reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 40 - Human Services › Chapter 40-9 - Services for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired › Section 40-9-2. - General duties of administrator.

§ 40-9-2. General duties of administrator.
(a)
The administrator of services for people who are blind or visually impaired shall devote all of his or her time to the duties of his or her office and keep at his or her office in the state house a register of individuals who are blind or visually impaired in the state, describing their condition, cause of blindness, and capacity for education and industrial training.
(b)
The administrator shall, under the direction of the director, generally be charged with:
(1)
Maintaining a placement service with the object of determining the fitness of applicants who are blind or visually impaired for work, vocational guidance, and securing occupation when applicants are trained;
(2)
Assisting, when called upon by the school-to-careers committee of the governor’s workforce board, that board in its work for students who are blind or visually impaired and in the application of federal aid;
(3)
Assisting the department of elementary and secondary education, when called upon by it, in performing its duties under chapter 25 of title 16 [repealed];
(4)
Having general charge of the home teaching of persons who are blind or visually impaired in the state;
(5)
Having charge of workshops for the training of persons who are blind or visually impaired and salesrooms for the sale of the products of the blind and visually impaired as the director may, from time to time, establish; and
(6)
Performing other duties with respect to his or her office as the director may prescribe.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 413, art. 1, § 27; P.L. 1930, ch. 1590, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 184, § 1; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2752, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 40-11-2; Reorg. Plan No. 1, 1970; P.L. 1976, ch. 211, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 83, § 99; P.L. 1999, ch. 130, § 99; P.L. 2006, ch. 216, § 21.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 40 - Human Services › Chapter 40-9 - Services for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired › Section 40-9-3. - Advisory council — Appointment of members.

§ 40-9-3. Advisory council — Appointment of members.
Within the department of human services there shall be an advisory council to assist in promoting the interests of people who are blind or visually impaired consisting of nine (9) members, eight (8) of whom shall be qualified electors of the state, who shall be selected with particular regard to their interest in and their knowledge of the conditions regarding the blind and visually impaired and who shall be appointed by the governor as herein provided, and one of whom shall be the chairperson of the state council on independent living services, ex officio. In the month of February in each year, the governor shall appoint one member, except in the month of February 1970 and every fifth year thereafter when he or she shall appoint four (4) members, each member to hold office until the first day of March in the fifth year after his or her appointment and until his or her successor is appointed and qualified, to succeed the member whose term will next expire. Any vacancy that may occur in the council shall be filled by appointment by the governor for the remainder of the unexpired term.
History of Section.
P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 90; P.L. 1940, ch. 801, § 1; redesignated § 91 by P.L. 1951, ch. 2724, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 40-11-3; P.L. 1970, ch. 56, § 1; Reorg. Plan No. 1, 1970; P.L. 1976, ch. 211, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 262, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 83, § 99; P.L. 1999, ch. 130, § 99.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 40 - Human Services › Chapter 40-9 - Services for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired › Section 40-9-4. - Chairperson of advisory council — Secretarial service.

§ 40-9-4. Chairperson of advisory council — Secretarial service.
The members of the council shall elect one of their number as chairperson upon the appointment of any new member for a full term and whenever the office may become vacant. The members of the council shall serve without compensation and secretarial service for the council shall be provided by the director of the department.
History of Section.
P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 90; P.L. 1940, ch. 801, § 1; redesignated § 91 by P.L. 1951, ch. 2724, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 40-11-4; Reorg. Plan No. 1, 1970.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 40 - Human Services › Chapter 40-9 - Services for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired › Section 40-9-5. - Functions of advisory council.

§ 40-9-5. Functions of advisory council.
The council shall confer with and shall advise the director of human services in promoting the interests of people who are blind or visually impaired in the state and concerning the policies, rules, and regulations appertaining thereto; provided, however, that the advisory council shall have no administrative power.
History of Section.
P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 90; P.L. 1940, ch. 801, § 1; redesignated § 91 by P.L. 1951, ch. 2724, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 40-11-5; impl. am. P.L. 1962, ch. 6, § 5; Reorg. Plan No. 1, 1970; P.L. 1976, ch. 211, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 83, § 99; P.L. 1999, ch. 130, § 99.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 40 - Human Services › Chapter 40-9 - Services for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired › Section 40-9-6. - Home instruction of people who are blind or visually impaired.

§ 40-9-6. Home instruction of people who are blind or visually impaired.
The director of human services is hereby authorized and empowered to provide for the instruction at their homes of the adult residents who are blind or visually impaired residents of this state upon such conditions and in such manner as may to him or her seem proper, and the general assembly shall annually appropriate a sum as it may deem necessary for the purposes of this section; and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of the sum or so much thereof as may, from time to time, be necessary, upon receipt by him or her of proper vouchers approved by the director of the department and by the administration of services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Receipts from the toy lending library shall be deposited as general revenue and the activity shall be funded through general revenue appropriations.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 413, art. 1, § 27; P.L. 1930, ch. 1590, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 184, § 1; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 65; G.L. 1956, § 40-11-6; Reorg. Plan No. 1, 1970; P.L. 1976, ch. 211, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 40, § 121; P.L. 1999, ch. 83, § 99; P.L. 1999, ch. 130, § 99.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 40 - Human Services › Chapter 40-9 - Services for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired › Section 40-9-7. - Supplies and materials for people who are blind or visually impaired workers — Compensation for services.

§ 40-9-7. Supplies and materials for people who are blind or visually impaired workers — Compensation for services.
The director is hereby authorized and empowered to carry on services for people who are blind or visually impaired by providing for the furnishing of supplies and materials for workers who are blind or visually impaired workers, and compensating people who are blind or visually impaired workers for services through funds made available to the department of human services.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 184, § 1; P.L. 1940, ch. 802, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 40-11-7; Reorg. Plan No. 1, 1970; P.L. 1976, ch. 211, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 83, § 99; P.L. 1999, ch. 130, § 99.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 40 - Human Services › Chapter 40-9 - Services for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired › Section 40-9-8. - Proceeds of work of blind and visually impaired workers.

§ 40-9-8. Proceeds of work of blind and visually impaired workers.
For the purpose of carrying out the provisions of § 40-9-7, the receipts from the sales of handiwork of people who are blind or visually impaired workers shall be collected by the department of human services and turned over to the general treasurer, and the funds shall be made available for expenditure by the department of human services for the purpose of buying supplies and materials for workers who are blind or visually impaired workers and to compensate people who are workers who are blind or visually impaired for services rendered; and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of the sums as may be required, from time to time, upon the receipt by him or her of proper vouchers approved by the director of human services, or his or her duly authorized agent.
History of Section.
P.L. 1940, ch. 802, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 40-11-8; Reorg. Plan No. 1, 1970; P.L. 1976, ch. 211, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 83, § 99; P.L. 1999, ch. 130, § 99.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 40 - Human Services › Chapter 40-9 - Services for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired › Section 40-9-9. - Cooperation with department of elementary and secondary education.

§ 40-9-9. Cooperation with department of elementary and secondary education.
The department of elementary and secondary education and the department of human services shall cooperate in measures for the prevention of blindness, the restoration of eyesight, and vocational adjustment of blind and visually impaired persons.
History of Section.
P.L. 1938, ch. 2622, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 185, § 1; P.L. 1940, ch. 802, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 40-11-9; Reorg. Plan No. 1, 1970; P.L. 1976, ch. 211, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 40 - Human Services › Chapter 40-9 - Services for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired › Section 40-9-10. - [Repealed.]

§ 40-9-10. [Repealed.]
History of Section.
P.L. 1936, ch. 2296, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 184, § 2; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 65; impl. am. P.L. 1940, ch. 802, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 40-11-10; Reorg. Plan No. 1, 1970; Repealed by P.L. 1990, ch. 492, § 14, effective July 12, 1990.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 40 - Human Services › Chapter 40-9 - Services for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired › Section 40-9-10.1. - Telephone access to information programs.

§ 40-9-10.1. Telephone access to information programs.
(a)
The department of human services shall establish, administer, and promote an adaptive telephone equipment loan program. The department of human services, with the assistance of the state’s adaptive telephone equipment loan program committee, established pursuant to § 39-23-1, shall also develop the appropriate rules, regulations, and service standards necessary to implement the provisions of this subsection.
(b)
The department of human services shall establish, administer, and promote a program to provide telephone access to the text of newspaper programs to residents who are blind, deaf/blind, visually impaired, or reading impaired with a single-party telephone line. The department of human services, with the assistance of the governor’s advisory council for the blind, shall also develop the appropriate rules, regulations, and service standards necessary to implement the provisions of this subsection.
History of Section.
P.L. 2004, ch. 378, § 5; P.L. 2004, ch. 504, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 40 - Human Services › Chapter 40-9 - Services for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired › Section 40-9-11. - Cooperation in federal business enterprises program.

§ 40-9-11. Cooperation in federal business enterprises program.
The Rhode Island state department of human services is hereby empowered to cooperate with the United States government’s Department of Education in its “Business Enterprises Program for the Blind” and, in connection with the program, to accept the payments and/or reimbursement for one-half (½) of the necessary expenditures for the acquisition of state-controlled vending stands or other business enterprises equipment for the use of persons who are blind, for which appropriation is made by Title II — “Office of Vocational Rehabilitation,” of Public Law 80-165, passed by the Eightieth Congress of the United States, approved July 8, 1947, and known as the “Labor-Federal Security Appropriation Act of 1948.”
History of Section.
P.L. 1948, ch. 2007, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 40-11-11; Reorg. Plan No. 1, 1970; P.L. 1999, ch. 83, § 99; P.L. 1999, ch. 130, § 99.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 40 - Human Services › Chapter 40-9 - Services for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired › Section 40-9-11.1. - Authorization to establish vending facilities for the blind on state property.

§ 40-9-11.1. Authorization to establish vending facilities for the blind on state property.
(a)
For the purposes of providing persons who are blind or visually impaired with remunerative employment, enlarging the economic opportunities people who are blind or visually impaired, and stimulating people who are blind or visually impaired to greater efforts in striving to make themselves self-supporting, persons who are blind or visually impaired licensed under the provisions of this chapter shall be authorized to operate vending facilities on any state property.
(b)
In authorizing the operation of vending facilities on state property, priority shall be given to persons who are blind or visually impaired licensed by the department of human services administering state services for people who are blind or visually impaired as provided in the Randolph-Sheppard Act, Pub. L. No. 74-732, as amended by Pub. L. No. 83-565 and Pub. L. No. 93-516, 20 U.S.C. § 107 et seq. The director of human services shall, after consultation with the director of administration and other heads of departments, agencies, or instrumentalities of the state in control of the maintenance, operation, and protection of state property; prescribe regulations designed to assure that:
(1)
The priority under this section is given to licensed persons who are blind or visually impaired (including the assignment of vending machine income pursuant to § 40-9-11.5 to achieve and protect such priority); and
(2)
Wherever feasible, one or more vending facilities are established on all state property to the extent that any facility or facilities would not adversely affect the interest of the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 37, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 83, § 99; P.L. 1999, ch. 130, § 99.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 40 - Human Services › Chapter 40-9 - Services for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired › Section 40-9-11.2. - Validity of limitations on placement or operation.

§ 40-9-11.2. Validity of limitations on placement or operation.
Any limitation on the placement or operation of a vending facility based on a finding that the placement or operation would adversely affect the interests of the state shall be fully justified, in writing, to the director of administration, who shall determine whether the limitation is justified. A determination made by the director of administration pursuant to this provision shall be binding on any department, agency, or instrumentality of the state so affected by the determination.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 37, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 40 - Human Services › Chapter 40-9 - Services for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired › Section 40-9-11.3. - Provision for vending machines in buildings purchased or leased by state.

§ 40-9-11.3. Provision for vending machines in buildings purchased or leased by state.
Whenever any department, agency, or instrumentality of the state shall undertake to acquire by ownership, rent, lease, or to otherwise occupy, in whole or in part, any building, the department, agency, or instrumentality shall make all reasonable attempts to ensure that the building includes a satisfactory site or sites for the location and operation of a vending facility by a person who is blind or visually impaired. Each department, agency, or instrumentality is hereby encouraged to provide timely notice to the director of human services that the acquisition, construction, or renovation of the building is planned in order to permit appropriate planning, selection, and preparation of the site or sites by the state services for people who are blind or visually impaired.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 37, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 83, § 99; P.L. 1999, ch. 130, § 99.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 40 - Human Services › Chapter 40-9 - Services for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired › Section 40-9-11.4. - Compliance with chapter.

§ 40-9-11.4. Compliance with chapter.
To ensure that persons who are blind or visually impaired licensed as vending facility operators are afforded the maximum opportunity by which to engage in the conduct of vending within state buildings, it is hereby intended that all agencies, departments, and institutions comply with the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 37, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 83, § 99; P.L. 1999, ch. 130, § 99.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 40 - Human Services › Chapter 40-9 - Services for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired › Section 40-9-11.5. - Vending machine income.

§ 40-9-11.5. Vending machine income.
Vending machine income obtained from the operation of vending machines on state property shall accrue: (1) To the licensee who is blind or visually impaired operating a vending facility on state property, or (2) In the event there is no licensee who is blind or visually impaired operating the facility on state property, to the state services for people who are blind or visually impaired for use in the support of the administration of the business enterprises, vending facilities program.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 37, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 83, § 99; P.L. 1999, ch. 130, § 99.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 40 - Human Services › Chapter 40-9 - Services for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired › Section 40-9-11.6. - Definitions.

§ 40-9-11.6. Definitions.
(a)
“Licensed operator” means a person who is blind or visually impaired who has received from the state services for persons who are blind or visually impaired a license that entitles the person to operate a vending facility, receive the profits therefrom, and take responsibility for the continuous maintenance of the facility to which he or she is assigned.
(b)
“Person who is blind or visually impaired” means a person whose visual acuity is found to be twenty/two hundred (20/200) or less in the better eye with best correction, or visual acuity of better than twenty/two hundred (20/200) if the widest diameter of the field of vision subtends an angle no greater than twenty (20) degrees. Blindness shall be determined by a physician skilled in the diseases of the eye, and certification thereof shall be made by the ophthalmological consultant at the state services for people who are blind or visually impaired.
(c)
“State property” means any building, land, or other real property owned, leased, or occupied by any department, agency, or instrumentality wholly owned by the state, unless, with respect to any building, land, or other real property, leased or rented by the state, the lease or rental agreement shall prohibit the establishment of the vending facilities. The state shall use its best efforts to obtain permission to establish vending facilities in buildings, land, or other real property hereafter leased or rented by the state.
(d)
“Vending facility” means automatic vending machines, cafeterias, snack bars, cart service, shelters, counters, and other appropriate auxiliary equipment necessary for the sale of newspapers, periodicals, confections, tobacco products, foods, beverages, and other articles or services dispensed automatically or manually and prepared on or off the premises in accordance with all applicable health laws, as determined by the state services for people who are blind or visually impaired, and including the vending or exchange of chances for any lottery authorized by state law.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 37, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 83, § 99; P.L. 1999, ch. 130, § 99.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 40 - Human Services › Chapter 40-9 - Services for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired › Section 40-9-12. - Agreements as to business enterprises program.

§ 40-9-12. Agreements as to business enterprises program.
The state department of human services is hereby authorized to enter into agreements with the department of elementary and secondary education, and/or its office of vocational rehabilitation for cooperation in the business enterprises program, and, from time to time, to amend the agreements; provided, any agreement or amendment shall be subject to the approval of the commissioner of elementary and secondary education and the governor.
History of Section.
P.L. 1948, ch. 2007, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 40-11-12; Reorg. Plan No. 1, 1970; P.L. 1990, ch. 492, § 15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 40 - Human Services › Chapter 40-9 - Services for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired › Section 40-9-13. - Federal business enterprises funds.

§ 40-9-13. Federal business enterprises funds.
The general treasurer shall receive and provide for the proper custody of all funds paid to the state from the federal treasury under the provisions of Public Law 80-165, 29 U.S.C. § 701 et seq., and shall disburse the funds upon orders drawn by the state controller upon receipt by him or her of properly authenticated vouchers.
History of Section.
P.L. 1948, ch. 2007, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 40-11-13; Reorg. Plan No. 1, 1970.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 40 - Human Services › Chapter 40-9 - Services for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired › Section 40-9-14. - Application of receipts from business enterprises program.

§ 40-9-14. Application of receipts from business enterprises program.
All receipts collected by the state department of human services as a result of the operation of the program shall be deposited with the general treasurer and are hereby appropriated to carry out the purposes of §§ 40-9-11 — 40-9-13. Any unexpended balance of the receipts, remaining at the end of the fiscal year, shall be carried forward and made available for expenditure in the succeeding fiscal year.
History of Section.
P.L. 1948, ch. 2007, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 40-11-14; Reorg. Plan No. 1, 1970.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 40 - Human Services › Chapter 40-9 - Services for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired › Section 40-9-15. - Reports of blindness of persons.

§ 40-9-15. Reports of blindness of persons.
(a)
Whenever, upon examination at a clinic, hospital, or other institution, or elsewhere, by a physician, optometrist or other person, the visual acuity of any person is found to be twenty/two hundred (20/200) or less in the better eye with the best correction, or the visual acuity is better than twenty/two hundred (20/200) if the widest diameter of the field of vision subtends an angle no greater than twenty (20) degrees, the superintendent or other person in charge of the clinic, hospital, or other institution, or the physician, optometrist, or other person who conducted or was in charge of the examination if it took place elsewhere than in the clinic, hospital, or other institution, shall, within thirty (30) days, report to the director of the department of human services the result of the examination, and that the blindness of the person examined has been established.
(b)
Any state, city, and town agencies administering benefits to the blind or visually impaired by way of tax exemptions, welfare payments, or otherwise, shall report the names of the persons to the administrator of the division of motor vehicles for the purpose of evaluation by the medical advisory board within the division of motor vehicles as to the fitness of the persons to safely operate motor vehicles upon the highways of this state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1966, ch. 223, § 1; P.L. 1968, ch. 105, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 40-11-15; Reorg. Plan No. 1, 1970; P.L. 1999, ch. 83, § 99; P.L. 1999, ch. 130, § 99.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 40 - Human Services › Chapter 40-9 - Services for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired › Section 40-9-16. - Immunity from liability.

§ 40-9-16. Immunity from liability.
No person, who shall render any report required by § 40-9-15, shall be subject to a suit in a civil action, or liable for civil damages, in any action or proceedings arising out of the information contained in the reports submitted.
History of Section.
P.L. 1966, ch. 223, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 40-11-16; Reorg. Plan No. 1, 1970.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 40 - Human Services › Chapter 40-9 - Services for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired › Section 40-9-17. - Confidentiality of reports — Authorized uses — Penalty for disclosure.

§ 40-9-17. Confidentiality of reports — Authorized uses — Penalty for disclosure.
(a)
All reports mentioned in § 40-9-15 are hereby declared to constitute confidential matter. It shall be unlawful for any person to make use of, or cause to be used, any information contained in the reports for purposes not directly connected with the administration of services for people who are blind or visually impaired or the division of motor vehicles, except with the consent of the individual concerned.
(b)
The director of human services shall have the power to establish rules and regulations governing the custody, use, and preservation of the reports, which shall have the same force and effect as law. The reports shall be produced in response to a subpoena duces tecum properly issued by any federal or state court; provided, however, that the purpose for which the subpoena is sought is directly connected with the administration of services for people who are blind or visually impaired. No subpoena shall be issued by a court asking either for the reports, or for persons having custody or access to the reports, unless the litigation involved in the matter is directly connected with the administration of services for people who are blind or visually impaired.
(c)
Any person violating any of the provisions of this section, or the lawful rules and regulations made hereunder, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall be fined not more than two hundred dollars ($200) or shall be imprisoned for not more than six (6) months, or both.
(d)
Nothing in this section shall be deemed to prohibit the director of the department of human services, or his or her agents duly authorized for that purpose, from issuing any statistical material or data, or publishing or causing the data to be published whenever he or she shall deem it to be in the public interest.
History of Section.
P.L. 1966, ch. 223, § 1; P.L. 1968, ch. 105, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 40-11-17; Reorg. Plan No. 1, 1970; P.L. 1976, ch. 211, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 83, § 99; P.L. 1999, ch. 130, § 99; P.L. 2006, ch. 216, § 21.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 40 - Human Services › Chapter 40-9 - Services for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired › Section 40-9-18. - Blindness prevention.

§ 40-9-18. Blindness prevention.
(a)
The department of human services shall, in consultation with the governor’s advisory council for the blind and Saving Sight Rhode Island, establish a blindness-prevention program for children of the state of Rhode Island to promote the screening, testing, diagnosis, and treatment of blindness diseases of the eye and other sight disorders.
(b)
The department of human services shall promulgate rules and regulations in order to effectuate the purposes of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 213, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 40 - Human Services › Chapter 40-9.1 - Equal Rights to Public Facilities › Section 40-9.1-1. - Declaration of policy.

§ 40-9.1-1. Declaration of policy.
It is the policy of this state that:
(1)
Persons who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, hard-of-hearing or otherwise have a disability have the same rights as the able-bodied to the full and free use of the streets, highways, walkways, public buildings, public facilities, and other public places.
(2)
Persons who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, hard-of-hearing or otherwise have a disability are entitled to full and equal accommodations, advantages, facilities, and privileges on any public conveyance operated on land or water or in the air, or any stations and terminals thereof, not limited to taxis, airplanes, motor vehicles, railroad trains, motor buses, street cars, boats; and in any educational institution, not limited to any kindergarten, primary and secondary school, trade or business school, high school, academy, college and university; and in places of public resort, accommodation, assemblage, or amusement, not limited to hotels, lodging places, restaurants, theater; and in all other places to which the general public is invited, subject only to the conditions and limitations established by law and applicable alike to all persons.
(3)
[Deleted by P.L. 2019, ch. 96, § 1 and P.L. 2019, ch. 131, § 1.]
History of Section.
P.L. 1975, ch. 55, § 1; P.L. 1979, ch. 159, § 6; P.L. 1997, ch. 85, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 96, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 131, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 40 - Human Services › Chapter 40-9.1 - Equal Rights to Public Facilities › Section 40-9.1-1.1. - Definitions.

§ 40-9.1-1.1. Definitions.
(1)
“Disability” means a disability as defined in § 42-87-1.
(2)
“Guide dog” means a dog that has been, or is being, specially trained to aid a particular blind or visually impaired person.
(3)
“Hearing dog” means a dog that has been, or is being, specially trained to aid a particular deaf or hard-of-hearing person.
(4)
“Public area” means a part of a place listed in § 40-9.1-1 that is open to the general public.
(5)
“Regular hours” means the hours of any day in which a public place listed in § 40-9.1-1 is open to members of the general public.
(6)
“Service animal” means a dog that has been, or is being, specifically trained to assist an individual with a disability, and includes a guide dog or hearing dog.
History of Section.
P.L. 1997, ch. 85, § 2; P.L. 2006, ch. 216, § 22; P.L. 2009, ch. 96, § 5; P.L. 2009, ch. 97, § 5; P.L. 2012, ch. 90, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 100, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 96, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 131, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 40 - Human Services › Chapter 40-9.1 - Equal Rights to Public Facilities › Section 40-9.1-2. - Service animals in public places.

§ 40-9.1-2. Service animals in public places.
Every person with a disability has the right to be accompanied by a service animal, specially trained for that person, in any place listed in § 40-9.1-1 without being required to pay an extra charge for the personal assistance animal. Each person with a disability using a service animal is solely liable for any damage done to persons, premises, or facilities by the service animal.
History of Section.
P.L. 1975, ch. 55, § 1; P.L. 1979, ch. 159, § 7; P.L. 1997, ch. 85, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 96, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 131, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 40 - Human Services › Chapter 40-9.1 - Equal Rights to Public Facilities › Section 40-9.1-2.1. - Trainers of service animals.

§ 40-9.1-2.1. Trainers of service animals.
Every trainer or puppy raiser of a service animal shall have the same rights and privileges as stated in § 40-9.1-2 for every person with a disability. Each trainer or puppy raiser during the training of a service animal is liable for any damage done to persons, premises, or facilities by that service animal.
History of Section.
P.L. 1997, ch. 85, § 2; P.L. 2019, ch. 96, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 131, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 40 - Human Services › Chapter 40-9.1 - Equal Rights to Public Facilities › Section 40-9.1-3. - Penalty for injuring or interfering with a service animal — Civil actions — Damages — Costs and attorney’s fees.

§ 40-9.1-3. Penalty for injuring or interfering with a service animal — Civil actions — Damages — Costs and attorney’s fees.
(a)
It is unlawful for any person, corporation, or the agent of any corporation to:
(1)
Withhold, deny, deprive, or attempt to withhold, deny, or deprive, any other person of any right or privilege secured by §§ 40-9.1-2 and 40-9.1-2.1;
(2)
Intimidate, threaten, coerce, or attempt to threaten, intimidate, or coerce, any other person to interfere with any right or privilege secured by §§ 40-9.1-2 and 40-9.1-2.1;
(3)
Punish, or attempt to punish, any person for exercising, or attempting to exercise, any right or privilege secured by §§ 40-9.1-2 and 40-9.1-2.1.
(b)
It is unlawful for any person to injure a service animal and the person shall be liable for the injuries to the service animal, and if necessary the replacement and compensation for the loss of the service animal.
(c)
It is unlawful for the owner of an animal to allow their animal to injure a service animal because the owner failed to control or leash the animal. The owner shall also be liable for the injuries to the service animal, and if necessary the replacement and compensation for the loss of the service animal.
(d)
Any person who violates subsection (a)(1) is guilty of a misdemeanor. Any person who purposely or negligently violates subsection (a)(2) or (a)(3) is guilty of a misdemeanor. Violations shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months or by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100), or by both fine and imprisonment. Any person or corporation who or that violates subsection (a), (b), or (c) is also liable to the person whose rights under §§ 40-9.1-2 and 40-9.1-2.1 were violated for actual damages for any economic loss and/or punitive damages, to be recovered by a civil action in a court in, and for the county in, which the infringement of civil rights occurred or in which the defendant lives.
(e)
In an action brought under this section, the court shall award costs and reasonable attorney’s fees to the prevailing party.
History of Section.
P.L. 1975, ch. 55, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 179, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 85, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 96, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 131, § 1; P.L. 2020, ch. 79, art. 1, § 33.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 40 - Human Services › Chapter 40-9.1 - Equal Rights to Public Facilities › Section 40-9.1-3.1. - Misrepresentation of service animal.

§ 40-9.1-3.1. Misrepresentation of service animal.
(a)
It is a violation of this chapter for an individual to take an animal into a public area where pets are not permitted, and state that the animal is a service animal entitled to be present, if the animal is not a service animal.
(b)
Businesses may post a decal suitable in a front window or door, stating that service animals are welcome and that misrepresentation of a service animal is a violation of Rhode Island law.
(c)
It shall be a violation for any individual to misrepresent a pet or any other animal as a service animal when attempting to gain access to or remain in a public area. A violation of this section occurs when:
(1)
An individual expressly represents that an animal in his or her possession is a service animal for the purpose of obtaining any rights or privileges afforded to persons with disabilities accompanied by service animals, but unavailable to people and their pets or other animals; and
(2)
The individual knew or should have known that the animal in question did not meet the definition of a service animal.
(d)
A violation of this section shall be deemed a civil violation, punishable by up to thirty (30) hours of community service for an organization that serves individuals with disabilities at the discretion of the court.
History of Section.
P.L. 2019, ch. 96, § 2; P.L. 2019, ch. 131, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 40 - Human Services › Chapter 40-9.1 - Equal Rights to Public Facilities › Section 40-9.1-4. - Enforcement of anti-discrimination provisions.

§ 40-9.1-4. Enforcement of anti-discrimination provisions.
The Rhode Island commission for human rights is empowered and directed, as hereinafter provided, to prevent any person from violating any of the provisions of this chapter; provided, that before instituting a formal hearing, it shall attempt by informal methods of conference, persuasion, and conciliation, to induce compliance with those sections. Upon the commission’s own initiative, or whenever an aggrieved individual or an organization chartered for the purpose of combating discrimination or of safeguarding civil liberties or rights of persons with disabilities, such individual or organization being hereinafter referred to as “the complainant,” makes a charge to the commission that any person, agency, bureau, corporation, or association, hereinafter referred to as “the respondent,” has violated, or is violating, any of the provisions of this chapter, the commission may proceed in the same manner and with the same powers as provided in §§ 28-5-16 — 28-5-27, and the provisions of §§ 28-5-13 and 28-5-16 — 28-5-36, as to the powers, duties, and rights of the commission, its members, hearing examiners, the complainant, respondent, interviewer, and the court shall apply in any proceedings under this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1997, ch. 85, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 83, § 100; P.L. 1999, ch. 130, § 100.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 40 - Human Services › Chapter 40-9.1 - Equal Rights to Public Facilities › Section 40-9.1-5. - Therapy pets in public places.

§ 40-9.1-5. Therapy pets in public places.
(a)
The privileges of access and transportation provided to service animals in § 40-9.1-2 shall be extended to family therapy pets, which are further defined as primary companions which include, but are not limited to, dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs, that are working in the provision of pet-assisted therapy treatment and education.
(b)
The provisions are such that the pet-assisted therapy facilitator is working in conjunction with the therapy pet in a predetermined medical or educational setting, with a selected clientele. The medical interactions are to be individually planned, goal-oriented, and treatment based, and the educational settings are to be classroom based.
(c)
Throughout the interactions, the pet-assisted therapy facilitator and the therapy pet will abide by a set code of ethics, and will follow professional guidelines to ensure that the actions and deeds of the pet-assisted therapy facilitator reflect advocacy of profession, pets, and clients, and other professions; while simultaneously ensuring that the interaction of the therapy pet and client remains beneficial and strives to enhance the quality of life through this animal-human bond.
(d)
Prior to any interactions, the therapy pet must first meet the immunization criteria, a current certificate of good health, which shall be issued by a licensed, practicing veterinarian; as well as the temperament criteria, a certificate of good temperament, which shall be issued from a certified or practicing dog trainer or animal behaviorist; and training criteria, in which the pet-assisted therapy facilitator and the therapy pet learn to work as a team, learning together to execute safe and effective interaction, which are accepted in the field, specifically other pet-assisted animal facilitators, veterinarians, dog trainers, animal behaviorists, and the state of Rhode Island.
(e)
Access and transportation privileges are only extended while the therapy pet is on the way to, or actively participating in, a program.
(f)
The animal-assisted therapy facilitator, an individual who has successfully completed, or is in the process of completing, an accepted pet-assisted therapy program, shall be responsible for the control and safety of the pet, which is to include: cleaning up and elimination of wastes; keeping the pet on a proper leash and collar; carrying a smaller animal in a travel crate; adhering to all standard rules, regulations, and laws within both the facility and the state of Rhode Island; and upholding an active insurance policy that will cover an unforeseen mishap and/or accidental occurrence that may result in causing property damage and/or personal injury while actively participating in a program.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 451, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 216, § 22; P.L. 2019, ch. 96, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 131, § 1; P.L. 2020, ch. 79, art. 1, § 33.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 40 - Human Services › Chapter 40-9.1 - Equal Rights to Public Facilities › Section 40-9.1-6. - Closed-captioning activation required.

§ 40-9.1-6. Closed-captioning activation required.
(a)
On request, a place of public accommodation shall keep closed-captioning activated on any closed-captioning television receiver that is in use during regular hours in any public area.
(b)
This section does not require a place of public accommodation to make closed-captioning available in a public area at the place of public accommodation if:
(1)
No television receiver of any kind is available in the public area; or
(2)
The only public television receiver available in the public area is not a closed-captioning television receiver.
History of Section.
P.L. 2012, ch. 90, § 2; P.L. 2012, ch. 100, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 40 - Human Services › Chapter 40-9.1 - Equal Rights to Public Facilities › Section 40-9.1-7. - Non-interference with federal law.

§ 40-9.1-7. Non-interference with federal law.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to interfere with any rights provided by federal law to individuals with disabilities.
History of Section.
P.L. 2019, ch. 96, § 2; P.L. 2019, ch. 131, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 40 - Human Services › Chapter 40-11 - Abused and Neglected Children › Section 40-11-1. - Policy.

§ 40-11-1. Policy.
The public policy of this state is: to protect children whose health and welfare may be adversely affected through injury and neglect; to strengthen the family and to make the home safe for children by enhancing the parental capacity for good child care; to provide a temporary or permanent nurturing and safe environment for children when necessary; and, for these purposes, to require the mandatory reporting of known or suspected child abuse and neglect, investigation of those reports by a social agency, and provision of services, where needed, to the child and family.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 91, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 40 - Human Services › Chapter 40-11 - Abused and Neglected Children › Section 40-11-3.1. - Duty to report death of child due to child abuse or neglect.

§ 40-11-3.1. Duty to report death of child due to child abuse or neglect.
Any person required to report under the provisions of this title, who has reasonable cause to know or suspect that a child has died as a result of child abuse or neglect shall immediately transfer that information to the department or its agent who shall cause the report to be investigated immediately. Upon receipt of the report, the department or its agent shall immediately transfer the information to the local law enforcement agency or the state police as well as to the office of the medical examiner. The office of the medical examiner shall investigate the report and communicate its preliminary findings, orally within seventy-two (72) hours, and in writing within seven (7) working days to the appropriate law enforcement agency, to the department and, if the person who made the report is an employee or a member of the staff of a hospital, to the hospital. The office of the medical examiner shall also communicate its final findings and conclusions, with the basis therefore, to the same parties within sixty (60) days.
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 257, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 40 - Human Services › Chapter 40-11 - Abused and Neglected Children › Section 40-11-3.2. - False reporting of child abuse and neglect.

§ 40-11-3.2. False reporting of child abuse and neglect.
Any person who knowingly and willfully makes, or causes to be made, to the department a false report of child abuse or neglect shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 156, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 40 - Human Services › Chapter 40-11 - Abused and Neglected Children › Section 40-11-4. - Immunity from liability.

§ 40-11-4. Immunity from liability.
Any person participating in good faith in making a report pursuant to this chapter shall have immunity from any liability, civil or criminal, that might otherwise be incurred or imposed. Any participant shall have the same immunity with respect to participation in any judicial proceeding resulting from the report.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 91, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 40 - Human Services › Chapter 40-11 - Abused and Neglected Children › Section 40-11-5. - Protective custody by physician or law enforcement officer.

§ 40-11-5. Protective custody by physician or law enforcement officer.
(a)
Any physician or duly certified registered nurse practitioner treating a child who has suffered physical injury that appears to have been caused by other than accidental means, or a child suffering from malnutrition or sexual molestation, shall have the right to keep the child in the custody of a hospital or any licensed childcare center or facility for no longer than seventy-two (72) hours, with or without the consent of the child’s parents or guardian, pending the filing of an ex-parte petition to the family court. The expense for that temporary care shall be paid by the parents or legal guardian of the child or, if they are unable to pay, by the department.
(b)
Any police or law enforcement officer may take a child into protective custody without the consent of the parents, or others exercising control over the child.
(c)
If the officer has reasonable cause to believe that there exists an imminent danger to the child’s life or health unless he or she is taken into protective custody, the officer shall immediately notify and place the child with the director of the department of children, youth and families, or his or her designated agent, who shall care for the child; provided, however, that no child may be detained in protective custody longer than forty-eight (48) hours without the express approval of a justice of the family court.
(d)
Any child protective investigator or social caseworker II employed by the department, may take a child into temporary protective custody without the consent of his or her parent or other person responsible for the welfare of the child, if the investigator or social caseworker II has reasonable cause to believe that the child or his or her sibling has been abused and/or neglected and that continued care of the child by his or her parent or other person responsible for the child’s welfare will result in imminent further harm to the child. The investigator or social caseworker II shall have the child examined by a licensed physician or duly certified registered nurse practitioner within twenty-four (24) hours in accordance with the provisions of § 40-11-6(c); and, provide further, that the child shall not be detained in protective custody longer than forty-eight (48) hours without the expressed approval of a justice of the family court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 91, § 2; P.L. 1982, ch. 59, § 1; P.L. 1984, ch. 257, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 245, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 82, § 1.