reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 19 - Financial Institutions › Chapter 19-34 - The Elder Adult Financial Exploitation Prevention Act › Section 19-34-5. - Immunity.

§ 19-34-5. Immunity.
(a)
An employee of a regulated institution who makes a notification pursuant to § 19-34-2, or a regulated institution that submits a report pursuant to § 19-34-2 or makes a notification to a third party pursuant to § 19-34-3, or an employee or regulated institution that testifies or otherwise participates in a judicial proceeding arising from a notification or report shall be immune from any civil or criminal liability arising from the notification, report, testimony, or participation in the judicial proceeding, unless the employee or regulated institution acted in bad faith or with a malicious purpose.
(b)
A regulated institution that in good faith and with the exercise of reasonable care places or does not place a hold on any transaction pursuant to § 19-34-4 shall be immune from any civil or criminal liability or disciplinary action resulting from that action or failure to act.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 73, § 1, effective June 23, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 74, § 1, effective June 23, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 19 - Financial Institutions › Chapter 19-34 - The Elder Adult Financial Exploitation Prevention Act › Section 19-34-6. - Records.

§ 19-34-6. Records.
To the extent permitted by state or federal law, a regulated institution shall provide, on request, access to or copies of records relevant to the suspected financial exploitation of an elder adult to the department, a law enforcement agency, or the office of attorney general, either as part of a report to the department, law enforcement agency, or the elder abuse unit of the office of attorney general or at the request of the department, law enforcement agency, or the office of attorney general in accordance with an investigation. The records may include historical records as well as records relating to the most recent transaction or transactions that may comprise financial exploitation not to exceed sixty (60) calendar days prior to the first transaction that was reported or sixty (60) days after the last transaction that was reported. An extension of the request for records may be made by the department, law enforcement agency, or the office of attorney general if, after receipt of the records, it is determined the suspected financial exploitation has occurred outside the scope of the original request.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 73, § 1, effective June 23, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 74, § 1, effective June 23, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 19 - Financial Institutions › Chapter 19-34 - The Elder Adult Financial Exploitation Prevention Act › Section 19-34-7. - Training.

§ 19-34-7. Training.
(a)
Commencing no later than 45 days following passage of the Act, regulated institutions shall provide training concerning the financial exploitation of elder adults to employees of regulated institutions as defined in § 19-34-1, and shall provide this training to new employees within the first three (3) months of their employment.
(b)
The training shall include recognition of indicators of financial exploitation of an elder adult; the manner in which employees may report suspected financial exploitation to the department and law enforcement as mandatory reporters; and steps employees may take to prevent suspected financial exploitation of an elder adult as authorized by law or agreement between the regulated institution and customers of the regulated institution. The elder abuse unit of the office of attorney general and the department shall develop standardized training that the regulated institutions may offer, or the regulated institutions may develop their own training.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 73, § 1, effective June 23, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 74, § 1, effective June 23, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 19 - Financial Institutions › Chapter 19-34 - The Elder Adult Financial Exploitation Prevention Act › Section 19-34-8. - Disclosure.

§ 19-34-8. Disclosure.
Notwithstanding any provision of law, the attorney general and local law enforcement may disclose to a mandated reporter of suspected elder financial abuse, upon request, the general status or final disposition of any investigation that arose from a report made by that mandated reporter of suspected financial abuse of an elder adult pursuant to this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 73, § 1, effective June 23, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 74, § 1, effective June 23, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-1 - General Provisions › Section 20-1-1. - Legislative findings.

§ 20-1-1. Legislative findings.
(a)
The general assembly finds that the animal life inhabiting the lands of the state, its lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers, and the marine waters within its territorial jurisdiction, are a precious, renewable, natural resource of the state that, through application of enlightened management techniques, can be developed, preserved, and maintained for the beauty and mystery that wild animals bring to our environment.
(b)
The general assembly further finds that the management of fish and wildlife through the establishment of hunting and fishing seasons; the setting of size, catch, possession, and bag limits; the regulation of the manner of hunting and fishing; and the establishment of conservation policies should be pursued utilizing modern scientific techniques, having regard for the fluctuations of species populations, the effect of management practices on fish and wildlife, and the conservation and perpetuation of all species of fish and wildlife.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-1 - General Provisions › Section 20-1-2. - Authority over fish and wildlife.

§ 20-1-2. Authority over fish and wildlife.
The general assembly hereby vests in the director of the department of environmental management authority and responsibility over the fish and wildlife of the state and over the fish, lobsters, shellfish, and other biological resources of marine waters of the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3; P.L. 2001, ch. 304, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-1 - General Provisions › Section 20-1-3. - Definitions.

§ 20-1-3. Definitions.
(a)
When used in this title, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings, unless the context indicates another meaning:
(1)
“Bushel” means a standard U.S. bushel, 2,150.4 cubic inches capacity;
(2)
“Commercial fishing” means to take, harvest, hold, transport, load, or off-load, marine species for sale or for intended sale;
(3)
“Hinge width” means the distance between the convex apex of the right shell and the convex apex of the left shell;
(4)
“Land or landing” means to off-load seafood products, including, but not limited to, finfish, shellfish, and crustaceans, for sale or intended sale, or to secure a vessel with the seafood products on board to a shoreside facility where the products may be off-loaded for sale or intended sale;
(5)
“Nonresident landowner” means a nonresident citizen of the United States and owner of real estate in Rhode Island as evidenced by deed filed in the recorder of deeds office in a Rhode Island town or city hall;
(6)
“Peck” means one fourth (¼) of a bushel;
(7)
“Person” means an individual, corporation, partnership, or other legal entity;
(8)
“Possession” means the exercise of dominion or control over the resource commencing at the time at which a decision is made not to return the resource to the immediate vicinity from which it was taken. The decision must be made at the first practical opportunity. In the case of aquaculture crops, “possession” means the exercise of dominion or control over cultured crops commencing at the time that a decision is made not to return the crops to the lease or facility from which they were taken. The decision must be made at the first practical opportunity, taking into consideration the management practices set forth in the approved operational plan;
(9)
“Quart” means one thirty-second (
1
/
3
2
) of a bushel;
(10)
“Resident” means an individual who has had his or her actual place of residence and has lived in the state of Rhode Island for a continuous period of not less than six (6) months.
(b)
When used in this title, the following common names shall mean the animals designated by the following scientific names:
Alewife —
Pomolobus
or
Alosa pseudoharengus
Bay quahaug —
Mercenaria mercenaria
Bay scallop —
Argopecten irradians
Blue crab —
Callinectes sapidus
Blue mussel —
Mytilus edulis
Conch/channel whelk —
Busycon canaliculatum
Conch/nob whelk —
Busycon carica
Deer — white-tailed deer,
Odocoileous virginianus
Eel —
Anguilla rostrata
Green crabs —
Carcinus maenas
Jonah/northern crab —
Cancer borealis
Lobster —
Homarus americanus
Menhaden —
Brevoortia tyrannus
Ocean quahaug —
Arctica islandica
Oyster —
Crassostrea virginica, Ostrea edulis
Rock crab —
Cancer irroratus
Sea scallop —
Placopecten magellanicus
Smelt —
Osmerus mordax
Soft shell clam —
Mya arenaria
Striped bass —
Morone saxatilis
Surf clam or sea clam —
Spisula solidissima.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3; P.L. 1988, ch. 165, § 1; P.L. 1998, ch. 78, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 47, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-1 - General Provisions › Section 20-1-4. - Rules and regulations.

§ 20-1-4. Rules and regulations.
The director is authorized to promulgate, adopt, and enforce any and all rules and regulations deemed necessary to carry out duties and responsibilities under this title.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-1 - General Provisions › Section 20-1-5. - General enforcement powers.

§ 20-1-5. General enforcement powers.
The director, and the director’s authorized agents, employees, and designees, shall protect the wild birds, wild animals, fisheries, and shellfisheries throughout the state and shall administer and enforce the provisions of this title, and the rules and regulations adopted pursuant to this title, and shall prosecute violations of these laws and rules and regulations.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-1 - General Provisions › Section 20-1-5.1. - Advice of the marine fisheries council.

§ 20-1-5.1. Advice of the marine fisheries council.
The director, in exercising authority under this title for the planning, management, and regulation of marine fisheries, shall request and consider in the record as applicable the advice of the marine fisheries council, and shall provide a written response to such advice of the marine fisheries council.
History of Section.
P.L. 2004, ch. 359, § 1; P.L. 2023, ch. 281, § 1, effective June 22, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 282, § 1, effective June 22, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-1 - General Provisions › Section 20-1-6. - Appointment and delegation of powers to conservation officers.

§ 20-1-6. Appointment and delegation of powers to conservation officers.
The director shall appoint any number of conservation officers that he or she may deem necessary for the detection and prosecution of any violations of the laws of this state enumerated in § 20-1-8. The director may delegate any and all of his or her powers and duties to each of these conservation officers who shall serve at the director’s pleasure.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-1 - General Provisions › Section 20-1-7. - Deputy wardens.

§ 20-1-7. Deputy wardens.
The director may appoint any number of deputy wardens that he or she may deem necessary. The deputy wardens shall not be authorized to carry pistols or revolvers, but shall be authorized to detect violators of the laws of this state enumerated in § 20-1-8. This detection shall be reported to the director who may proceed with the prosecution. Deputy wardens shall be given an identification badge by the director and shall serve at the director’s pleasure.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-1 - General Provisions › Section 20-1-8.1. - Procedures for seizure and forfeiture.

§ 20-1-8.1. Procedures for seizure and forfeiture.
(a)
Any vessel, boat, fishing tackle, guns, shooting and hunting paraphernalia, traps, decoys, or any other implements, appliances, or equipment used in violation of any law, rule, or regulation relating to fish and wildlife, that, by provision of any section of this title, is subject to forfeiture to the state, shall be seized pursuant to § 20-1-8(a)(6) and forfeited under the provisions of this section.
(b)
The attorney general shall proceed pursuant to §§ 12-21-23 — 12-21-32, to show cause why the vessel, boat, fishing tackle, guns, shooting and hunting paraphernalia, traps, decoys, or any other implements, appliances, or equipment used in the knowing and willful violation of any law, rule, or regulation relating to fish and wildlife that, by provision of any section of this title, is subject to forfeiture to the state, may be forfeited to the use of or the sale of the department on producing due proof that the vessel, fishing tackle, guns, shooting and hunting paraphernalia, traps, decoys, or any other implements, appliances, or equipment was used in this violation.
(c)
Whenever property is forfeited under this section and the specific provision of this title requiring forfeiture for a particular offense, the department may:
(1)
Retain the property for official use; or
(2)
Sell any forfeited property that is not required by this title to be destroyed and that is not harmful to the public; but the proceeds of this sale, after first deducting the amount sufficient for all proper expenses of the proceedings for forfeiture and sale, including expenses of seizure, maintenance of custody, and advertising and court costs, shall be paid to the general treasurer for the use of the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-1 - General Provisions › Section 20-1-9. - Operation of patrol boats.

§ 20-1-9. Operation of patrol boats.
The general assembly shall annually appropriate any sum that it may deem necessary to patrol and police the shellfish grounds; check the licenses of fishermen; protect the scallop areas; collect animal specimens; execute special work incidental to the lobster and other shellfisheries; and enforce the provisions of chapter 22 of title 46, this sum to be expended under the direction of the director of the department of environmental management for the purpose of maintaining and operating patrol boats and their crews. The controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of the sum, or sums, as may be required from time to time, upon the receipt by the controller of proper vouchers approved by the director.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3; P.L. 2017, ch. 451, § 23.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-1 - General Provisions › Section 20-1-10. - Obligation of vessels to heave-to on command of a patrol boat.

§ 20-1-10. Obligation of vessels to heave-to on command of a patrol boat.
(a)
Every person operating a boat or vessel in Rhode Island territorial waters who fails to immediately heave-to upon a shouted command or a flare fired into the air from a marine patrol boat operated by the department of environmental management and carrying the identification “Department of Environmental Management, State of Rhode Island” shall be punished by a fine of not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500).
(b)
Every person who, while aboard a boat or vessel in Rhode Island territorial waters that has been ordered to heave-to upon shouted command or a flare fired into the air from a marine patrol boat operated by the department of environmental management and carrying the identification “Department of Environmental Management, State of Rhode Island”, dumps, destroys, or throws anything from the vessel or boat shall be punished by a fine of not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500).
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-1 - General Provisions › Section 20-1-11. - Prosecution of violations.

§ 20-1-11. Prosecution of violations.
It shall be the duty of the attorney general to conduct the prosecution of all court proceedings brought by the director as requested by the director.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-1 - General Provisions › Section 20-1-12. - Fixing of seasons and bag limits.

§ 20-1-12. Fixing of seasons and bag limits.
(a)
The director is authorized to adopt regulations fixing seasons, bag limits, size limits, possession limits, and methods of taking on any species of fish, game, bird, or other wild animal occurring within the state.
(1)
These regulations may prohibit the taking, holding, or possession of any species; prohibit the taking, molestation, or disturbance in any way of nesting, breeding, or feeding sites of any species; and/or prohibit, control, or regulate any commercial use, importation into the state, or exportation from the state of any species.
(2)
These regulations may be of statewide applicability or may be applicable in any specified locality, or localities, within the state when the director shall find, after investigation, that the regulations are appropriate.
(b)
Any person who violates any provision of this section, or any rule or regulation made under the provisions of this section, shall be guilty of a civil violation and subject to a fine of one hundred dollars ($100) for each offense.
(c)
Notwithstanding any inconsistent provision of law, the traffic tribunal shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine all violations specified in this section.
(d)
The regulations shall be adopted only after the holding of a public hearing subject to the provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act, chapter 35 of title 42.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3; P.L. 1993, ch. 372, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 253, § 3; P.L. 2007, ch. 294, § 3; P.L. 2023, ch. 281, § 1, effective June 22, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 282, § 1, effective June 22, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-1 - General Provisions › Section 20-1-12.1. - Modifications to possession limits and seasons for marine species managed under quotas.

§ 20-1-12.1. Modifications to possession limits and seasons for marine species managed under quotas.
(a)
In accordance with regulatory programs promulgated pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act, chapter 35 of title 42; and pursuant to the exemption afforded by § 42-35-18(b)(5); and notwithstanding the provisions of chapter 35.1 of title 42, the director shall have the authority to modify possession limits and seasons in order to meet the harvest allocation for a given marine species managed under a quota.
(b) Notification of changes to public.
For all such changes identified in subsection (a) of this section, the director shall provide notification via a dedicated phone line, electronic notification to dealers, listserv, and website posting. At least three (3) of these notifications shall occur a minimum of forty-eight (48) hours prior to the date that the change is to be effective.
(c) Record of change.
For all such changes identified in subsection (a) of this section, the director shall certify the record of the change, maintain the record, and make it available for public inspection.
History of Section.
P.L. 2015, ch. 170, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 193, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-1 - General Provisions › Section 20-1-13. - Publication and effective date of seasons and bag limits.

§ 20-1-13. Publication and effective date of seasons and bag limits.
Notice of the director’s intention to adopt regulations pursuant to § 20-1-12 and the holding of a public hearing on these regulations shall be published in at least one newspaper of general statewide circulation, not less than twenty (20) days prior to the date of the public hearing. These regulations shall remain in effect not longer than one year following the date of their effectiveness.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-1 - General Provisions › Section 20-1-14. - Control of fishing in Wallum Lake, Central Pond, and the James V. Turner Reservoir.

§ 20-1-14. Control of fishing in Wallum Lake, Central Pond, and the James V. Turner Reservoir.
The director may make suitable rules and regulations governing fishing in Wallum Lake in Burrillville and Central Pond and the James V. Turner Reservoir in East Providence, and for this purpose, may confer with the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife in the department of Natural Resources of the commonwealth of Massachusetts concerning the fishing privileges of residents of Massachusetts in those bodies of water.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-1 - General Provisions › Section 20-1-15. - Entry of private property.

§ 20-1-15. Entry of private property.
The director of environmental management, and each duly authorized employee of that department, may, in the discharge of duties under this title, enter upon and pass over private property without liability for trespass. If feasible, the employee shall give notice to the property owner.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-1 - General Provisions › Section 20-1-16. - Penalty for violations.

§ 20-1-16. Penalty for violations.
(a)
Unless otherwise specifically provided, the violation of any law or rule or regulation relating to wild animals, wild birds, lobsters and fish, marine, freshwater and anadromous fisheries and shellfisheries shall be a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500), or imprisonment for up to ninety (90) days, or both.
(b) Striped bass penalties.
Any person, firm, or corporation shall be fined in accordance with the following schedule:
(1) First offense.
Upon conviction, not less than one hundred dollars ($100) for each striped bass taken, possessed, sold or possessed, and/or offered for sale and imprisonment for up to ninety (90) days, or both.
(2) Second offense.
Upon conviction, not less than two hundred dollars ($200) for each striped bass taken, possessed, sold or possessed, and/or offered for sale and imprisonment for up to ninety (90) days, or both; and any boat, fishing tackle or other implements used in violation shall be subject to forfeiture to the state.
(3) Third and subsequent offenses.
Upon conviction, not less than five hundred dollars ($500) for each striped bass taken, possessed, sold or possessed, and/or offered for sale and imprisonment for up to ninety (90) days, or both; and any boat, fishing tackle or other implements used in this violation shall be subject to forfeiture to the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3; P.L. 2011, ch. 357, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 369, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-1 - General Provisions › Section 20-1-17. - Cooperation with other states.

§ 20-1-17. Cooperation with other states.
The director may cooperate with the fish and wildlife commissioners or other similar bodies or agencies of other states in carrying out the purpose of this title.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-1 - General Provisions › Section 20-1-18. - Collector’s permits.

§ 20-1-18. Collector’s permits.
Notwithstanding any other restriction or prohibition set forth in this title or in §§ 11-47-20 and 11-47-51, the director is authorized to issue special permits for the taking, handling, and/or possession of any species of wild animal, of any size, age, and numbers as may be appropriate to persons for the purpose of study or management of wildlife populations, carrying out scientific experiments, and cultivation projects for which the director has responsibility. The director may require an applicant to provide any information that the director deems necessary to ascertain that there is scientific or ecological value in a bona fide experiment or project request. Failure to abide by the provisions of any permit, or failure to report any information required by the director, shall be cause for suspension or revocation of the permit.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3; P.L. 1986, ch. 209, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 496, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 517, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-1 - General Provisions › Section 20-1-19. - Powers of enforcement of officers in waters between states.

§ 20-1-19. Powers of enforcement of officers in waters between states.
If and when the states of New York and Connecticut and the commonwealth of Massachusetts, or any of them, shall enact similar laws for the arrest and punishment for violations of the conservation or fish laws of this state or the state so enacting the similar law, committed, or attempted to be committed, by any person, or persons, fishing in waters lying between the states, any wildlife protector, fish warden, or other person of either state who is authorized to make arrests for violations of the conservation or fish laws of that state shall have power and authority to make arrest on any part of the waters between the states, or the shores thereof, and to take any person, or persons, so arrested for trial to the state in which the violation was committed and there to prosecute the person, or persons, according to the laws of that state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-1 - General Provisions › Section 20-1-20. - Power to require reports.

§ 20-1-20. Power to require reports.
When deemed necessary to carry out the director’s duties under this title, the director may require that reports detailing hunt, catch, effort, and other data be provided to the director by any person who hunts or fishes in this state or who lands his or her catch in this state. These individual reports and other data shall remain confidential and may only be disseminated to the public or persons outside the department in a statistical format.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-1 - General Provisions › Section 20-1-21. - General powers.

§ 20-1-21. General powers.
(a)
The following fees shall be established and paid to the department of environmental management for issuance of the following special permits:
Ferret Permit $10.00
Scientific Collector’s Permit $25.00
(b)
Any fees collected under authority of this section shall be deposited into restricted receipt accounts established by this title, as appropriate to the type of special permit issued, and shall be used only for the authorized purposes of the restricted receipt accounts. The accounts include, but are not limited to: fishing license account, hunting license account, wildlife fund.
(c)
The divisions of fish and wildlife and marine fisheries shall be authorized to establish fees for reference, educational, and souvenir-type materials provided upon request to interested parties. Those materials include, but are not limited to: surveys, guides, maps, posters, reference and educational booklets and materials, and articles of clothing. No fee shall be required for any materials describing or implementing any licensing or regulatory authority of the divisions. Any fees collected under authority of this section shall be deposited as general revenues.
History of Section.
P.L. 1993, ch. 138, art. 13, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 40, § 54; P.L. 2001, ch. 274, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 191, § 2; P.L. 2017, ch. 242, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-1 - General Provisions › Section 20-1-22. - Severability.

§ 20-1-22. Severability.
The provisions of this title shall be interpreted and construed liberally in aid of its declared purpose. If any provision of any of the chapters in this title, or any rule or regulation issued under this title, is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of the title and rules and regulations shall not be affected, but shall be construed in such a way as to give all the provisions of this title full and valid effect to the fullest extent consistent with the law. The invalidity of any section or parts of any section shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this title.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-1 - General Provisions › Section 20-1-24. - Wildlife Damage Act.

§ 20-1-24. Wildlife Damage Act.
(a)
For purposes of this section, “wildlife population” includes, but is not limited to: deer, indigenous Canadian geese, mute swans, cormorants, wild turkeys, crows, coyotes, and furbearers.
(b)
The department of environmental management shall establish a program of financial assistance to farmers, when state or federal funds become available, for the purpose of establishing preventive practices to protect damage to crops by wildlife. The director of the department is authorized and empowered to establish rules and regulations to enforce the provisions of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 402, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-1 - General Provisions › Section 20-1-25. - Internet hunting.

§ 20-1-25. Internet hunting.
(1)
“Internet hunting” means the use of the internet to remotely control the shooting of any bird or animal.
(2)
No person shall shoot at or kill any bird or animal with any gun via an internet connection in Rhode Island.
(3)
No person shall import, export, or possess any bird or animal, or any part thereof, that has been taken by the use of the internet to remotely control the shooting of any bird or animal.
(4)
Violations of this section shall be a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500), or imprisonment for up to ninety (90) days, or both.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 594, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-1 - General Provisions › Section 20-1-26. - Freshwater invasive aquatic plants — Prohibition on importation and possession.

§ 20-1-26. Freshwater invasive aquatic plants — Prohibition on importation and possession.
(a)
No person shall import, transport, disperse, distribute, introduce, sell, purchase, or possess in the state any species of non-native (exotic) freshwater invasive aquatic plants, as defined by the director. The director shall promulgate rules and regulations governing the prohibition and its applicability. The prohibition and its enforcement shall not become effective until the rules and regulations governing the prohibition and its applicability take effect.
(b)
Violations of this section shall be punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500).
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 74, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 344, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 188, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 194, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-1 - General Provisions › Section 20-1-27. - Exotic invasive freshwater fish and invertebrate species — Prohibition on liberation into freshwaters.

§ 20-1-27. Exotic invasive freshwater fish and invertebrate species — Prohibition on liberation into freshwaters.
(a)
No person shall release or liberate, by design or accident, any species of non-native (exotic) fish or invertebrate, as defined by the director, into the freshwater lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, or wetlands of the state. The director shall promulgate rules and regulations governing the prohibition and its applicability. The prohibition and its enforcement shall not become effective until the rules and regulations governing the prohibition and its applicability take effect.
(b)
Violations of this section shall be punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500).
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 166, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 182, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-1 - General Provisions › Section 20-1-28. - Regulation of exotic baitfish — Prohibition on importation, sale and transport of exotic baitfish species.

§ 20-1-28. Regulation of exotic baitfish — Prohibition on importation, sale and transport of exotic baitfish species.
(a)
No person shall import, transport, culture, or sell exotic species of baitfish, as specified by the director, in Rhode Island. The director shall promulgate rules and regulations governing the prohibition and its applicability. The regulations shall include a list of approved native baitfish and a list of prohibited non-native or exotic species. The prohibition and its enforcement shall not become effective until the rules and regulations governing the prohibition and its applicability take effect.
(b)
Violations of this section shall be punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500).
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 166, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 182, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-1 - General Provisions › Section 20-1-29. - Trade in shark fins.

§ 20-1-29. Trade in shark fins.
(a)
For the purpose of this section:
(1)
“Shark” means any species of the subclass Elasmobranchii; it does not include smooth dogfish (smooth hounds), spiny dogfish, or species in the suborder Batoidea;
(2)
“Shark fin” means the raw, dried, or otherwise processed detached fin or the raw, dried, or otherwise processed detached tail of a shark.
(b)
Except as provided in this section, no person shall possess, sell, offer for sale, trade, or distribute a shark fin.
(c)
A person who holds a license or permit to take or land sharks may separate a shark fin from a lawfully landed shark during the ordinary course of preparing the body of the shark for consumption, sale, trade, or distribution; provided, however, that a shark fin so separated from the shark shall be immediately destroyed unless used by the person for the purposes of taxidermy and subsequent display.
(d)
The director of the department of environmental management may issue a permit for the possession of a shark fin to a person conducting noncommercial, scientific research.
(e)
Any shark fin seized by the director of the department of environmental management, or the director’s agents, through the enforcement of this section shall be destroyed.
(f)
Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than five hundred ($500) dollars, nor more than one thousand ($1,000) dollars, or by imprisonment for not more than ninety (90) days, or by both such fine and imprisonment; provided, however, that each shark fin possessed, sold, offered for sale, traded, or distributed in violation of this section shall constitute a separate offense. Provided further, a violation of this section by a person holding a commercial or recreational license or permit pursuant to this chapter shall result in the suspension or revocation of such license or permit.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 66, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 70, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-1 - General Provisions › Section 20-1-30. - Regulation of fishing in Great Salt Pond.

§ 20-1-30. Regulation of fishing in Great Salt Pond.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this title, the electors of the town of New Shoreham may, in a town meeting called for that purpose, enact any ordinances to protect and to regulate the taking of shellfish and other fish in Great Salt Pond, and may impose penalties for violations of these ordinances not exceeding a fine of two hundred dollars ($200) and three (3) months’ imprisonment for any one offense.
History of Section.
P.L. 2023, ch. 281, § 8, effective June 22, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 282, § 8, effective June 22, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-2 - Licensing › Section 20-2-1. - General.

§ 20-2-1. General.
The director may issue those licenses required under this title for hunting, fishing, and the taking of fish, game, birds, shellfish, lobsters, or other wild animals within this state and its territorial waters, pursuant to those regulations that the director deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this title. The director may, in his or her discretion, appoint responsible citizens or corporations of the state, or of adjoining states, engaged in operating sporting goods stores to act as agents with authority to issue licenses in the manner and under the conditions as set forth below. Before an appointment shall occur, that citizen or corporation of the state or of adjoining states shall deliver to the director a bond with a surety company authorized to do business in the state of Rhode Island. The requirements and conditions of the bond shall be established by regulation.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3; P.L. 1994, ch. 253, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-2 - Licensing › Section 20-2-1.1. - Repealed.

§ 20-2-1.1. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 228, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 102, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 58, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 47, § 2; Repealed by P.L. 2004, ch. 8, § 1, effective April 30, 2004; P.L. 2004, ch. 16, § 1, effective May 25, 2004.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-2 - Licensing › Section 20-2-2. - Issuance of licenses.

§ 20-2-2. Issuance of licenses.
Any person or corporation appointed by the director as provided in § 20-2-1 shall, upon the application of any person entitled to receive a license under this chapter and upon payment of the specified license fee, register and issue to that person a license, either printed or displayed electronically on a mobile device, so long as the certificate provides all of the information requested in the data fields identified by the department. The certificate shall bear the name, age, occupation, place of residence, signature, and identifying description of the registrant and shall authorize the registrant to fish or shellfish, or to pursue, hunt, and kill game in the state of Rhode Island during those seasons and in those manners and according to those conditions, as shall be provided by law; provided, however, that these authorized agents shall not have authority to issue lobster, commercial shellfish, or commercial fishing licenses of any kind.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3; P.L. 1998, ch. 441, § 14; P.L. 2016, ch. 130, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 136, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 317, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 350, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-2 - Licensing › Section 20-2-2.1. - Expiration date.

§ 20-2-2.1. Expiration date.
The expiration date of any license issued pursuant to this chapter shall be stamped on the license and not handwritten.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 278, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-2 - Licensing › Section 20-2-3. - Record of licenses issued — Accounting for fees.

§ 20-2-3. Record of licenses issued — Accounting for fees.
Every city and town clerk or agent appointed under this chapter shall record all licenses issued under this chapter in books kept for that purpose, one coupon of which shall be retained in his or her record. The books shall be supplied by the department; shall remain the property of the state; shall be open to public inspection during the usual office hours of the clerk or appointee; and shall be subject at all times to audit and inspection by the director, by the director of administration, or by the agents of either. Each of these clerks or appointees shall, on the first Monday of every month, pay to the department all moneys received by the clerk or appointee for the registrations issued during the month preceding, except for recording fee, together with a receipted bill for fees retained in accordance with § 20-2-4, and shall, within thirty (30) days succeeding January first of each year, return to the department all registration books and unused and void certificates. The director shall pay the money received to the general treasurer with a list of the number and kind of registrations recorded by each city and town clerk or agent during the month.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3; P.L. 2017, ch. 451, § 24.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-2 - Licensing › Section 20-2-4. - Authorized agents fee.

§ 20-2-4. Authorized agents fee.
Out of the fees paid under the provisions of this chapter for issuance of hunting, other than deer permits pursuant to § 20-2-18, fishing, combination, and nonresident shellfishing licenses, the sum of one dollar ($1.00) shall be retained by the authorized agent issuing each license, if this is the case. Out of the fees paid for issuance of deer permits, the sum of fifty cents ($.50) shall be retained by the authorized agent. Authorized agents are any persons, including a municipality, who have currently been granted authority by the director to sell hunting and fishing licenses pursuant to chapter 2 of title 20, in compliance with the governing regulations that have been duly promulgated by the director.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3; P.L. 2002, ch. 65, art. 13, § 16; P.L. 2016, ch. 130, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 136, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-2 - Licensing › Section 20-2-4.1. - Authorized internet agent.

§ 20-2-4.1. Authorized internet agent.
The director is authorized and directed to engage the contractual services of a state-approved vendor to develop and implement a web-based system that will serve as a means for obtaining licenses pursuant to this chapter. The vendor’s responsibilities shall include, but not be limited to:
(1)
Development of the web-based application;
(2)
Creation and servicing of authorized licensing agents who will be able to vend licenses at their establishments;
(3)
Collection and transmittal of license fee revenues;
(4)
Storage and transmittal of the license holder database; and
(5)
Authority to sell hunting and fishing licenses.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 130, § 3; P.L. 2016, ch. 136, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-2 - Licensing › Section 20-2-5. - Replacement of lost or destroyed certificate.

§ 20-2-5. Replacement of lost or destroyed certificate.
(a)
Whoever loses, or by a mistake or accident destroys, his or her certificate of a commercial marine fisheries license may, upon application to the department accompanied by an affidavit fully setting forth the circumstances of the loss, receive a duplicate certificate for the remainder of the year covered by the original certificate for a fee of ten dollars ($10.00) for each duplicate license.
(b)
Whoever loses, or by mistake or accident destroys, his or her certificate of a noncommercial license may, upon application to the department accompanied by an affidavit fully setting forth the circumstances of loss, receive a duplicate certificate for the remainder of the year covered by the original certificate for a fee of two dollars ($2.00).
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3; P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 17, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-2 - Licensing › Section 20-2-6. - Appropriation of license fees.

§ 20-2-6. Appropriation of license fees.
All moneys derived from payments received from freshwater fishing, hunting, and combination licenses and permits in accordance with the provisions of this chapter shall be deposited with the general treasurer and are appropriated to the department for the protection and propagation of fish and game; and the state controller is authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of any sum, or sums, as may be necessary, from time to time, upon receipt by him or her of duly authenticated vouchers presented by the director of environmental management; provided, however, nothing in this section shall be construed to deprive the city and town clerks and agents of their recording fees. The sum of two dollars ($2.00) from the sale of each license and permit shall be placed in a special fund for the acquisition, stewardship, and development of fish and wildlife lands.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3; P.L. 2014, ch. 258, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 318, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-2 - Licensing › Section 20-2-7. - Use of license proceeds.

§ 20-2-7. Use of license proceeds.
The moneys received under § 20-2-6 are to be used for the following specific purposes:
(1)
Leasing and purchase of land and rights-of-way to streams and ponds to be stocked with fish by the department and to be opened to public fishing;
(2)
For stream improvement;
(3)
For the enforcement of fish and game laws;
(4)
For the protection and propagation of fish and game; and
(5)
For the leasing and purchase of land or acquisition of conservation easements for the purpose of creating wildlife reservations and protecting wildlife habitats.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-2 - Licensing › Section 20-2-7.1. - Repealed.

§ 20-2-7.1. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 17, § 2; P.L. 1993, ch. 138, art. 13, § 2; Repealed by P.L. 1998, ch. 441, § 15, effective July 22, 1998.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-2 - Licensing › Section 20-2-8. - False statements and violations — Cancellation of license.

§ 20-2-8. False statements and violations — Cancellation of license.
Any person who willfully makes a false representation as to birthplace or requirements of identification or of other facts required in an application for license under this chapter, or is any way directly or indirectly a party to such a false representation, shall be punished by a fine of not more than fifty dollars ($50.00). A license obtained by any person through such a false representation shall be null and void, and the license shall be surrendered immediately to the director. No license shall be issued under this title to this person for a period of one year from the date of conviction.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-2 - Licensing › Section 20-2-9. - Possession, inspection, and display of license.

§ 20-2-9. Possession, inspection, and display of license.
Every person holding a license issued under this chapter shall have that license in his or her possession at all times while engaged in the licensed activity and shall present the license for inspection on demand by any authorized person. In the case of freshwater fishing, the licensee shall wear in any manner plainly visible upon the licensee’s person while fishing, an identifying device as the director may prescribe, the device to be furnished by the director at a minimum cost to the licensee. Any person who shall refuse to present a license on demand shall be liable to the same punishment as if that person were hunting or fishing without a license.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 20 - Fish and Wildlife › Chapter 20-2 - Licensing › Section 20-2-10. - Endorsement of license.

§ 20-2-10. Endorsement of license.
No license issued under this chapter shall be valid until endorsed by the licensee in his or her own handwriting.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 197, § 3.