. The exemptions shall be liberally construed in harmony with federal statutes and ruling judicial interpretations of the United States courts, with due regard for the need to exempt conduct otherwise exempt under federal law but for the absence of any nexus with interstate commerce, except where the provisions of this chapter are expressly contrary to applicable federal provisions as construed. Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to apply to activities or arrangements approved by any regulatory body or officer acting under statutory authority of this state or of the United States.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 98, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-36 - Antitrust Law › Section 6-36-10. - Injunction against and civil penalties for violations of this chapter.

§ 6-36-10. Injunction against and civil penalties for violations of this chapter.
(a) Jurisdiction of courts.
The superior court of this state shall have jurisdiction to prevent and restrain violations of this chapter, provided that the statutory minimum amount in controversy is properly present. In addition to granting prohibitory injunctions and other restraints for a period and upon terms and conditions necessary to deter the defendant from, and insure against, the committing of future violations of this chapter, the courts may grant mandatory injunctions reasonably necessary to dissipate the ill effects of the violation. The courts may issue appropriate decrees upon consent and stipulation by the parties. The courts may also issue restraining orders. Under no circumstances shall the state or a public body be required to post bond in any action under this chapter.
(b) Right to injunctive relief.
(1)
The attorney general may institute proceedings to prevent and restrain violations of this chapter as provided in subsection (a) of this section.
(2)
Any person or public body including the United States, whether a direct or indirect purchaser, may institute proceedings for injunctive relief, temporary or permanent, as provided in subsection (a) of this section, against threatened loss or damage to his or her property or business by a violation of this chapter. A preliminary injunction may be issued upon a showing that the danger of irreparable loss or damage is immediate and, within the court’s discretion, the execution of proper bond against damages for an injunction improvidently granted. If the court issues a permanent injunction, the plaintiff shall be awarded reasonable attorney’s fees, filing fees, and reasonable costs of the suit. Reasonable costs for the suit may include, but shall not be limited to, the expenses of discovery and document reproduction.
(c) Civil penalty.
In addition to injunctive relief authorized pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of this section, any person who violates this chapter may be liable for a civil penalty of not more than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) for each violation.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 98, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 274, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 365, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-36 - Antitrust Law › Section 6-36-11. - Enforcement.

§ 6-36-11. Enforcement.
(a) Action for treble damages.
Any person or public body, including the United States, injured in his or her business or property by reason of a violation of the provisions of this chapter may sue in superior court and shall recover threefold the damages sustained by him or her, together with reasonable costs of suit and any reasonable attorneys’ fees that may be granted at the discretion of the court. The reasonable costs of suit may include, but shall not be limited to, the expenses of discovery and document reproduction. In any action under this section the fact that a person or public body has not dealt directly with the defendant shall not bar or otherwise limit recovery. Provided, however, that the court shall exclude from the amount of the damages awarded in the action, any amount of monetary relief that duplicates amounts that have been awarded for the same injury, but shall not exclude reasonable costs and attorneys’ fees.
(b) Action by attorney general.
The attorney general shall investigate suspected violations of the provisions of this chapter and if he or she shall conclude that a violation is imminent, is occurring, or has occurred, he or she may institute on behalf of the state of Rhode Island or any of its departments, subdivisions, agencies, or its cities and towns, an action in superior court seeking appropriate relief. The attorney general may bring an action in federal court on behalf of the state of Rhode Island; any of its political subdivisions or agencies; or its cities and towns to recover the damages provided for by the federal antitrust laws, and pursuant to the federal laws may undertake any measures that he or she deems necessary for the successful conduct of the action.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 98, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 274, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 365, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 26.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-36 - Antitrust Law › Section 6-36-13. - Proof of aggregate damages.

§ 6-36-13. Proof of aggregate damages.
In any action brought by the attorney general under either § 6-36-11 or 6-36-12, the attorney general may recover aggregate damages sustained by the public bodies and by the citizens and residents of this state as respectively their interests shall appear in the case, without separately proving the claims of each of them; and his or her proof of the damages may be based upon statistical sampling methods, the pro rata allocation of excess profits to sales of other transactions occurring wholly or partially within this state or, any other reasonable system of estimating aggregate damages that the court in its discretion may permit.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 98, § 1.