reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-7 - Operation of Railroads Generally › Section 39-7-11. - Maintenance of margins on yard tracks.

§ 39-7-11. Maintenance of margins on yard tracks.
(a)
In order to provide railroad employees a reasonably safe place to work, it shall be the duty of all persons, firms, or corporations engaged in the operation of railroads in this state to keep and maintain those margins alongside their yard tracks, except designated clean out and repair tracks, where the railroad employees are required to walk frequently in the course of their duties, reasonably free from debris and vegetation that unreasonably affects the safety of the employees while working. This section shall be enforced by the public utilities administrator upon complaint and after due hearing.
(b)
Any violation of the provisions of this section shall be deemed a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) but not more than five hundred dollars ($500) for each separate offense.
History of Section.
P.L. 1960, ch. 195, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-7 - Operation of Railroads Generally › Section 39-7-12. - Catwalks and handrails on bridges.

§ 39-7-12. Catwalks and handrails on bridges.
Every railroad corporation or railroad company operating a railroad within this state shall on and after September 1, 1993, maintain and construct a handrail and catwalk on each railroad bridge and/or trestle that is constructed or renovated for use by the railroad. The handrail and catwalk shall extend the full length of the bridge or trestle. Every railroad that shall violate the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000). Each violation of this section shall be a separate offense. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, a violation of this section shall be classified as a misdemeanor.
History of Section.
P.L. 1993, ch. 450, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-8 - Railroad Crossings › Section 39-8-1. - Surfacing of highways crossed at grade.

§ 39-8-1. Surfacing of highways crossed at grade.
Every railroad corporation whose roadbed crosses the public highway at grade shall cause the crossing to be covered with suitable material for highway travel so that the surface of the highway at the crossing shall not at any time be lower than three-fourths (¾) of one inch (1") below the tops of the rails at the crossing; and every railroad that shall neglect or refuse to comply with the provisions of this section, after being notified by the city or town council of the city or town wherein the crossing is located, shall be fined not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100).
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 187, § 49; G.L. 1909, ch. 215, § 53; G.L. 1923, ch. 251, § 44; G.L. 1938, ch. 124, § 44; G.L. 1956, § 39-8-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-8 - Railroad Crossings › Section 39-8-1.1. - Commission control of grade crossings.

§ 39-8-1.1. Commission control of grade crossings.
In the exercise of the police power of the state for the safety of its inhabitants, the general assembly vests in the commission the authority and power to determine the point at which and the manner in which any grade crossing of a railroad and a street shall be constructed and the jurisdiction to determine whether any crossing should be altered, relocated, abolished, or eliminated, and the manner and conditions under which the crossings shall be maintained, even if the order of the commission has the effect of depriving a municipality of control of its streets.
History of Section.
P.L. 1969, ch. 240, § 10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-8 - Railroad Crossings › Section 39-8-1.2. - Definitions.

§ 39-8-1.2. Definitions.
As used in this title:
(1)
“Private crossings” shall mean and refer to those crossings over railroad tracks at grade that have been established by written agreement between the railroad, the tracks of which are being crossed, and the party or parties who are given exclusive right of passage over the private crossing.
(2)
“Public crossings” shall mean and refer to those crossings of railroad tracks at grade that have been laid out or built with the consent of the commission expressed in writing as provided in § 39-8-3, or have been designated as public crossings by order of a court of competent jurisdiction.
History of Section.
P.L. 1969, ch. 240, § 10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-8 - Railroad Crossings › Section 39-8-1.3. - Authorization for private crossing.

§ 39-8-1.3. Authorization for private crossing.
No railroad owning railroad tracks within the state shall enter into any agreement of any nature whatsoever with any private party for the establishment of a private crossing at grade, unless and until the railroad shall have obtained permission from the commission for the establishment of the private crossing.
History of Section.
P.L. 1969, ch. 240, § 10; P.L. 1973, ch. 199, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-8 - Railroad Crossings › Section 39-8-1.4. - Barricading of crossings.

§ 39-8-1.4. Barricading of crossings.
The general assembly hereby declares that any private railroad crossing found by the commission after a hearing to be dangerous or a hazard to the public or to those using trains is a public nuisance, and the commission may order the railroad to barricade the crossing as a matter of public safety.
History of Section.
P.L. 1969, ch. 240, § 10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-8 - Railroad Crossings › Section 39-8-2. - Raising or lowering of highway to eliminate grade crossing.

§ 39-8-2. Raising or lowering of highway to eliminate grade crossing.
If the city or town council of any city or town where a turnpike or highway crossed by a railroad on a level therewith is situated, is of the opinion that it is necessary for the security of the public that the turnpike or highway should be raised or lowered, so as to pass over or under the railroad, it may request in writing that the corporation owning the railroad raise or lower the turnpike or highway. If the corporation neglects or refuses to do so, the city or town council may apply to the commission to decide upon the reasonableness of the request. If the commission, after due notice and hearing the parties, shall decide that the lowering or raising of grade is necessary for the security of the public, the corporation shall comply with the decision; provided, that either party shall have the right, in accordance with chapter 5 of this title, to petition the supreme court for relief, and the court shall have full power to finally decide the question as to the necessity of changing the grade. The cost and expense of making the change of grade shall be borne by the railroad corporation and the city or town asking for the change, in the proportion as may be decided by the court. If, after the decision of the court that a change of grade is necessary, or if, having taken no appeal from the decision of the commission, the corporation shall unreasonably neglect or refuse to change the grade, the city or town council may proceed to make the change, and may, in an action against the corporation, recover all charges and expenses occasioned by making the alterations.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 187, § 44; C.P.A. 1905, § 1226; G.L. 1909, ch. 215, § 48; G.L. 1923, ch. 251, § 39; G.L. 1938, ch. 124, § 39; G.L. 1956, § 39-8-2; P.L. 1973, ch. 199, § 6; P.L. 1984, ch. 81, § 14; P.L. 2006, ch. 216, § 13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-8 - Railroad Crossings › Section 39-8-3. - Consent to establishment of grade crossing.

§ 39-8-3. Consent to establishment of grade crossing.
No railroad corporation shall lay out or build its road or lay its tracks across any railroad, street, highway, turnpike, or traveled way at grade, and no street, highway, turnpike, or road shall be laid out or built across any railroad track at grade, except by the consent of the commission thereto; provided, that if the commission shall consent or refuse to consent to any crossing at grade, the corporation or any party aggrieved by the consent or refusal may petition the supreme court for relief in accordance with chapter 5 of this title, and the decision of the court shall be final.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 187, § 45; P.L. 1899, ch. 658, § 1; C.P.A. 1905, § 1226; G.L. 1909, ch. 215, § 49; G.L. 1923, ch. 251, § 40; G.L. 1938, ch. 124, § 40; G.L. 1956, § 39-8-3; P.L. 1973, ch. 199, § 6; P.L. 1984, ch. 81, § 14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-8 - Railroad Crossings › Section 39-8-4. - Obstruction of highway crossings.

§ 39-8-4. Obstruction of highway crossings.
No railroad corporation, nor its servants or agents, shall willfully or negligently obstruct or unnecessarily use or occupy a highway, city or town way, or street, nor in any case at a street or highway grade crossing, with cars or engines for more than five (5) minutes at one time; and whenever a highway, city or town way or street has been thus used or occupied with cars or engines, no railroad corporation shall again use or occupy the same with cars or engines until a sufficient time, not less than three (3) minutes, has been allowed for the passage across the railroad of such travelers as were ready and waiting to cross when the former occupation ceased. For every violation of the provisions of this section, the corporation shall be fined not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) nor more than one hundred dollars ($100).
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 187, § 51; G.L. 1909, ch. 215, § 55; G.L. 1923, ch. 251, § 46; G.L. 1938, ch. 124, § 46; G.L. 1956, § 39-8-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-8 - Railroad Crossings › Section 39-8-5. - Railroads on highways subject to prescribed terms.

§ 39-8-5. Railroads on highways subject to prescribed terms.
All railroads upon any street or highway in any town or city in this state shall be laid out, constructed, used, and continued therein under the terms and conditions named in §§ 39-8-6 — 39-8-8.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 187, § 19; G.L. 1909, ch. 215, § 23; G.L. 1923, ch. 251, § 14; G.L. 1938, ch. 124, § 14; G.L. 1956, § 39-8-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-8 - Railroad Crossings › Section 39-8-6. - Operation of grade crossings of railroads.

§ 39-8-6. Operation of grade crossings of railroads.
All railroads in this state crossing any other railroad at grade shall be operated at the crossing subject to, and in accordance with, such reasonable rules and regulations as the division of public utilities and carriers shall from time to time prescribe.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 187, § 16; G.L. 1909, ch. 215, § 20; G.L. 1923, ch. 251, § 11; G. L. 1938, ch. 124, § 11; G.L. 1956, § 39-8-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-8 - Railroad Crossings › Section 39-8-7. - Town or city regulation of speed and manner of operation.

§ 39-8-7. Town or city regulation of speed and manner of operation.
The town and city councils of the several towns and cities shall have power, from time to time, to make reasonable rules and regulations with reference to the rate of speed and mode of operation of railroads in the streets and highways of the respective towns and cities; the rules and regulations must receive the approval in writing of the division of public utilities and carriers.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 187, § 17; G.L. 1909, ch. 215, § 21; G.L. 1923, ch. 251, § 12; G.L. 1938, ch. 124, § 12; G.L. 1956, § 39-8-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-8 - Railroad Crossings › Section 39-8-8. - Maintenance of highways occupied by rails.

§ 39-8-8. Maintenance of highways occupied by rails.
Every corporation that maintains or uses railroad tracks in any street or highway in any town or city in this state, shall be liable to keep and maintain in good order and repair, including paving and repaving whenever and wherever necessary, that portion of any street or highway occupied by its railroad and eighteen inches (18") outside of any of its rails, in order that the streets and highways may be safe and convenient for travelers with their vehicles at all times, and the extent of the liability shall not be varied; provided, however, that the character of the paving, repaving, and repairing, shall be such as is from time to time fixed by the town or city councils of the respective towns and cities; and provided, further, that nothing in this section shall relieve any railroad corporation from the payment of any sum of money that it is now required by law to pay to any town or city for the use and occupancy of the streets and highways in the town or city.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 187, § 18; G.L. 1909, ch. 215, § 22; G.L. 1923, ch. 251, § 13; G.L. 1938, ch. 124, § 13; G.L. 1956, § 39-8-8; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 110.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-8 - Railroad Crossings › Section 39-8-9. - Order to maintain flagperson or precautionary appliance at grade crossing.

§ 39-8-9. Order to maintain flagperson or precautionary appliance at grade crossing.
Every railroad corporation or lessees, receivers, or trustees of the corporation operating railroads within this state shall cause flagpersons or gates or other precautionary measures or appliances to be established or substituted wherever the railroads cross public highways, whenever and as often as in the opinion of the commission it is necessary for the safety of the public.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 187, § 47; P.L. 1899, ch. 701, § 1; P.L. 1900, ch. 784, § 1; C.P.A. 1905, § 1130; G.L. 1909, ch. 215, § 51; G.L. 1923, ch. 251, § 42; G.L. 1938, ch. 124, § 42; impl. am. P.L. 1949, ch. 2174, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-8-9; P.L. 1969, ch. 240, § 11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-8 - Railroad Crossings › Section 39-8-10. - Failure to maintain flagperson or precautionary appliances.

§ 39-8-10. Failure to maintain flagperson or precautionary appliances.
Every railroad corporation that shall refuse or neglect to comply with an order, or with a confirmation of such order upon appeal, shall, for every day’s neglect after seven (7) days from the date of the service of the order upon the president, treasurer, or any director of the corporation, forfeit five hundred dollars ($500), one-half (½) thereof to the use of the state, and one-half (½) thereof to the use of the city or town where the crossing is located.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 187, § 48; P.L. 1899, ch. 701, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 215, § 52; G.L. 1923, ch. 251, § 43; G.L. 1938, ch. 124, § 43; G.L. 1956, § 39-8-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-8 - Railroad Crossings › Section 39-8-11. - Order to maintain electric signals at crossing.

§ 39-8-11. Order to maintain electric signals at crossing.
At any point where a highway, city or town way, or traveled place is crossed at the same level by a railroad where a gate or flagperson is not maintained, the commission may, after notice to and hearing of the railroad corporation whose road so crosses, direct that the crossing shall be furnished with electric signal or signals as they shall decide the better security of human life or the convenience of the public travel requires, and the corporation shall comply with the order. If the railroad corporation shall refuse or neglect to comply with the order within three (3) months from the date thereof, it shall be fined twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for each day that the refusal or neglect shall continue unless it shall furnish reasons satisfactory to the commission for the refusal or neglect. Nothing in this section shall be so construed as to affect §§ 39-8-9 and 39-8-10.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 187, § 52; G.L. 1909, ch. 215, § 56; G.L. 1923, ch. 251, § 47; G.L. 1938, ch. 124, § 47; G.L. 1956, § 39-8-11; P.L. 1973, ch. 199, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-8 - Railroad Crossings › Section 39-8-12. - Municipal order to maintain crossing gates or fence.

§ 39-8-12. Municipal order to maintain crossing gates or fence.
Every railroad corporation whose railroad crosses any street or highway at grade in the city of Providence shall erect, maintain, and cause to be operated gates across every street or highway satisfactory in all respects to the city council upon receiving notice from the city council, and shall also fence its line of track within the limits of the city in such manner and at such places as the city council may direct. Any railroad corporation violating any of the provisions of this section shall, for every day’s neglect after twenty (20) days from notice or direction to the president, treasurer, or any director of the corporation from the city council as aforesaid to comply with the provisions of this section or with the order or direction of the city council, be fined fifty dollars ($50.00), one-half (½) thereof to the use of the state and the other one-half (½) to the use of the complainant.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 187, § 46; G.L. 1909, ch. 215, § 50; G.L. 1923, ch. 251, § 41; G.L. 1938, ch. 124, § 41; G.L. 1956, § 39-8-12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-8 - Railroad Crossings › Section 39-8-13. - Erection of warning signs along highway.

§ 39-8-13. Erection of warning signs along highway.
Every railroad corporation shall cause to be erected and to be maintained at every turnpike, highway, or public way, where it is crossed by the railroad upon the same level therewith, a suitable sign board upon each side of the crossing; and on each side of the sign boards shall be painted in black capital letters of at least the length of nine inches (9") such words or phrases as may, in the opinion of the division of public utilities and carriers, constitute a proper warning to both pedestrian and vehicular traffic using the crossing. The sign board shall be of such design as may be ordered by the division and shall be placed under the direction and with the consent of the division. The sign board shall indicate whether the railroad crossing is a public or private crossing. Every railroad corporation shall also adopt such other precautionary measures at such grade crossings as shall be deemed proper by the division.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 187, § 12; G.L. 1909, ch. 215, § 15; G.L. 1923, ch. 251, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 124, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 39-8-13; P.L. 1969, ch. 240, § 11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-8 - Railroad Crossings › Section 39-8-14. - Warning bells.

§ 39-8-14. Warning bells.
Every railroad corporation shall cause a bell of at least thirty-two pounds (32 lbs.) in weight to be placed on each locomotive engine passing upon its road, and the bell shall be rung at a distance of at least eighty (80) rods from the place where the railroad crosses any turnpike, highway, or public way upon the same grade with the railroad, and shall be kept ringing until the engine has crossed the turnpike or road. No car or carriage for the transportation of passengers or freight over any railroad in this state shall be propelled across any highway, after the locomotive has been detached therefrom, unless a bell is rung or a whistle sounded at the crossing during the whole time the train is crossing the highway.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 187, § 11; G.L. 1909, ch. 215, § 14; G.L. 1923, ch. 251, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 124, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 39-8-14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-8 - Railroad Crossings › Section 39-8-15. - Failure to erect signs or ring bell.

§ 39-8-15. Failure to erect signs or ring bell.
Every railroad corporation that shall neglect or refuse to comply with the provisions of §§ 39-8-13 and 39-8-14 shall be fined not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000); and the corporation shall be liable for all damages sustained by any person by reason of neglect or refusal on the part of the corporation.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 187, § 13; G.L. 1909, ch. 215, § 16; G.L. 1923, ch. 251, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 124, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 39-8-15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-8 - Railroad Crossings › Section 39-8-16. - Closing of gates at private way.

§ 39-8-16. Closing of gates at private way.
Whoever enters upon or crosses a railroad at any private way that is closed by gates or bars and neglects to close them securely, shall be fined not less than two dollars ($2.00) nor more than ten dollars ($10.00) and shall be liable for the damage sustained therefrom.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 187, § 28; G.L. 1909, ch. 215, § 32; G.L. 1923, ch. 251, § 23; G.L. 1938, ch. 124, § 23; G.L. 1956, § 39-8-16.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-8 - Railroad Crossings › Section 39-8-17. - Bail to certain railroad employees.

§ 39-8-17. Bail to certain railroad employees.
Whenever a person employed as an engineer, fireperson, conductor, brake person, flagperson, or other crew member, is arrested in any city or town on a criminal charge arising from an accident in connection with the operation of a train, resulting in an injury or death to a person or injury to property, and if as a result of the accident the engineer, fireperson, conductor, brake person, flagperson, or other crew member is required to submit to a hearing before any magistrate, judge, or clerk of court, wherein the engineer, fireperson, conductor, brake person, flagperson, or other crew member is required to furnish bail, then it shall be the obligation and responsibility of the employer of the engineer, fireperson, conductor, brake person, flagperson, or other crew member to furnish bail, and if the employer fails to furnish bail so that the employee as aforesaid is required to furnish bail at his or her own expense, then in that event the employer shall be liable to the employee for all costs incurred in obtaining bail, together with and including counsel fees.
History of Section.
P.L. 1966, ch. 98, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-8 - Railroad Crossings › Section 39-8-18. - Fences along right of way.

§ 39-8-18. Fences along right of way.
Every railroad corporation or company shall erect and thereafter maintain a fence or fences along the boundary lines of its rights of way that are actually used for rail transportation of any kind whenever the public utilities commission shall determine it to be necessary for the public safety and welfare. The commissioner may prescribe the height, length, materials, and design of the fence or fences.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 129, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-9 - Railroad Rates and Service › Section 39-9-1. - Reasonable facilities and accommodations required.

§ 39-9-1. Reasonable facilities and accommodations required.
Every railroad corporation doing business or owning any railroad, wholly or in part within the limits of this state, shall furnish reasonable and proper facilities and accommodations on the line of its road, within its limits, for the transportation of passengers and merchandise.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 187, § 8; G.L. 1909, ch. 215, § 11; G.L. 1923, ch. 251, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 124, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 39-9-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-9 - Railroad Rates and Service › Section 39-9-2. - Abandonment of stations — Seasonal stations.

§ 39-9-2. Abandonment of stations — Seasonal stations.
No railroad corporation shall abandon any railroad station that is on its road and in this state after the station has been established for twelve (12) months, except by permission of the commission; but the corporation may establish stations to be used only during certain months of each year, and for such trains, as they may designate by notice put up and maintained in some conspicuous place at the stations so established, specifying the months during which the station will be used.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 187, § 29; P.L. 1900, ch. 741, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 215, § 33; G.L. 1923, ch. 251, § 24; G.L. 1938, ch. 124, § 24; G.L. 1956, § 39-9-2; P.L. 1973, ch. 199, § 7; P.L. 2020, ch. 79, art. 1, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-9 - Railroad Rates and Service › Section 39-9-3. - Railroads as common carriers — Articles transported by connecting lines.

§ 39-9-3. Railroads as common carriers — Articles transported by connecting lines.
Every railroad corporation shall be deemed a common carrier; and whenever two (2) or more railroads are connected within this state, the corporation running either of the railroads shall receive articles for transportation to any place on the line of either of the railroads so connected, and shall be liable as common carriers for the delivery of articles at the place. If any corporation shall become liable to pay any sum by reason of the neglect or misconduct of any other corporation, the corporation paying the sum may collect the sum of the corporation by reason of whose neglect or misconduct it became so liable.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 187, § 33; G.L. 1909, ch. 215, § 37; G.L. 1923, ch. 251, § 28; G.L. 1938, ch. 124, § 28; G.L. 1956, § 39-9-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-9 - Railroad Rates and Service › Section 39-9-4. - Charges for transfer of shipments to connecting line.

§ 39-9-4. Charges for transfer of shipments to connecting line.
Whenever merchandise is transported over any portion of two (2) railroads that form a connecting line, and the tracks of which so unite that cars can pass from one to another, no charge shall be made for the loading or unloading or for the carriage of the merchandise from the cars of one of the railroads to the cars of the other.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 187, § 30; G.L. 1909, ch. 215, § 34; G.L. 1923, ch. 251, § 25; G.L. 1938, ch. 124, § 25; G.L. 1956, § 39-9-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-9 - Railroad Rates and Service › Section 39-9-5. - Services and facilities provided to other railroads.

§ 39-9-5. Services and facilities provided to other railroads.
Every railroad corporation owning a road in use, operated by steam power, shall, at reasonable times and for a reasonable compensation, draw over the same the passengers, merchandise, and cars of any other railroad corporation that connects with, or may be authorized by the legislature to enter with its road upon, or connect the same with and use, the road of the first named corporation; and shall also provide upon its road convenient and suitable depot accommodations for the passengers and merchandise of the other road passing to and over it, and shall receive and deliver the same in the manner it receives and delivers its own passengers and freight.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 187, § 31; G.L. 1909, ch. 215, § 35; G.L. 1923, ch. 251, § 26; G.L. 1938, ch. 124, § 26; G.L. 1956, § 39-9-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-9 - Railroad Rates and Service › Section 39-9-6. - Determination of terms for services and facilities to other railroads.

§ 39-9-6. Determination of terms for services and facilities to other railroads.
If the corporations cannot agree upon the stated periods at which the cars shall be so drawn, and the compensation to be paid therefor, or cannot agree upon the terms and conditions upon which accommodations shall be furnished for passengers and merchandise, the supreme court, upon application by either party, shall appoint three (3) commissioners, who, after due notice to and hearing the parties interested, shall determine, having reference to the convenience and interest of the corporations and of the public to be accommodated thereby, the stated periods for drawing cars, and compensation therefor, or the terms and conditions for passengers and merchandise, or the requisite terminal accommodations and manner of transferring passengers and freight, as aforesaid; and upon the application of either party, shall determine all questions between them in relation to the transportation of freight and passengers and other business upon and connected with the roads in which they are jointly interested, and the manner in which the business shall be done; and shall apportion to the corporations their respective shares of the expenses, receipts, and income of the same; and the award of the commissioners or a majority of them, when approved by the court, shall be binding upon the respective corporations interested therein for one year and until commissioners appointed in like manner, upon application of either party, shall revise and alter the award.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 187, § 31; C.P.A. 1905, § 1226; G.L. 1909, ch. 215, § 35; G.L. 1923, ch. 251, § 26; G.L. 1938, ch. 124, § 26; G.L. 1956, § 39-9-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-9 - Railroad Rates and Service › Section 39-9-7. - Award of commissioners to determine terms of services and facilities.

§ 39-9-7. Award of commissioners to determine terms of services and facilities.
The compensation of the commissioners for services and expenses under § 39-9-6 shall be paid by the respective corporations in proportions as the commissioners shall determine and set forth as a part of their award; the award shall be returned to the court, and be subject to revision in all matters of law arising thereon, and the court may, by injunction or other suitable order, compel the performance of any final order of the commissioners, or of the court, under the provisions of § 39-9-6.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 187, § 32; C.P.A. 1905, § 1129; G.L. 1909, ch. 215, § 36; G.L. 1923, ch. 251, § 27; G.L. 1938, ch. 124, § 27; G.L. 1956, § 39-9-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-9 - Railroad Rates and Service › Section 39-9-8. - Tariffs for transportation of milk.

§ 39-9-8. Tariffs for transportation of milk.
No railroad corporation shall contract to furnish facilities for the transportation of milk, or shall carry it in large quantities over any portion of its line, without at the same time establishing a tariff under which it will receive, forward, and deliver milk by the can over the same portion of its line for any person tendering the same, so that the milk by the can shall be carried under fairly proportionate advantages in every respect, including price, time, and reasonable care for the same, as the milk carried in large quantities or under contract.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 187, § 35; G.L. 1909, ch. 215, § 39; G.L. 1923, ch. 251, § 30; G.L. 1938, ch. 124, § 30; G.L. 1956, § 39-9-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-9 - Railroad Rates and Service › Section 39-9-9. - Fixing of rates for milk.

§ 39-9-9. Fixing of rates for milk.
On the petition of a person desiring to forward milk over a railroad, the division of public utilities and carriers shall ascertain at what rate facilities for carriage of milk under contract or in large quantities are furnished by the railroad corporation, and shall compare the rate with the tariff for the carriage of milk by the can from and to the same places, including a reasonable compensation for the care of milk by the can; and if the tariff for care and carriage by the can is unreasonably more than the rate for its carriage under contract or in large quantities, the division of public utilities and carriers shall revise the tariff and fix rates therefor fairly proportionate with the contract or large quantity rates, and shall notify the corporation of the revision.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 187, § 36; G.L. 1909, ch. 215, § 40; G.L. 1923, ch. 251, § 31; G.L. 1938, ch. 124, § 31; G.L. 1956, § 39-9-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-9 - Railroad Rates and Service › Section 39-9-10. - Forfeiture for failure to observe established rates for milk.

§ 39-9-10. Forfeiture for failure to observe established rates for milk.
A corporation that refuses or neglects to receive, forward, or deliver milk by the can at the tariff rates so fixed and notified to it by the division of public utilities and carriers, shall forfeit to the person tendering the same ten dollars ($10.00) for each and every can it so refuses to receive or neglects to forward or deliver, to be recovered in action of tort.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 187, § 37; G.L. 1909, ch. 215, § 41; G.L. 1923, ch. 251, § 32; G.L. 1938, ch. 124, § 32; G.L. 1956, § 39-9-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-9 - Railroad Rates and Service › Section 39-9-11. - Baggage of passengers.

§ 39-9-11. Baggage of passengers.
Every passenger upon a railroad within the limits of this state shall have the privilege of taking with him or her upon any train, on which he or she is a passenger, personal baggage not exceeding eighty pounds (80 lbs.) in weight, without any charge on the part of the railroad company transporting the baggage, except the railroad fare of the passenger; and bicycles are hereby declared to be, and are decreed to be baggage, within the meaning of this section, and shall be by the railroad companies transported as baggage, subject to the same liabilities; provided, however, that no railroad company shall be required to transport more than one bicycle for a single person, and no passenger shall be required to crate, cover, or otherwise protect any bicycle.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 187, § 9; P.L. 1896, ch. 345, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 215, § 12; G.L. 1923, ch. 251, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 124, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 39-9-11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-9 - Railroad Rates and Service › Section 39-9-12. - Certificates for excess fare paid on train.

§ 39-9-12. Certificates for excess fare paid on train.
Every railroad corporation carrying passengers in cars propelled by steam, which shall collect in the cars a greater fare than the price for which a single passage ticket is sold from the station at which the passenger takes the train, shall issue to the passenger a certificate for such sum as the fare collected on the train exceeds the sum for which a single passage ticket for the same distance is sold at the ticket office of the company, which certificate shall be payable upon presentation at any ticket office of the corporation; and every railroad corporation that shall neglect or refuse to comply with the provisions of this section shall be fined not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500) for each offense, one-half (½) to the use of the complainant and one-half (½) thereof to the use of the state.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 187, § 42; G.L. 1909, ch. 215, § 46; G.L. 1923, ch. 251, § 37; G.L. 1938, ch. 124, § 37; G.L. 1956, § 39-9-12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-9 - Railroad Rates and Service › Section 39-9-13. - Accounts of revenues.

§ 39-9-13. Accounts of revenues.
Every railroad corporation shall keep an account of the toll, freight, and passage money received at their depots and offices of receipt, and keep the same at all times in readiness for the examination of the general assembly, or the division of public utilities and carriers, or any committee that may be appointed by the general assembly.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 187, § 38; G.L. 1909, ch. 215, § 42; G.L. 1923, ch. 251, § 33; G.L. 1938, ch. 124, § 33; G.L. 1956, § 39-9-13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-10 - Attorney for Receipt of Process › Section 39-10-1. - Corporations required to comply with chapter.

§ 39-10-1. Corporations required to comply with chapter.
No corporation unless incorporated by the general assembly, and no person or partnership unless the person or partnership or the members of the partnership are residents of this state, shall transport or engage in the transportation of any goods, wares, merchandise, or parcels of any description within this state until the corporation, person, or partnership shall have complied with the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 160, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 189, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 217, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 391, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-10-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-10 - Attorney for Receipt of Process › Section 39-10-2. - Appointment of attorney to receive process and appear.

§ 39-10-2. Appointment of attorney to receive process and appear.
Every corporation, person, or partnership shall by a written power appoint some citizen of this state, resident therein, as attorney, with power and authority to accept service of all lawful process against the corporation, person, or partnership, and to cause an appearance to be entered in like manner as if the corporation had existed or the person or the members of the partnership had been residents of and been duly served with process within the state.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 160, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 189, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 217, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 391, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 39-10-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-10 - Attorney for Receipt of Process › Section 39-10-3. - Filing of power of attorney — Receipt in evidence.

§ 39-10-3. Filing of power of attorney — Receipt in evidence.
A copy of a power of attorney duly certified and authenticated shall be filed with the secretary of state, and copies thereof duly certified shall be received in evidence in all courts in the state.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 160, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 189, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 217, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 391, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 39-10-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-10 - Attorney for Receipt of Process › Section 39-10-4. - Replacement of attorney on termination of power.

§ 39-10-4. Replacement of attorney on termination of power.
If the attorney shall die or resign or be removed, the corporation, individual, or partnership shall make a new appointment, as provided in § 39-10-2, and file a copy with the secretary of state as provided in § 39-10-3, so that at all times there shall be within the state an attorney authorized as provided in § 39-10-2; and no power of attorney shall be revoked until after like power shall have been given to some competent person and a copy thereof filed as provided in § 39-10-3.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 160, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 189, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 217, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 391, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 39-10-4; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 111.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-10 - Attorney for Receipt of Process › Section 39-10-5. - Service on attorney.

§ 39-10-5. Service on attorney.
Service of process upon an attorney shall be deemed sufficient service upon his or her principals.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 160, § 5; G.L. 1909, ch. 189, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 217, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 391, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 39-10-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-10 - Attorney for Receipt of Process › Section 39-10-6. - Corporation charter or list of partners filed.

§ 39-10-6. Corporation charter or list of partners filed.
Every corporation or partnership shall file in the office of the secretary of state, with the written power described in § 39-10-2, a copy of the charter of the corporation or a list of the names and the places of residence of all the members of the co-partnership.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 160, § 6; G.L. 1909, ch. 189, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 217, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 391, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 39-10-6; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 111.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-10 - Attorney for Receipt of Process › Section 39-10-7. - Penalty for violations.

§ 39-10-7. Penalty for violations.
Every person, corporation, or co-partnership violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall forfeit five hundred dollars ($500).
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 160, § 7; G.L. 1909, ch. 189, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 217, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 391, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 39-10-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-11 - Air Carriers › Section 39-11-1. - Definitions.

§ 39-11-1. Definitions.
Whenever used in this chapter:
(1)
“Airports and landing fields” means all airports and landing fields other than those owned by the state.
(2)
“Charter carrier” means and includes all carriers for hire or compensation by air within this state not included in the definition of the term common carrier.
(3)
“Common carrier” means and includes all carriers for hire or compensation by air that operate, or seek to operate, over fixed routes or between fixed termini within the state.
(4)
“Person” means and includes any individual, co-partnership, association, corporation, or other form of organization and their lessees, trustees, or receivers, appointed by any court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1944, ch. 1500, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-11-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-11 - Air Carriers › Section 39-11-2. - Purpose.

§ 39-11-2. Purpose.
It is hereby declared to be the purpose and policy of the legislature in enacting this chapter, to confer upon the public utilities administrator the power and authority and to make it his or her duty to supervise and regulate the transportation of persons and property by intrastate aircraft through the air between termini located within this state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1944, ch. 1500, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 39-11-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-11 - Air Carriers › Section 39-11-3. - Operations requiring certificate of convenience and necessity.

§ 39-11-3. Operations requiring certificate of convenience and necessity.
Any person seeking to engage in the operation, or to extend a present operation, as an intrastate common carrier of persons or property by aircraft, shall first obtain a certificate of convenience and necessity from the public utilities administrator in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1944, ch. 1500, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 39-11-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-11 - Air Carriers › Section 39-11-4. - Transportation of mail.

§ 39-11-4. Transportation of mail.
No certificate shall be required for the transportation of United States mail.
History of Section.
P.L. 1944, ch. 1500, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 39-11-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-11 - Air Carriers › Section 39-11-5. - Application for certificate — Fee.

§ 39-11-5. Application for certificate — Fee.
Application for a certificate shall be in writing and shall contain such information as the administrator may require. All applications for a certificate shall be in the form prescribed by the administrator and shall be accompanied by a filing fee of twenty dollars ($20.00).
History of Section.
P.L. 1944, ch. 1500, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 39-11-5; P.L. 1960, ch. 71, art. 3, § 31.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-11 - Air Carriers › Section 39-11-6. - Hearings on certificate.

§ 39-11-6. Hearings on certificate.
Upon the filing of an application for a certificate, the administrator shall fix a time and place for the hearing on the application and shall cause notice of the filing of the application and of the hearing on the application to be given by mail not less than ten (10) days, exclusive of the date of mailing, before the hearing, addressed to all holders of certificates, and applicants therefor whose operations or proposed operations would be affected by the granting of the proposed certificate, and upon any other person deemed by the administrator to have an interest in the proceeding. All interested persons shall have the right to appear and take part in all proceedings before the administrator either in person or by counsel. All hearings, investigations, and inquiries before the administrator shall be governed by rules to be adopted and prescribed by the administrator, and in the hearings and investigations and inquiries, the administrator shall not be bound by the technical rules of evidence.
History of Section.
P.L. 1944, ch. 1500, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 39-11-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-11 - Air Carriers › Section 39-11-7. - Duty to hear interested parties — Evidence as to other forms of transportation.

§ 39-11-7. Duty to hear interested parties — Evidence as to other forms of transportation.
The public utilities administrator is hereby authorized and empowered, and it is hereby made his or her duty, upon the filing of an application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, to hear all interested parties. The administrator shall not receive or consider evidence with respect to other forms of transportation, or the service, or facilities thereof, nor shall the administrator consider such factors in determining whether public convenience and necessity requires the proposed operations.
History of Section.
P.L. 1944, ch. 1500, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 39-11-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-11 - Air Carriers › Section 39-11-8. - Issuance of certificate — Proof required.

§ 39-11-8. Issuance of certificate — Proof required.
The administrator may issue a certificate granting the application in whole or in part and may impose such terms and conditions as he or she may deem proper in the public interest. The applicant for the certificate shall be entitled to the certificate only upon showing by competent evidence that the public convenience and necessity requires the proposed service or operation and that the applicant is fit, willing, and able to provide the service proposed and found to be required.
History of Section.
P.L. 1944, ch. 1500, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 39-11-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-11 - Air Carriers › Section 39-11-9. - Service of orders — Rehearing.

§ 39-11-9. Service of orders — Rehearing.
Orders of the administrator shall be served upon all parties to the respective proceedings and shall become effective thirty (30) days after the service. Any of the parties to any hearing before the administrator may, upon proper petition, be granted a rehearing. The administrator shall prescribe rules and regulations governing the rehearing. If any rehearing is granted within thirty (30) days after the issuance of an order, then the order shall not become effective until thirty (30) days after the determination of the administrator following the rehearing proceedings.
History of Section.
P.L. 1944, ch. 1500, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 39-11-9.