reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-12 - Fiscal Notes › Section 22-12-2. - Content of fiscal notes.

§ 22-12-2. Content of fiscal notes.
Fiscal notes shall, wherever possible, cite effect in dollar amounts for the current fiscal year and estimates for the next two (2) succeeding fiscal years. No comment or opinion relative to the merits of the bill shall be included, excepting however that technical or mechanical defects may be noted. Fiscal notes for bills affecting cities and towns shall cite the effect by city and town.
History of Section.
P.L. 1965, ch. 204, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 248, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-12 - Fiscal Notes › Section 22-12-3. - Request for fiscal notes.

§ 22-12-3. Request for fiscal notes.
(a)
Fiscal notes shall only be requested by the chairperson of the house or senate finance committee upon being notified by another committee chairperson, the sponsor of the bill or resolution, or in the case of bills or resolutions affecting cities or towns, by the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns in addition to the individuals referred to in this section, of the existence of any bill or resolution described in § 22-12-1. Requests shall be made in the form and substance as may be requested by the finance committee chairperson, and shall be forwarded through the house or senate fiscal adviser to the state budget officer, who shall determine the agency or agencies affected by the bill, or for bills affecting cities and towns to the chief executive official of the cities and the towns, the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns, and the department of revenue. The budget officer shall then be responsible, in cooperation with these agencies, for the preparation of the fiscal note, except that the department of administration, in consultation and cooperation with the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns, shall be responsible for the preparation of the fiscal note for bills affecting cities and towns.
(b)
The chairperson of either the house finance or senate finance committee may also require executive branch agencies to provide performance metrics when legislation affecting an agency’s program or policy has an economic impact.
History of Section.
P.L. 1965, ch. 204, § 1; P.L. 1974, ch. 198, art. 6, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 248, § 1; P.L. 1981, ch. 291, art. 10, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 181, art. 61, § 8; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 155, § 3; P.L. 2013, ch. 209, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-12 - Fiscal Notes › Section 22-12-4. - Return of fiscal notes.

§ 22-12-4. Return of fiscal notes.
(a)
Fiscal notes shall be returned to the chairperson of the committee having the bill or resolution under consideration and to the person making the request within ten (10) calendar days of when the request was made. All completed fiscal notes received by committee in compliance with this chapter shall be reviewed by the advisor of the committee on finance of the house or senate who shall note his or her approval as to accuracy and reliability of the dollar estimates or append his or her comments or exceptions.
(b)
If the budget office fails to return a fiscal note within the timeframes set forth in subsection (a) of this section, the house fiscal advisor or the senate fiscal advisor may request any agency or department of state government which may be affected by the bill or resolution under consideration to provide any information that he or she may deem necessary for the preparation of an interim fiscal note. Any agency or department of which such a request is made shall respond in writing to the fiscal advisor within five (5) business days. The house fiscal advisor or the senate fiscal advisor may prepare an interim fiscal note at any time after expiration of the time frame set forth in subsection (a) of this section.
(c)
Notwithstanding the provisions of § 22-12-1, the house in which the bill or resolution originated may consider the bill or resolution if the fiscal note has not been returned within the timeframe set forth in subsection (a) of this section, provided an interim note has been prepared.
History of Section.
P.L. 1965, ch. 204, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 248, § 1; P.L. 1981, ch. 291, art. 10, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 287, art. 16, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 126, art. 47, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 70, art. 33, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-12 - Fiscal Notes › Section 22-12-5. - Failure to supply information.

§ 22-12-5. Failure to supply information.
Whenever a bill or resolution, requiring a fiscal note as set forth in § 22-12-2, affects a city or town financially and the affected city or town fails to supply the necessary financial information or fails to cooperate with the agency or entity, as set forth in § 22-12-3, compiling the financial information within five (5) business days after the request for the financial information, then the chairperson of the legislative committee to which the bill is assigned shall notify the chief executive official of the city or town, by certified mail, return receipt requested, that the city or town has not supplied or has failed to cooperate in the compiling of the financial information. The affected city or town shall have three (3) calendar days from the receipt of the certified letter to supply the financial information. In the event that the bill or resolution becomes law and has a financial effect on the city or town, which does or could necessitate additional expenditures from local revenue, then the provisions of §§ 45-13-6 — 45-13-11 shall not apply.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 291, art. 10, § 2; P.L. 1994, ch. 70, art. 33, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-12.1 - Actuarial Cost › Section 22-12.1-1. - Actuarial cost required.

§ 22-12.1-1. Actuarial cost required.
(a)
Proposed legislation which directly impacts the retirement system can potentially affect the benefits of all plan participants and beneficiaries. Since it is in the best interests of plan participants and beneficiaries to determine the financial consequences of any proposed legislation which would directly impact the state’s liability to the retirement system, no committee shall recommend passage of any bill or resolution having an effect on contributions, benefits and retirement allowances of the retirement system pursuant to the provisions of chapters 8 — 10 of title 36, unless the bill or resolution shall be accompanied by a statement which shall set forth the full actuarial costs or full actuarial value, as those terms are defined in § 36-8-1.
(b)
These statements or notes shall be known as “pension impact notes,” and they shall accompany each such bill or resolution prior to consideration of the house in which the bill or resolution originated. The reasonable cost of preparing pension impact notes shall be charged as an administrative expense and paid from the retirement system’s restricted receipts account established pursuant to § 36-8-10.1. Only the chair of the senate committee on finance with the approval of the president of the senate can request a pension impact note on proposed legislation that originates in the senate. Only the chair of the house committee on finance with the approval of the speaker of the house can request a pension impact note on proposed legislation that originates in the house. The governor can request a pension impact note on proposed legislation recommended in the appropriation acts required by §§ 35-3-7 or 35-3-8.
(c)(1)
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the chair of the senate committee on finance and/or the house committee on finance, with approval of the president of the senate or the speaker of the house of representatives respectively, may request a pension impact note relating to any proposed impact upon the state’s liability to the retirement system regardless of the existence of related proposed legislation.
(2)
The reasonable cost of preparing pension impact notes which are not related to existing proposed legislation shall be paid from the annual appropriation for the joint committee on legislative services.
(d)(1)
The director of the department of administration, with approval of the governor, may request a pension impact note.
(2)
The reasonable cost of preparing impact notes which are not related to existing proposed legislation shall be paid from the annual appropriation for the department of administration budget.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 111, § 2; P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 23, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 381, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 406, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-13 - Auditor General › Section 22-13-2. - Termination of appointment.

§ 22-13-2. Termination of appointment.
Failure on the part of the auditor general to perform the mandatory duties under the direction of the committee shall constitute cause for termination of appointment. The appointment of the auditor general may be terminated at any time by a majority vote of the joint committee on legislative services.
History of Section.
P.L. 1973, ch. 225, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-13 - Auditor General › Section 22-13-3. - Salaries and expenses.

§ 22-13-3. Salaries and expenses.
(a)
The expenses of the members of the committee shall be approved by the chairperson of the committee and paid from the appropriation for legislative expense.
(b)
The auditor general shall prepare and annually submit to the committee a proposed budget for the ensuing fiscal year. The committee shall review the budget request and may amend or change the budget request as it deems necessary. The budget request, as amended or changed by the committee, shall become the operating budget of the auditor general for the ensuing fiscal year; provided, that the budget so adopted may subsequently be amended under the same procedure.
(c)
Within the limitations of the approved operating budget, the salaries and expenses of the auditor general and his or her staff shall be paid from the appropriation for legislative expense or any other moneys appropriated by the legislature for that purpose. The joint committee on legislative services shall approve all bills for salaries and expenses.
History of Section.
P.L. 1973, ch. 225, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-13 - Auditor General › Section 22-13-5. - Submission of audits, consultant reports to auditor general.

§ 22-13-5. Submission of audits, consultant reports to auditor general.
Every state agency is directed to forward a copy of any audits and consultant reports to the auditor general within fifteen (15) days after the receipt of those documents.
History of Section.
P.L. 1975, ch. 194, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-13 - Auditor General › Section 22-13-6. - Requests for auditing and accounting services.

§ 22-13-6. Requests for auditing and accounting services.
(a)
Every state department and agency which contemplates securing the services of an independent accounting firm to perform an audit of a federal assistance grant program shall first request the written approval of the auditor general.
(b)
The request to the auditor general shall indicate the period of audit, the services to be rendered, the requirement for services (grant provisions, statutory requirements, etc.), the source(s) of funding, and any other pertinent information. The request shall be transmitted in writing to the auditor general on a form provided for that purpose at least ninety (90) days in advance of any contractual negotiations with independent public accountants by any state department or agency.
(c)
Upon receipt of the request, the auditor general shall conduct an analysis of the request to determine the scope and requirements of the audit services requested in coordination with the audit responsibilities of all state audit agencies.
(d)
The auditor general shall notify, in writing, the requesting state department or agency of the results of his or her analysis.
History of Section.
P.L. 1982, ch. 422, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-13 - Auditor General › Section 22-13-7. - Disclosure of confidential health care information.

§ 22-13-7. Disclosure of confidential health care information.
A patient’s confidential health care information shall be released or transferred without the written consent of the patient or the patient’s authorized representative to the auditor general or his or her designated representative for the purpose of conducting financial audits, management audits, program evaluations, and research, provided the personnel shall not identify, directly or indirectly, any individual patient in any report of the audit, evaluation, or research, or otherwise disclose patient identities in any manner.
History of Section.
P.L. 1982, ch. 422, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-13 - Auditor General › Section 22-13-8. - Submission by departments and agencies of monthly financial reports to auditor general.

§ 22-13-8. Submission by departments and agencies of monthly financial reports to auditor general.
Departments and agencies as defined in P.L. 1983, ch. 2, art. 1, § 1, shall meet at least monthly and shall submit a report on a monthly basis to the auditor general, which report shall contain any information that the auditor general shall deem necessary to determine the actual and contingent impact of their actions on the fiscal integrity of the state of Rhode Island.
History of Section.
P.L. 1983, ch. 2, art. IV, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-13 - Auditor General › Section 22-13-10. - Audit of information security systems.

§ 22-13-10. Audit of information security systems.
(a)
The general assembly recognizes that the security of government computer systems is essential to ensuring the stability and integrity of vital information gathered and stored by government for the benefit of the citizenry and the breach of security over computer systems presents a risk to the health, safety, and welfare of the public. It is the intent of the legislature to insure that government computer systems and information residing on these systems are protected from unauthorized access, compromise, sabotage, hacking, viruses, destruction, illegal use, cyber attack or any other act which might jeopardize or harm the computer systems and the information stored on them.
(b)
In conjunction with the powers and duties outlined in this chapter, the auditor general may conduct reviews and assessments of the various government computer systems and the security systems established to safeguard these computer systems. Computer systems subject to this section shall include systems which pertain to federal, state, or local programs, and quasi-governmental bodies, and the computer systems of any entity or program which is subject to audit by the office of the auditor general. The auditor general’s review may include an assessment of system vulnerability, network penetration, potential security breaches, and susceptibility to cyber attack and cyber fraud.
(c)
In the event the review by the auditor general indicates a computer system is vulnerable, or security over the system is lacking, those findings shall not be disclosed publicly and shall not be considered public records. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the workpapers developed in connection with the review of the computer system and the security over the system shall not be deemed public records and are not subject to disclosure. The auditor general’s findings may be disclosed at the discretion of the auditor general to the chief information officer of the state as well as the joint committee on legislative services. Unless the auditor general authorizes the release of information or findings gathered in the conduct of a review of computer system security, all such information shall be deemed classified, confidential, secret, and non-public.
(d)
In order to maintain the integrity of the computer system, the auditor general may procure the services of specialists in information security systems or other contractors deemed necessary in conducting reviews under this section, and in procuring those services shall be exempt from the requirements of the state purchasing law or regulation.
(e)
Any outside contractor or vendor hired to provide services in the review of the security of a computer system shall be bound by the confidentiality provisions of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 349, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-14 - Legislative Oversight Commission › Section 22-14-2. - Quorum — Meetings.

§ 22-14-2. Quorum — Meetings.
Six (6) members of the commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business. Meetings of the commission may be held at any time or place upon call of any member, after a reasonable notice by mail to the other members, and shall be held at the times and places as in the judgment of the commission will best serve the convenience of all parties in interest.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 260, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 42-67-2; P.L. 1978, ch. 387, § 1; P.L. 1979, ch. 349, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 74.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-14 - Legislative Oversight Commission › Section 22-14-3. - Rules and regulations.

§ 22-14-3. Rules and regulations.
The commission shall adopt reasonable rules and regulations in compliance with the open meetings law governing its operations and procedure to carry out the purposes of this chapter. These rules and regulations shall include, but are not limited to, public hearings to determine whether or not the existence of any entity due to expire in that year should be continued.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 260, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 42-67-3; P.L. 1978, ch. 387, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-14 - Legislative Oversight Commission › Section 22-14-4. - Definitions.

§ 22-14-4. Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter:
(1)
“Statutory entity” or “entity” means any committee, board, commission, or “subdivision of state government” created and continued in existence for the purpose of administering a statute or legislative resolution. Cities and towns and agencies and instrumentalities of cities and towns are exempted from this definition.
(2)
“Termination date” means the date provided for termination of legislative authority for the existence of a particular entity or statute.
(3)
“Zero-base budget review and evaluation” means, with respect to a statutory entity, a comprehensive evaluation to determine if the merits of the activities of the entity support its continuation, and a recommended budget level for the entity, based upon a justification by that entity of its budget from a zero base.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 260, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 42-67-4; P.L. 1978, ch. 387, § 1; P.L. 1981, ch. 391, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 150, § 26.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-14 - Legislative Oversight Commission › Section 22-14-5.3. - Entities without expiration date — Statutory construction.

§ 22-14-5.3. Entities without expiration date — Statutory construction.
For the purpose of construing this chapter in determining the expiration date of any statutory entity, the lack of a specific date for expiration of an entity shall mean that it is the intent of the general assembly to continue the entity in existence until the general assembly by specific legislation ends the statutory existence of the entity.
History of Section.
P.L. 1983, ch. 253, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-14 - Legislative Oversight Commission › Section 22-14-6. - Procedure for re-creation.

§ 22-14-6. Procedure for re-creation.
(a)
The procedure for re-creation of any statute or statutory entity to be terminated under the provisions of this chapter shall be established by the commission. Those procedures shall include a zero-base budget review and evaluation by the auditor general as well as any other procedures which the commission determines are necessary to meet its objectives.
(b)
Each entity shall be notified of its termination date, and that a review by the auditor general will begin. The entity shall also be notified of all other procedures with which it will be expected to comply.
(c)
Upon completion of the zero-based budget review and evaluation the office of auditor general shall transmit its report to the commission. The report shall include, but not be limited to:
(1)
An identification of other entities, or other programs or activities of the state government, having the same or similar objectives, along with a comparison of the cost and effectiveness of those entities, programs, or activities and any duplication of the entity under review;
(2)
An examination of the extent to which the objectives of the entity under review have been achieved when compared to the objectives initially set forth for the entity under review and an analysis of any significant variance between projected and actual performance; and
(3)
A statement of the objectives of the entity for the coming four (4) years with the establishment of measurements of performance where feasible.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 260, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 42-67-6; P.L. 1978, ch. 387, § 1; P.L. 1981, ch. 391, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-14 - Legislative Oversight Commission › Section 22-14-7. - Commission report.

§ 22-14-7. Commission report.
The commission shall adopt and make public regulations and guidelines for determining the continued public need for such governmental bodies. The regulations and guidelines shall include, but not be limited to, the following criteria:
(1)
Would the termination of the entity or statute significantly harm or endanger the public health, safety, or welfare?
(2)
Has the entity met the objectives of the statute that created it?
(3)
Has the entity or statute encouraged participation by the public?
(4)
Do the functions of the entity or statute overlap or duplicate the functions of any other entity or statute?
(5)
What are the objectives of the entity or statute for the next five (5) years?
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 260, § 1: G.L. 1956, § 42-67-7; P.L. 1978, ch. 387, § 1; P.L. 1981, ch. 391, § 1; P.L. 1982, ch. 414, § 18.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-14 - Legislative Oversight Commission › Section 22-14-8. - Activities by terminated statutory entity.

§ 22-14-8. Activities by terminated statutory entity.
Each entity may continue itself in existence for up to one year after scheduled termination for the purpose of completing its work and activities. During this completion period, termination shall not reduce or otherwise limit the powers or authority of each entity. Upon the expiration of one year after termination, each entity shall cease. All unexpended balances of appropriations or other funds shall revert to the general fund.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 260, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 42-67-8; P.L. 1978, ch. 387, § 1; P.L. 1981, ch. 391, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-14 - Legislative Oversight Commission › Section 22-14-10. - Proceedings against statutory entity.

§ 22-14-10. Proceedings against statutory entity.
Nothing in this chapter shall cause any right, claim, or cause of action held by any person against any entity to be dismissed, nor shall any right, claim, or cause of action held by any entity which has been terminated pursuant to this chapter lapse because of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 260, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 42-67-10; P.L. 1978, ch. 387, § 1; P.L. 1981, ch. 391, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-14 - Legislative Oversight Commission › Section 22-14-11. - Legislative action.

§ 22-14-11. Legislative action.
Whenever the general assembly is about to create or re-create any statutory entity it should, whenever possible, request a report from the commission as set forth in § 22-14-7; however, no report is required to be received by the general assembly for any action to be taken, and nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit the legislature from terminating an entity covered by these provisions at a date earlier than that provided in this chapter, nor to prohibit the legislature from considering any other legislation relative to that entity.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 260, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 42-67-11; P.L. 1978, ch. 387, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 74.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-14 - Legislative Oversight Commission › Section 22-14-12. - Retirement systems unaffected.

§ 22-14-12. Retirement systems unaffected.
The provisions of this chapter do not apply to retirement systems.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 260, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 42-67-12; P.L. 1978, ch. 387, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-14 - Legislative Oversight Commission › Section 22-14-13. - State bonds.

§ 22-14-13. State bonds.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter to the contrary, no entity which has outstanding bonds shall be abolished until and unless provision is made for the payment of principal and interest of the bonds at or before maturity or for the assumption of the indebtedness by the state or any agency or subdivision of the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 260, § 1: G.L. 1956, § 42-67-13; P.L. 1978, ch. 387, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-14 - Legislative Oversight Commission › Section 22-14-14. - Severability.

§ 22-14-14. Severability.
If any provisions or item of this chapter or the application of it is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items, or applications, and to this end the provisions of this chapter are declared severable.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 260, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 42-67-14; P.L. 1978, ch. 387, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-14.1 - Legislative Oversight Commission for Consulting Contracts › Section 22-14.1-1. - Establishment — Purpose — Membership — Compensation.

§ 22-14.1-1. Establishment — Purpose — Membership — Compensation.
(a)
There is established an oversight commission empowered to conduct evaluations and reviews of any and all consulting contracts entered into by and or on behalf of the state or any subdivisions or entities of the state. The reviews and evaluations shall include, but not be limited to, the following as objectives:
(1)
The elimination of duplicative, inefficient, unnecessary or ineffective use of outside consulting contracts by different portions of government;
(2)
The efficient use of outside consultants by the state;
(3)
To promote uniformity in the administration of various programs which require the use of outside consultants.
(b)
The commission shall consist of seven (7) members: three (3) of whom shall be members of the house finance committee of the house of representatives, two (2) of whom shall be appointed by the speaker and one of whom shall be appointed by the minority leader; three (3) of whom shall be members of the senate finance committee of the senate, two (2) of whom shall be appointed by the president of the senate and one of whom shall be appointed by the minority leader, and one of whom shall be the auditor general, or his designee.
(c)
The legislative members shall serve a term of two (2) years. The members shall annually elect one of them as chairperson of the commission.
(d)
Any vacancy on the commission, occurring for any reason prior to the expiration of the term, including, but not limited to, termination of active membership in the general assembly, shall be filled for the unexpired term by the appointing authority in the same manner as the original appointment.
(e)
Any member of the commission may, for cause, be summarily removed from office by the appointing authority, which removal shall be subject to judicial review by the superior court, and pending that review the member shall not carry out any duties as a commission member.
(f)
The members of the commission shall receive no salaries but shall be allowed reasonable expenses in the performance of their official duties.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 41, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 180, § 35.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-14.2 - Permanent Joint Committee on State Lottery › Section 22-14.2-1. - Permanent joint committee on state lottery — Composition.

§ 22-14.2-1. Permanent joint committee on state lottery — Composition.
There is hereby created a permanent joint committee on state lottery. The permanent joint committee on state lottery shall consist of eight (8) members; four (4) of whom shall be members of the senate, not more than three (3) from the same political party to be appointed by the senate president; and four (4) of whom shall be members of the house of representatives, not more than three (3) from the same political party to be appointed by the speaker of the house.
The senate president and the speaker of the house shall consult with the house and senate minority leaders on the appointment of the minority members.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 234, § 4; P.L. 2005, ch. 236, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-14.2 - Permanent Joint Committee on State Lottery › Section 22-14.2-2. - Powers and duties of permanent joint committee on state lottery.

§ 22-14.2-2. Powers and duties of permanent joint committee on state lottery.
The permanent joint committee on state lottery shall have the authority to:
(a)
Provide oversight to the state lottery and the division of state lottery;
(b)
Confer as the committee deems desirable with the director of lotteries;
(c)
Recommend the type of lotteries to be conducted;
(d)
Issue subpoenas, subpoenas duces tecum and orders for the production of books, accounts, papers, records and documents, and;
(e)
Make recommendations to the general assembly and propose legislation regarding the operation of the state lottery.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 234, § 4; P.L. 2005, ch. 236, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-19 - Commission on Youth › Section 22-19-1. - Commission created.

§ 22-19-1. Commission created.
There is hereby created a permanent commission to represent the youth of Rhode Island, the purpose of which is to provide consultation with the legislative branch of government concerning matters of concern and interest to youth.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 308, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 454, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-19 - Commission on Youth › Section 22-19-2. - Composition.

§ 22-19-2. Composition.
The composition of the commission shall be fourteen (14) members who shall be drawn from a diversity of backgrounds, ethnicity, financial positions, gender, and living area. Five (5) of the members shall be appointed by the speaker of the house, two (2), to be appointed by the house minority leader, and five (5) to be appointed by the president of the senate; and two (2) to be appointed by the senate minority leader.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 308, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 454, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 22 - General Assembly › Chapter 22-19 - Commission on Youth › Section 22-19-3. - Charge of commission.

§ 22-19-3. Charge of commission.
Issues and legislative proposals concerning youth shall be brought before and examined by the commission so that the commission may provide input and advice.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 308, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 454, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-1 - Department of Health › Section 23-1-1. - General functions of department.

§ 23-1-1. General functions of department.
The department of health shall take cognizance of the interests of life and health among the peoples of the state; shall make investigations into the causes of disease, the prevalence of epidemics and endemics among the people, the sources of mortality, the effect of localities, employments and all other conditions and circumstances on the public health, and do all in its power to ascertain the causes and the best means for the prevention and control of diseases or conditions detrimental to the public health, and adopt proper and expedient measures to prevent and control diseases and conditions detrimental to the public health in the state. It shall publish and circulate, from time to time, information that the director may deem to be important and useful for diffusion among the people of the state, and shall investigate and give advice in relation to those subjects relating to public health that may be referred to it by the general assembly or by the governor when the general assembly is not in session, or when requested by any city or town. The department shall adopt and promulgate rules and regulations that it deems necessary, not inconsistent with law, to carry out the purposes of this section; provided, however, that the department shall not require all nonprofit volunteer ambulance, rescue service, and volunteer fire departments to have two (2) or more certified emergency medical technicians manning ambulances or rescue vehicles.
History of Section.
P.L. 1929, ch. 1432, § 4; P.L. 1930, ch. 1549, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 255, § 3; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 180; G.L. 1956, § 23-1-1; P.L. 1964, ch. 45, § 2; P.L. 1984, ch. 224, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-1 - Department of Health › Section 23-1-1.1. - Health planning — Findings.

§ 23-1-1.1. Health planning — Findings.
It is found and determined that health planning is essential to promote appropriate access to high quality health services at a reasonable cost and is a precondition to effective public health practice by the department of health; and that health planning is a prerequisite to the effective discharge of the department of health’s certificate of need responsibilities.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 383, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-1 - Department of Health › Section 23-1-1.2. - Health planning process.

§ 23-1-1.2. Health planning process.
The department of health is authorized to conduct health planning studies and to develop health plan documents to assist the department of health, the director of health, and the health services council in the conduct of their public health responsibilities. The director of health, with the approval of the governor, may appoint various committees and task forces as appropriate to assist and advise the department of health in the conduct of its health planning responsibilities, provided that the director of health may appoint ad hoc short-term committees or task forces to advise and assist the director on technical issues.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 383, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-1 - Department of Health › Section 23-1-1.3. - Transfer of responsibilities.

§ 23-1-1.3. Transfer of responsibilities.
Whenever, in any general or public law, the words “office of substance abuse”, “OSA”, “department of substance abuse” shall appear, they shall be deemed to refer to and to mean the “department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals”. Whenever, in any general or public law, the words “director of the department of substance abuse” shall appear, they shall be deemed to refer to and to mean the “director of the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals”.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 14, § 3; P.L. 1998, ch. 257, § 2; P.L. 1998, ch. 458, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-1 - Department of Health › Section 23-1-2. - Inquiries to local authorities and physicians.

§ 23-1-2. Inquiries to local authorities and physicians.
The director of health shall make inquiry, from time to time, of the city and town clerks and practicing physicians, in relation to the prevalence of any disease, or knowledge of any known or generally believed source of disease or causes of general ill health, and also in relation to acts for the promotion and protection of the public health, and also in relation to diseases among domestic animals in their several cities and towns; and those city and town clerks and practicing physicians shall give information, in reply to the inquiries, of those facts and circumstances that have come to their knowledge.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 96, § 6; G.L. 1909, ch. 115, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 153, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 255, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 23-1-2; P.L. 1964, ch. 45, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-1 - Department of Health › Section 23-1-4. - Vital records.

§ 23-1-4. Vital records.
The department of health and director of health shall carry on the registration of vital records as provided by chapter 3 of this title and the director of health shall be ex officio state registrar of vital records.
History of Section.
P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 182; G.L. 1956, § 23-1-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-1 - Department of Health › Section 23-1-5. - Enforcement of sanitary laws.

§ 23-1-5. Enforcement of sanitary laws.
The department of health and director of health shall enforce the provisions of all general laws and public laws relating to the sanitary inspection of swimming pools, bathing beaches, camp grounds, barber shops, hairdressing parlors, and any other premises and properties the inspection of which may be conferred upon the department of health. The sanitary inspection of barber shops shall be made by registered barbers and the director of health shall employ at least one registered barber for this purpose who shall enforce rules and regulations as prescribed under chapter 10 of title 5. The department and director shall enforce the provisions of chapter 27 of title 21 insofar as they relate to the inspection of bakeries and other establishments and shall perform the functions relating to child hygiene, food and drugs, the purification of waters, slaughterhouses, and narcotic drugs and pharmacies.
History of Section.
P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 183; G.L. 1956, § 23-1-5; P.L. 1996, ch. 100, art. 37, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-1 - Department of Health › Section 23-1-5.1. - Laboratory testing services.

§ 23-1-5.1. Laboratory testing services.
(a)
The director of health is authorized to provide, upon request, testing for all private water supplies used as sources of drinking water. This testing shall be on a voluntary basis and does not confer upon the director or department of health jurisdiction over that private water supply, in addition to that provided for elsewhere.
(b)
The director is further authorized to provide, upon request, testing for public water supplies used as sources of drinking water. The testing shall be on a voluntary basis and does not confer upon the director or department of health jurisdiction over public water supplies in addition to that provided for elsewhere.
(c)
The director of health is further authorized to provide, upon request, testing for other substances of public health concern such as radon in air, lead in paint and soil, and other indoor air pollutants. The testing shall be on a voluntary basis and does not confer upon the director or department of health any additional jurisdiction.
(d)
The director is further authorized to establish fees by regulation. The fees as established by the director shall be related to the costs incurred in operating the program and may include administrative, personnel, equipment, and any other related costs necessary to carry out the provisions of this section of the law. All fees collected under this section shall be placed into the general fund.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 538, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 47, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 40, § 58; P.L. 2002, ch. 161, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 162, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-1 - Department of Health › Section 23-1-5.2. - Office of private well water contamination.

§ 23-1-5.2. Office of private well water contamination.
There is created the office of private well water contamination within the department of health.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 634, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-1 - Department of Health › Section 23-1-5.4. - Access to information.

§ 23-1-5.4. Access to information.
(a)
The office of private well water contamination shall have access to the following information:
(1)
The names of all persons who have registered complaints concerning private well water contamination and all information concerning their complaints; and
(2)
All current records in the department of health and the department of environmental management pertaining to private well water contamination.
(b)
The office of private well water contamination shall have the authority to use this information in whatever ways are necessary to carry out the duties enumerated in § 23-1-5.3.
(c)
The department of environmental management, the department of health, and all other state agencies shall assist the office of private well water contamination in the performance of these duties.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 634, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-1 - Department of Health › Section 23-1-5.5. - Annual report.

§ 23-1-5.5. Annual report.
The department of health shall prepare and issue an annual report on the status of private well water contamination in the state. The report shall be submitted to the governor and the general assembly by January 15th of each year and shall be made available to the public.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 634, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-1 - Department of Health › Section 23-1-5.7. - Well water purification licensing.

§ 23-1-5.7. Well water purification licensing.
(a)
The director of the department of health shall promulgate rules and regulations for the licensing of well water purification companies. The rules shall include minimum qualifications for testing and analysis of wells and shall set forth comprehensive criteria for the distribution of chemicals used in the treatment of drinking water and potable well water. Upon promulgation of the rules, no person, firm, partnership, or other business association shall engage in the business of well water purification without first obtaining a license from the director of health. The director may revoke the license for just cause. The director may charge an appropriate license or registration fee to cover administrative costs.
(b)
The licensing provisions of this section shall not apply to state employees carrying out official business of the state. The regulations issued under this section shall not apply to the design, installation, and operation of recovery wells utilized to treat contaminated groundwater provided that this activity is authorized by the department of environmental management and that the wells are not used for drinking water purposes.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 220, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-1 - Department of Health › Section 23-1-6. - Shellfish packing houses.

§ 23-1-6. Shellfish packing houses.
The department of health and director of health shall also perform the function of the sanitary regulation of shellfish packing houses as provided in chapter 14 of title 21.
History of Section.
P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 185; G.L. 1956, § 23-1-6; P.L. 1980, ch. 263, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-1 - Department of Health › Section 23-1-7. - Industrial hygiene.

§ 23-1-7. Industrial hygiene.
The department of health and director of health shall perform the functions relating to industrial hygiene, which shall include the following:
(1)
The study of the problems of industrial hygiene and occupational diseases in industry;
(2)
Recommendation to the general assembly of those measures that study and experience may demonstrate to be advisable; and
(3)
The maintenance of proper records of its activities.
History of Section.
P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 186; G.L. 1956, § 23-1-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-1 - Department of Health › Section 23-1-8. - Forensic scientist — Crime detection.

§ 23-1-8. Forensic scientist — Crime detection.
The director of health shall appoint in accordance with law a suitable and qualified forensic scientist to conduct examinations of evidence in connection with scientific crime detection, and for that purpose the director shall cooperate with the Rhode Island state police, the department of the attorney general, and other law enforcement agencies in the matter of scientific crime detection.
History of Section.
P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 187; G.L. 1956, § 23-1-8; P.L. 2009, ch. 68, art. 5, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-1 - Department of Health › Section 23-1-9. - Annual report to general assembly.

§ 23-1-9. Annual report to general assembly.
The director of health shall make an annual report to the general assembly of his or her proceedings during the year ending on the thirty-first (31st) day of December next preceding, with any suggestions in relation to the sanitary laws and interests of the state that he or she shall deem important.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 96, § 9; G.L. 1909, ch. 115, § 9; G.L. 1923, ch. 153, § 9; G.L. 1938, ch. 255, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 23-1-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-1 - Department of Health › Section 23-1-13. - Appropriations and disbursements.

§ 23-1-13. Appropriations and disbursements.
The general assembly shall annually appropriate those sums for the purposes of this chapter that it deems necessary; and the state controller is authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of those sums, or so much of those sums as may from time to time be required, upon the receipt by him or her of proper vouchers authenticated by the director of health.
History of Section.
P.L. 1929, ch. 1432, § 11; P.L. 1930, ch. 1549, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 255, § 22; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, §§ 65, 180; G.L. 1956, § 23-1-13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 23 - Health and Safety › Chapter 23-1 - Department of Health › Section 23-1-14. - Vouchers for disbursements.

§ 23-1-14. Vouchers for disbursements.
Notwithstanding the provisions of any general law, public law, or resolution which may provide for the personal approval of the director of health, the state controller is authorized to make payment for all expenditures of the department of health upon receipt of duly authenticated vouchers from that department.
History of Section.
P.L. 1945, ch. 1589, 1; G.L. 1956, § 23-1-14.