reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-25 - Narragansett Bay Commission › Section 46-25-67. - Other statutes and ordinances.

§ 46-25-67. Other statutes and ordinances.
Nothing herein contained shall restrict or limit the powers of the commission arising under any laws of this state, or any ordinances of any municipality, except if the powers are expressly contrary to the provisions of this chapter. This chapter shall be construed to provide a complete additional alternative method for doing the things authorized hereby, and shall be regarded as supplemental and in addition to the powers conferred by other laws. The issuance of all revenue bonds, revenue notes, and other obligations of the commission, under the provisions of §§ 46-25-58 — 46-25-66, need not comply with the requirements of any other statute applicable to the issue of the bonds, notes, and other obligations. No proceedings or notice of approval shall be required for the issuance of any revenue bonds, revenue notes, or other obligations, or any instrument of security therefor except as herein provided.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 557, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-25 - Narragansett Bay Commission › Section 46-25-68. - Inconsistent provisions.

§ 46-25-68. Inconsistent provisions.
Insofar as the provisions of this chapter are inconsistent with the provisions of any other law or ordinance, general, special or local, the provisions of this chapter shall be controlling.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 557, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-25 - Narragansett Bay Commission › Section 46-25-69. - Severability.

§ 46-25-69. Severability.
The provisions of this chapter are severable, and if any of its provisions shall be held unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, the decision of the court shall not affect or impair any of the remaining provisions.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 557, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-26 - Improvements to Ten Mile River › Section 46-26-1. - Improvements to Ten Mile River.

§ 46-26-1. Improvements to Ten Mile River.
The state of Rhode Island or any of its municipalities are hereby authorized to negotiate and enter into agreements with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or any of its municipalities concerning improvements to the Ten Mile River.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 430, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-26 - Improvements to Ten Mile River › Section 46-26-2. - Agreements with Massachusetts.

§ 46-26-2. Agreements with Massachusetts.
The state of Rhode Island or any of its municipalities are further authorized to negotiate and enter into agreements with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or any of its municipalities to:
(1)
Maintain, and improve the Ten Mile River located within or without either state or commonwealth,
(2)
Provide for the financing thereof with any federal funds made available through the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980, 12 U.S.C. § 1701q et seq., or any other federal funds from any other source, and if Rhode Island is delegated the recipient of those funds, then they shall be administered through the department of administration or any agency, authority, or division so designated by the department of administration,
(3)
Have the authority to accept funds from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or any of its municipalities if the commonwealth is the recipient of the federal funds, and
(4)
Provide for any and all other matters which may, in the state’s or its municipalities’ discretion, be necessary or desirable to carry out any such agreement.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 430, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-26 - Improvements to Ten Mile River › Section 46-26-3. - Town council approval.

§ 46-26-3. Town council approval.
Any agreement, executed by a Rhode Island municipality pursuant to § 46-26-2 and this section, must be approved by the town council before the agreements can become effective.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 430, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-27 - Personal Watercraft Safety Act › Section 46-27-1. - Definitions.

§ 46-27-1. Definitions.
In this chapter, the term:
(1) “Headway speed”
in this section means the slowest speed at which a personal watercraft can be operated and maintain steerage way.
(2) “Operator”
means a person who operates or who has charge of the navigation or use of a watercraft.
(3) “Personal watercraft”
means a vessel which uses an inboard motor powering a water jet pump as its primary source of motive power and which is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on the vessel, rather than the conventional method of sitting or standing inside the vessel.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 88, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 131, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-27 - Personal Watercraft Safety Act › Section 46-27-3. - Enforcement.

§ 46-27-3. Enforcement.
The department of environmental management, division of boating safety, is empowered to enforce the provisions of this chapter. In addition thereto, the police officers of all localities, and the harbormasters of all localities are empowered to enforce all provisions of this chapter. The harbormaster of any locality, or where there is none, the governing body of any locality is empowered and authorized to establish reasonable speed limits for the operation of any personal watercraft in any area within their jurisdiction. The harbormaster of any locality, or where there is none, the governing body of any locality is empowered and authorized to post signs governing the reasonable use of personal watercraft at any location within their jurisdiction.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 88, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 131, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-27 - Personal Watercraft Safety Act › Section 46-27-4. - Penalties.

§ 46-27-4. Penalties.
Any person who violates any provision of this chapter or who violates any rule or regulation promulgated hereunder, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500), or imprisonment not to exceed six (6) months for each such violation.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 88, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 131, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-28 - The Rhode Island Rivers Council › Section 46-28-2. - Legislative findings and declaration of public policy.

§ 46-28-2. Legislative findings and declaration of public policy.
(a)
Rhode Island needs an affirmative, clearly articulated program to plan for, manage and protect its rivers and watershed resources on an integrated, inter-agency basis, that supports systems level planning.
(b)
Many of the rivers of Rhode Island or sections thereof and related adjacent land possess outstanding aesthetic and recreational value of present and potential benefit to the citizens of this state. The preservation and protection of these rivers and their immediate environment together with their significant recreational, natural and cultural value is hereby declared to be a public policy. It shall be the policy of the state of Rhode Island to protect these values and to practice sound conservation policies and practices relative thereto. It is also recognized that it is in the public interest to:
(1)
Preserve open space, natural resources and features, and scenic landscapes;
(2)
Preserve cultural and historic landscapes and features;
(3)
Preserve opportunities for recreational use of rivers;
(4)
Encourage the establishment of greenways which link open spaces together;
(5)
Establish a rivers policy consistent with the Rhode Island Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Regulation Act, chapter 22.2 of title 45 as set forth in § 45-22.2-3(c);
(6)
Continue the regional and comprehensive planning activities for rivers, water quality, and land use conducted by the Rhode Island department of environmental management and the Rhode Island department of administration; and
(7)
Utilize the rivers policy and classification plan and other relevant elements of the state guide plan, plans and programs of state and federal agencies, and watershed action plans to coordinate the activities of the public and private sectors so as to achieve the objectives of this section.
(c)
It is, therefore, essential that a Rhode Island policy be developed so that these purposes may be fulfilled. The general assembly affirms that it must assure the people of this generation and their descendants the opportunity to appreciate aesthetic and utilize the recreational qualities and resources of the state’s streams and rivers. To implement these policies is the purpose of this chapter and in furtherance thereof to establish the Rhode Island rivers council which will coordinate and oversee the clean up and preservation of the quality of rivers in Rhode Island.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 198, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 159, § 4; P.L. 2004, ch. 254, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-28 - The Rhode Island Rivers Council › Section 46-28-3. - Definitions.

§ 46-28-3. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following words and terms shall have the following meanings unless the context shall indicate another or different meaning:
(1) “Council”
means the Rhode Island rivers council.
(2) “River”
means a flowing body of water or estuary or a section, portion, or tributary thereof, including streams, creeks, brooks, ponds, and small lakes.
(3) “Watershed”
means a land area which because of its topography, soil type, and drainage patterns acts as a collector of raw waters which regorge or replenish rivers and existing or planned public water supplies.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 198, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-28 - The Rhode Island Rivers Council › Section 46-28-4. - Establishment of council — Purpose.

§ 46-28-4. Establishment of council — Purpose.
(a)
There is hereby authorized, created, and established within the executive department as an associated function, as defined in § 46-28-10, of the water resources board, established pursuant to chapters 15 and 15.1 of this title, a Rhode Island rivers council known as “the Rhode Island rivers council,” with such powers as are set forth in this chapter, for the purposes of coordinating, overseeing, and reviewing efforts to improve and preserve the quality of rivers and to develop plans to increase the utilization of river areas throughout the state, and to support and strengthen grassroots watershed organizations as local implementers of the plans.
(b)
The rivers policy and classification plan prepared and recommended as provided for in § 46-28-7(3) and as adopted by the state planning council shall be the principal means of management and protection by the rivers council. The rivers council shall work in conjunction with watershed councils and all affected federal, regional and state agencies, including, but not limited to, the Rhode Island bays, rivers and watersheds coordination team, the water resources board, the coastal resources management council, the department of environmental management, the department of health, the statewide planning program of the department of administration, and the economic development corporation, municipal governments, private organizations and persons in achieving the purposes set forth in this section, and implementing systems level planning for the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 198, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 159, § 4; P.L. 2004, ch. 254, § 4; P.L. 2006, ch. 22, § 8; P.L. 2006, ch. 27, § 8; P.L. 2007, ch. 340, § 62.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-28 - The Rhode Island Rivers Council › Section 46-28-5. - Council created — Appointment of members.

§ 46-28-5. Council created — Appointment of members.
Such council shall consist of fifteen (15) members to be appointed in the following manner:
(1)
Nine (9) public members shall be appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the senate; one of whom shall be a member of a chamber of commerce within Rhode Island, three (3) of whom shall be people who have experience with relevant not-for-profit groups such as local land trusts or conservation commissions, two (2) of whom shall have experience in environmental law, environmental science or planning, and one of whom shall have experience in communication, public outreach or education; one member shall be the general manager of the water resources board or his or her designee who shall be a subordinate within the water resources board who shall serve as a nonvoting ex officio member; one member shall be the director of the department of environmental management or his or her designee who shall be a subordinate within the department of environmental management; one member shall be the executive director of coastal resources management council or his or her designee who shall be a subordinate within the coastal resources management council who shall serve as a nonvoting ex officio member; one member shall be the director of the department of administration or his or her designee who shall be a subordinate within the department of administration; one member shall be the executive director of the economic development corporation or his or her designee who shall be a subordinate within the economic development corporation who shall serve as a nonvoting ex officio member; and one member shall be the president of the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns or his or her designee who shall serve as a nonvoting ex officio member.
(2)
All duly appointed members as of the passage of this act [April 20, 2006], shall continue as members until the expiration of their term. Upon expiration of the terms of members of the council who were appointed by the governor or the lieutenant governor prior to the effective date of this act [April 20, 2006], new members shall be appointed by the governor as prescribed in subdivision (1). Members shall be appointed during the month of January of each year by the governor and in the event of a vacancy occurring in the council, said vacancy shall be filled in a like manner as the original appointment for the remainder of the unexpired term. Members shall serve until their successors are appointed and qualified. The term of appointed members shall be three (3) years. The members of the council shall be eligible to succeed themselves. The members of the council shall serve without compensation. No one shall be eligible for appointment unless he or she is a resident of this state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 198, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 180, § 157; P.L. 2004, ch. 159, § 4; P.L. 2004, ch. 254, § 4; P.L. 2006, ch. 22, § 8; P.L. 2006, ch. 27, § 8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-28 - The Rhode Island Rivers Council › Section 46-28-5.1. - Removal of members.

§ 46-28-5.1. Removal of members.
Members of the council shall be removable by the governor pursuant to § 36-1-7 of the general laws and for cause only, and removal solely for partisan or personal reasons unrelated to capacity or fitness for the office shall be unlawful.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 22, § 9; P.L. 2006, ch. 27, § 9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-28 - The Rhode Island Rivers Council › Section 46-28-6. - Officers of the council and quorum.

§ 46-28-6. Officers of the council and quorum.
Upon the passage of this act [April 20, 2006], the council shall elect from among the members a chair and a vice-chair. Thereafter, the council shall annually elect in February a chair and vice-chair from among the members. The council may elect from among its members such other officers as they deem necessary. Six (6) voting members of the council shall constitute a quorum. A majority vote of those present and voting shall be required for action.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 198, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 148, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 22, § 8; P.L. 2006, ch. 27, § 8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-28 - The Rhode Island Rivers Council › Section 46-28-7.1. - Power and duties of the state planning council.

§ 46-28-7.1. Power and duties of the state planning council.
In order to carry out the purposes of this chapter, the state planning council shall adopt a rivers policy and a classification plan for the state of Rhode Island as elements of the state guide plan in accordance with the provisions of § 42-11-10. The procedure for adoption shall be as follows: Upon notification from the rivers council that it has completed preparation of the rivers policy or classification plan as set forth in § 46-28-7(c) and (d), respectively, the state planning council and rivers council shall jointly conduct a public hearing in the manner specified in chapter 35 of title 42. Following the public hearing, the rivers council shall, in consultation with the statewide planning program, make its recommendation to the state planning council. The state planning council may make any revisions or amendments to the rivers policy or classification plan as recommended by the rivers council that are necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter, to achieve consistency with applicable provisions of law, or to consider comments made at the public hearing.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 148, § 2; P.L. 2004, ch. 159, § 4; P.L. 2004, ch. 254, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-28 - The Rhode Island Rivers Council › Section 46-28-9. - Annual council report and special reports.

§ 46-28-9. Annual council report and special reports.
(a) Annual report.
The council shall make an annual report to the governor and the general assembly on or before February 1 of each year. The report shall include a summary of the activities of the council and of each designated local watershed council and a consolidated financial statement of all funds received by and expended by the rivers council during the reporting period.
(1)
Within ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year, the council shall approve and submit an annual report to the governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate, and the secretary of state of its activities during that fiscal year. The report shall provide: an operating statement summarizing meetings or hearings held, including meeting minutes, subjects addressed, decisions rendered, rules or regulations promulgated, studies conducted, policies and plans developed, approved, or modified, and programs administered or initiated; a summary of the activities of each designated local watershed; a consolidated financial statement of all funds received and expended including the source of the funds, a listing of any staff supported by these funds, and a summary of any clerical, administrative or technical support received; a summary of performance during the previous fiscal year including accomplishments, shortcomings and remedies; a synopsis of hearings, complaints, suspensions or other legal matters related to the authority of the council; a summary of any training courses held pursuant to subsection 46-28-7(13); a briefing on anticipated activities in the upcoming fiscal year; findings and recommendations for improvements; and a summary of progress made by the council in the implementation of the system-level plan as described in § 46-31-5.
(2)
The report shall be posted electronically as prescribed in § 42-20-8.2. The director of the department of administration shall be responsible for the enforcement of this provision.
(b) Special reports.
The council shall prepare such special reports as may be requested by the general assembly, or either branch thereof, the governor, or as may be determined by the council.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 198, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 159, § 4; P.L. 2004, ch. 254, § 4; P.L. 2006, ch. 22, § 8; P.L. 2006, ch. 27, § 8; P.L. 2007, ch. 340, § 62.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-28 - The Rhode Island Rivers Council › Section 46-28-10. - Administrative support and staffing.

§ 46-28-10. Administrative support and staffing.
The water resources board shall be responsible for providing administrative support in carrying out the responsibilities charged to the Rhode Island rivers council; the water resources board, the department of environmental management, and the statewide planning program shall, as appropriate, provide the Rhode Island rivers council staff support as necessary to accomplish the purposes of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 198, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 159, § 4; P.L. 2004, ch. 254, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-28 - The Rhode Island Rivers Council › Section 46-28-11. - Liberal construction.

§ 46-28-11. Liberal construction.
The provisions of this chapter shall be construed liberally in order to accomplish the purposes hereof, and where any specific power is given to the council by the provisions hereof, the statement thereof shall not be deemed to exclude or impair any power otherwise in this chapter conferred upon said council.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 198, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-28 - The Rhode Island Rivers Council › Section 46-28-12. - Powers of coastal resources management council.

§ 46-28-12. Powers of coastal resources management council.
Nothing contained herein shall abrogate or affect the powers of the coastal resources management council.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 198, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-28 - The Rhode Island Rivers Council › Section 46-28-13. - Chapter does not abrogate or affect § 2-23-5.

§ 46-28-13. Chapter does not abrogate or affect § 2-23-5.
Nothing contained herein shall abrogate or affect the provisions outlined in § 2-23-5.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 198, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-29 - Phosphate Reduction › Section 46-29-2. - Legislative findings, intent, and objectives.

§ 46-29-2. Legislative findings, intent, and objectives.
The general assembly hereby recognizes and declares that:
(1)
Whereas, excess nutrients, especially phosphorus, from municipal wastewater treatment plants, septic tanks, urban and agricultural losses may cause eutrophication resulting in algae blooms and low dissolved oxygen; and
(2)
Whereas, requiring the use of phosphate-free laundry detergents will reduce the amount of phosphorus in Rhode Island’s rivers, lakes, and estuaries at no cost to consumer or to municipalities; and
(3)
Whereas, requiring the use of phosphate-free laundry detergents will significantly reduce the amount of phosphorus that is released by municipalities at their wastewater treatment plants; and
(4)
Whereas, our neighbors the State of Connecticut and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts have enacted similar legislation to address the problem of excess nutrients in their waters;
(5)
The general assembly, therefore, has declared that it is the policy of the state to reduce phosphorus pollution at its source to protect waters of the state, protect beneficial uses of the waters of the state and create a cost effective approach to wastewater treatment.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 216, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-29 - Phosphate Reduction › Section 46-29-4. - Right of appeal.

§ 46-29-4. Right of appeal.
Any person aggrieved by any determination made by the director pursuant to this chapter may seek review of that determination before the administrative adjudication division of the department pursuant to Chapters 35 and 17.7 of title 42.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 216, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-29 - Phosphate Reduction › Section 46-29-5. - Construction of chapter.

§ 46-29-5. Construction of chapter.
This chapter shall be construed liberally in aid of its declared purpose, which purpose is the reduction of phosphorus entering the waters of the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 216, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-29 - Phosphate Reduction › Section 46-29-6. - Severability.

§ 46-29-6. Severability.
If any provision of this chapter or of any rule or regulation made thereunder, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of the chapter, rule, or regulation and the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby. The invalidity of any section or sections or parts of any section or sections of this chapter shall not affect the validity of the remainder of the chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 216, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-30 - Public Water Supply Systems › Section 46-30-2. - Legislative findings, intent, and objectives.

§ 46-30-2. Legislative findings, intent, and objectives.
(a)
It is hereby found and declared that:
(1)
Water is vital to life and comprises an invaluable natural resource which is not to be abused by any segment of the state’s population or its economy. It is the policy of the state to restore, enhance, and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of its waters to protect health;
(2)
It is further found and declared that the waters of this state are a critical renewable resource which must be protected to insure the availability of safe and potable drinking water for present and future needs;
(3)
It is further found and declared that public water supply systems have the responsibility to provide safety and potable drinking water to the state’s population;
(4)
It is further found and declared that financial and regulatory pressures may force some small public water supply systems into economically losing propositions;
(5)
It is further found and declared that economy and efficiency dictate the desirability to combine small public water supply systems with other public water supply systems;
(b)
The objectives of this chapter are:
(1)
To establish a mechanism to combine small public water supply systems and/or annex small systems to adjacent water supplies in order to provide viable water supplies capable of meeting federal and state drinking water regulations current at all times.
(2)
To enable each local jurisdiction, city, town, water authority, water district, small supplier, or small public water supply system to petition the adjacent supplier for the purpose of merging or annexing with the supplier in an economically fair method.
(3)
No merger nor annexation shall proceed without the consent of the governing board of each respective entity or, in the case of a municipally owned system, a vote of the majority of the entire town or city council or, in the case of a private supplier, the consent of the owner of the facilities in question and the governing board of the petitioned governing agency.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 267, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 340, § 63.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-30 - Public Water Supply Systems › Section 46-30-3. - Definitions.

§ 46-30-3. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following words and terms shall have the following meanings unless the context shall indicate another or different meaning:
(1) “Annexation fee”
means a fee levied on the individual water system connections, or accounts, in addition to their normal water consumption and service charges. The annexation fee shall remain in effect until the financial responsibility of annexation is discharged.
(2) “Governing agency”
means the public water supply system into which the small public water supply system is being merged or annexed.
(3) “Owner of the facilities”
means the holder of title to the water supply system facilities supplying water.
(4) “Public water supply system”
means the same as defined in § 46-13-2.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 267, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-30 - Public Water Supply Systems › Section 46-30-4. - Financial responsibility.

§ 46-30-4. Financial responsibility.
(a)
The financial obligation for the upgrading of the public water supply system to be annexed and the continued management and operational responsibility to bring that system into compliance with the applicable regulations and on parity with the existing facilities of the governing agency must be fairly and equitably allocated to the new customers by identifying:
(1)
Capital costs;
(2)
Operational expenses;
(3)
Management support;
and adding the annexation fee to the governing agency’s existing rate structure currently in effect to be applied to the customer’s accounts, to be annexed.
(b)(1)
Each year the annexation fee to be paid by the new customers shall be added to the rate apportioned to the existing customers of the governing agency and shall represent the amortized cost of the capital expenditures and the appropriate ongoing operational costs adjusted for inflation. The annexation fee shall in no event be less than ten percent (10%) the rate levied on the pre-annexation customer base, nor shall it be more than one hundred percent (100%) of the pre-annexation rate. This legislation is not intended to limit the governing agency from recovering all costs of service from its basic customer base. The annexation fee shall constitute a part of the cost of annexation and shall also be an allocated portion of the cost of annexation and become a debt of each customer from the small public water supply system to the governing agency and be collectible in the same manner and have the benefit of any lien provided for the amounts due for water charges from the small public water supply system to the governing agency. Subject to the provisions of § 39-1.1-1 for those small public water supply systems which are public utilities, all governing agencies may terminate service for failure of the customer of a small public water supply system to pay the annexation fee.
(2)
It shall not be necessary for any small public water supply system or governing agency whose rates may be regulated by the public utilities commission, pursuant to chapter 1 of title 39, to obtain approval from the commission for billing of the annexation fee. The public utilities commission shall not be required, in determining rates for any governing agency or small public water supply system hereunder, to consider the annexation fees billed hereunder when determining revenue requirements for the governing agency or public water supply system.
(c)
The annexation fee shall terminate when the contractual obligation for amortizing the upgrading of the system petitioning annexation has been discharged or no later than thirty (30) years from the date of financing said improvements, whichever comes first.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 267, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-30 - Public Water Supply Systems › Section 46-30-6. - Liberal construction.

§ 46-30-6. Liberal construction.
The provisions of this chapter shall be construed liberally in order to accomplish the purposes hereof, and where any specific power is given to any agency by the provisions hereof, the statement thereof shall not be deemed to exclude or impair any power otherwise in this chapter conferred upon that agency.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 267, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-30 - Public Water Supply Systems › Section 46-30-7. - Severability.

§ 46-30-7. Severability.
If any provisions of this chapter or of any rule, regulation, or order made thereunder, or the application thereof to any person or circumstances, is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this chapter, rule, regulation, or order, and the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected thereby. The invalidity of any section or sections or parts of any section or sections of this chapter shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this chapter and is hereby declared to be the legislative intent that this chapter would have been enacted if the invalid parts had not been included therein.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 267, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-31 - The Rhode Island Bays, Rivers, and Watersheds Coordination Team › Section 46-31-1. - Repealed.

§ 46-31-1. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 2004, ch. 203, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 208, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2015, ch. 141, art. 16, § 1, effective July 1, 2015.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-31 - The Rhode Island Bays, Rivers, and Watersheds Coordination Team › Section 46-31-2. - Repealed.

§ 46-31-2. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 2004, ch. 203, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 208, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2015, ch. 141, art. 16, § 1, effective July 1, 2015.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-31 - The Rhode Island Bays, Rivers, and Watersheds Coordination Team › Section 46-31-3. - Repealed.

§ 46-31-3. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 2004, ch. 203, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 208, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2015, ch. 141, art. 16, § 1, effective July 1, 2015.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-31 - The Rhode Island Bays, Rivers, and Watersheds Coordination Team › Section 46-31-4. - Repealed.

§ 46-31-4. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 2004, ch. 203, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 208, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2015, ch. 141, art. 16, § 1, effective July 1, 2015.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-31 - The Rhode Island Bays, Rivers, and Watersheds Coordination Team › Section 46-31-5. - Repealed.

§ 46-31-5. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 2004, ch. 203, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 208, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2015, ch. 141, art. 16, § 1, effective July 1, 2015.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-31 - The Rhode Island Bays, Rivers, and Watersheds Coordination Team › Section 46-31-6. - Repealed.

§ 46-31-6. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 2004, ch. 203, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 208, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2015, ch. 141, art. 16, § 1, effective July 1, 2015.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-31 - The Rhode Island Bays, Rivers, and Watersheds Coordination Team › Section 46-31-7. - Repealed.

§ 46-31-7. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 2004, ch. 203, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 208, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2015, ch. 141, art. 16, § 1, effective July 1, 2015.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-31 - The Rhode Island Bays, Rivers, and Watersheds Coordination Team › Section 46-31-8. - Repealed.

§ 46-31-8. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 2004, ch. 203, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 208, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2015, ch. 141, art. 16, § 1, effective July 1, 2015.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-31 - The Rhode Island Bays, Rivers, and Watersheds Coordination Team › Section 46-31-9. - Repealed.

§ 46-31-9. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 2004, ch. 203, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 208, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2015, ch. 141, art. 16, § 1, effective July 1, 2015.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-31 - The Rhode Island Bays, Rivers, and Watersheds Coordination Team › Section 46-31-10. - Repealed.

§ 46-31-10. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 2004, ch. 203, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 208, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2015, ch. 141, art. 16, § 1, effective July 1, 2015.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-31 - The Rhode Island Bays, Rivers, and Watersheds Coordination Team › Section 46-31-11. - Repealed.

§ 46-31-11. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 2004, ch. 203, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 208, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2015, ch. 141, art. 16, § 1, effective July 1, 2015.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-31 - The Rhode Island Bays, Rivers, and Watersheds Coordination Team › Section 46-31-12. - Repealed.

§ 46-31-12. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 2004, ch. 203, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 208, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2015, ch. 141, art. 16, § 1, effective July 1, 2015.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-31 - The Rhode Island Bays, Rivers, and Watersheds Coordination Team › Section 46-31-12.1. - Repealed.

§ 46-31-12.1. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 73, art. 30, § 2; Repealed by P.L. 2015, ch. 141, art. 16, § 1, effective July 1, 2015.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-31 - The Rhode Island Bays, Rivers, and Watersheds Coordination Team › Section 46-31-13. - Repealed.

§ 46-31-13. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 2004, ch. 203, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 208, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2015, ch. 141, art. 16, § 1, effective July 1, 2015.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-31 - The Rhode Island Bays, Rivers, and Watersheds Coordination Team › Section 46-31-14. - Repealed.

§ 46-31-14. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 2004, ch. 203, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 208, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2015, ch. 141, art. 16, § 1, effective July 1, 2015.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-31.1 - The Rhode Island Bays, Rivers and Watersheds Fund › Section 46-31.1-1. - Legislative findings.

§ 46-31.1-1. Legislative findings.
The general assembly hereby finds and declares as follows:
(1)
The bays, rivers, and associated watersheds of Rhode Island are unique and unparalleled natural resources that provide significant cultural, ecological, and economic benefit to the state.
(2)
Pursuant to the provisions of R.I. Const., art. 1, § 17, it is the duty of the general assembly to provide for the conservation of the air, land, water, plant, animal, mineral, and other natural resources of the state; and to adopt all means necessary and proper by law to protect the natural environment of the people of the state by providing adequate resource planning for the control and regulation of the use of the natural resources of the state; and for the preservation, regeneration, and restoration of the natural environment of the state.
(3)
It is in the best interest of the state and its citizens to preserve, protect, and restore our bays, rivers, and associated watersheds.
(4)
Sixty percent (60%) of the watershed of Narragansett Bay is within Massachusetts, almost all of the watershed of Mount Hope Bay is within Massachusetts, and five percent (5%) of the watershed of Little Narragansett Bay is within Connecticut; further, a cluster of water-related economic interests spans the three (3) states.
(5)
There is a need to foster effective management, preservation, restoration, and monitoring of the bays, rivers, and watersheds; and the promotion of sustainable economic development of businesses that rely directly or indirectly on the bays, rivers, and watersheds.
History of Section.
P.L. 2015, ch. 141, art. 16, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-31.1 - The Rhode Island Bays, Rivers and Watersheds Fund › Section 46-31.1-2. - Definitions.

§ 46-31.1-2. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
(1)
“Bays” means the estuaries including Narragansett Bay, Mount Hope Bay, Greenwich Bay, Little Narragansett Bay, the coastal ponds, the Sakonnet River, and Rhode Island territorial waters that extend seaward three geographical miles from the shoreline including the area around Block Island.
(2)
“Coordination” means to harmonize in a common action or effort and/or to function in a complementary manner.
(3)
“River” means a flowing body of water or estuary or a section, portion, or tributary thereof, including, but not limited to, streams, creeks, brooks, ponds, and small lakes.
(4)
“Water cluster” means an economically interconnected grouping of businesses, institutions, and people relying directly or indirectly on the bays, rivers, and watersheds including, but not limited to, the following sectors:
(i)
Recreation, tourism, and public events;
(ii)
Fisheries and aquaculture;
(iii)
Boat and ship building;
(iv)
Boating-related businesses;
(v)
Transportation;
(vi)
Military;
(vii)
Research; and
(viii)
Technology development and education.
(5)
“Watershed” means a land area which because of its topography, soil type, and drainage patterns acts as a collector of raw waters which regorge or replenish rivers and existing or planned public water supplies.
History of Section.
P.L. 2015, ch. 141, art. 16, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-31.1 - The Rhode Island Bays, Rivers and Watersheds Fund › Section 46-31.1-3. - Bays, Rivers and Watersheds Fund.

§ 46-31.1-3. Bays, Rivers and Watersheds Fund.
(a)
There is hereby established a restricted receipt account within the Department of Environmental Management to be called the Bays, Rivers and Watersheds Fund;
(b)
The fund shall consist of any funds which the state may from time to time appropriate, as well as money received as gifts, grants, bequests, donations or other funds from any public or private sources, as well as all fees collected pursuant to § 46-23-1(f)(2) for the leasing of submerged lands for transatlantic cables, and all fees collected pursuant to chapter 12.11 of this title for the disposal of septage;
(c)
All funds, monies, and fees collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the Bays, Rivers and Watersheds Fund, and shall be utilized by the Department of Environmental Management consistent with the purposes of § 46-23.2-1 entitled, “The Comprehensive Watershed and Marine Monitoring Act of 2004,” § 46-12, “Water Pollution” and chapter 6.2 of title 4 entitled “Resilient Rhode Island Act of 2014 Climate Change Coordination Council.” All expenditures from the fund shall be subject to appropriation by the general assembly.
History of Section.
P.L. 2015, ch. 141, art. 16, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-31.1 - The Rhode Island Bays, Rivers and Watersheds Fund › Section 46-31.1-4. - Severability.

§ 46-31.1-4. Severability.
If any provision of this chapter or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the chapter, which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this chapter are declared to be severable.
History of Section.
P.L. 2015, ch. 141, art. 16, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-32 - PFAS in Drinking Water, Groundwater, and Surface Waters › Section 46-32-1. - Short title.

§ 46-32-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “PFAS in Drinking Water, Groundwater, and Surface Waters Act.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 144, § 2, effective June 27, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 169, § 2, effective June 27, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-32 - PFAS in Drinking Water, Groundwater, and Surface Waters › Section 46-32-3. - Drinking water standards for PFAS contaminants.

§ 46-32-3. Drinking water standards for PFAS contaminants.
If the director of the department of health decides to publish a notice pursuant to the provisions of § 46-32-4(b)(1) then on or before June 1, 2024, the director of the department of health shall, pursuant to this section, file under § 42-35-4 a final rule with the secretary of state regarding adoption of the interim drinking water standard level of twenty parts per trillion (20 ppt) for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) as a maximum contaminant level (MCL). Upon the effective date of the final rule, the drinking water monitoring provisions of § 46-32-2 may be suspended, modified, or superseded by the provisions of the final rule and the maximum contaminant level, as specified pursuant to § 46-32-4, shall apply to § 46-32-2(d).
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 144, § 2, effective June 27, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 169, § 2, effective June 27, 2022; P.L. 2023, ch. 257, § 1, effective June 22, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 258, § 1, effective June 22, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-32 - PFAS in Drinking Water, Groundwater, and Surface Waters › Section 46-32-4. - Standard for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances as a class or subclass.

§ 46-32-4. Standard for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances as a class or subclass.
(a)
If the director of the department of health decides to publish a notice pursuant to the provisions of subsection (b)(1) of this section then on or before February 1, 2024, the director of the department of health shall initiate a public notice and comment process by publishing a copy of the final rules and an advance notice of proposed rulemaking pursuant to § 42-35-2.5 regarding the regulation under the rules and regulations pertaining to public drinking water of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as a class or subclasses.
(b)
On or before September 1, 2024, the director of the department of health shall either:
(1)
Publish a notice of proposed rulemaking regarding the regulation of PFAS compounds under the rules and regulations pertaining to public drinking water as a class or subclasses; or
(2)
Publish a notice of decision not to regulate PFAS compounds as a class or subclasses under the rules and regulations pertaining to public drinking water that includes, at a minimum, an identification of all legal, technical, or other impediments to regulating PFAS compounds as a class or subclasses and a detailed response to all public comments received.
(c)
If the director of the department of health proposes a rule pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, the director of the department of health shall file under § 42-35-4 a final rule with the secretary of state regarding the regulation of PFAS compounds as a class or subclasses under the rules and regulations pertaining to public drinking water on or before June 30, 2025.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 144, § 2, effective June 27, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 169, § 2, effective June 27, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 46 - Waters and Navigation › Chapter 46-32 - PFAS in Drinking Water, Groundwater, and Surface Waters › Section 46-32-5. - Groundwater quality standards for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

§ 46-32-5. Groundwater quality standards for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
On or before December 31, 2023, the director or the department of environmental management shall file under § 42-35-4 a final rule with the secretary of state to adopt groundwater quality standards for, at a minimum, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) consistent with authority provided by this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 144, § 2, effective June 27, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 169, § 2, effective June 27, 2022.