reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-1 - Agricultural Functions of Department of Environmental Management › Part 2 - Freshwater Wetlands › Section 2-1-20.1. - Rules and regulations.

§ 2-1-20.1. Rules and regulations.
(a)
The director is authorized to adopt, modify, or repeal rules and regulations that are in accord with the purposes of §§ 2-1-18 — 2-1-27 and are subject to the administrative procedures act, chapter 35 of title 42, except for those freshwater wetlands located in the vicinity of the coast as set out in chapter 23 of title 46 which shall be regulated by the coastal resources management council consistent with the provisions of chapter 23 of title 46 and §§ 2-1-18 — 2-1-20.1 and 2-1-27.
(b)
The director is authorized to establish jurisdictional areas through regulation. The rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to § 2-1-20.1 shall apply within the jurisdictional areas defined in § 2-1-20 and subject to the provisions of § 2-1-22(k) and to activities as provided for in § 2-1-21.
(c)
Within eighteen (18) months from enactment of this section, the department and the coastal resources management council shall promulgate standards for freshwater wetland buffers and setbacks into state rules and regulations pursuant to their respective authorities. The department and the coastal resources management council shall collaborate to develop the state standards for freshwater buffers and setbacks that will be incorporated into the programs of both agencies. State regulations designating buffers shall include a procedure that allows a municipality to petition the agency director with jurisdiction to increase the size of the buffer within the designated jurisdictional area protecting one or more freshwater wetland resources.
(d)
In developing standards specified in § 2-1-20.1(c), the department and the coastal resources management council shall take into consideration agricultural and plant-based green infrastructure practices and activities, while ensuring protection of the state’s natural resources. In setting criteria, the department shall take into account, at a minimum, existing land use, watershed and wetland resource characteristics, and the type of activity including acceptable best management practices. The director shall establish by appointment an advisory work group to facilitate input on the development of criteria for freshwater wetland setbacks and buffers applicable to agricultural activities and plant-based green infrastructure. The advisory group shall include, at minimum, the following: one representative from the Rhode Island Farm Bureau, one representative of the Rhode Island nursery and landscape association, one representative of the department of environmental management agency agricultural advisory committee, an operator of a small-scale agricultural enterprise, and one professional with expertise in soil and water conservation practices.
History of Section.
P.L. 1974, ch. 197, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 501, § 2; P.L. 2015, ch. 218, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 306, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 321, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-1 - Agricultural Functions of Department of Environmental Management › Part 2 - Freshwater Wetlands › Section 2-1-20.2. - Designation of wetlands, buffers, and floodplains.

§ 2-1-20.2. Designation of wetlands, buffers, and floodplains.
The director is authorized to determine which areas are to be known as freshwater wetlands, buffers, and floodplains, areas subject to flooding, and areas subject to storm flowage.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 2-1-20.2; P.L. 1974, ch. 197, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 174, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 218, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-1 - Agricultural Functions of Department of Environmental Management › Part 2 - Freshwater Wetlands › Section 2-1-20.3. - Inspection — Penalty.

§ 2-1-20.3. Inspection — Penalty.
(a)
The director is authorized to enter, examine, or survey, at any reasonable time, any places that he or she considers necessary to carry out his or her responsibilities under §§ 2-1-18 — 2-1-24 without a warrant.
(b)
Any person who willfully impedes or obstructs an inspection, examination, or survey by the director or the director’s agents shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100), or by imprisonment not exceeding thirty (30) days, or both.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 2-1-20.3; P.L. 1974, ch. 197, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-1 - Agricultural Functions of Department of Environmental Management › Part 2 - Freshwater Wetlands › Section 2-1-23. - Violations.

§ 2-1-23. Violations.
In the event of a violation of § 2-1-21, the director of environmental management has the power to order complete restoration of the freshwater wetland, buffer, floodplain, or other jurisdictional area involved by the person or agent responsible for the violation. If the responsible person or agent does not complete the restoration within a reasonable time following the order of the director of the department of environmental management, the director has the authority to order the work done by an agent of the director’s choosing and the person or agent responsible for the original violation is liable for the cost of the restoration. The violator is liable for a fine not exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each violation, except that if the violator knowingly or recklessly alters a freshwater wetland, buffer, floodplain or other jurisdictional area without a permit or approval from the director; knowingly or recklessly alters a freshwater wetland, buffer, floodplain or other jurisdictional area in violation of the rules or regulations promulgated by the director; or alters a freshwater wetland, buffer, floodplain or other jurisdictional area in violation of a permit issued by the director, then the violator is liable for a fine not exceeding ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for each violation.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 2-1-23; P.L. 1974, ch. 197, § 2; P.L. 2004, ch. 429, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 218, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-1 - Agricultural Functions of Department of Environmental Management › Part 2 - Freshwater Wetlands › Section 2-1-24. - Notice to cease operation and relief in equity — Penalty.

§ 2-1-24. Notice to cease operation and relief in equity — Penalty.
(a)
Whenever any person, firm, industry, company, corporation, city, town, municipal or state agency, fire, district, club, or other individual or group commences any activity set forth in § 2-1-21 without first having obtained the approval of the director, or violates any rule or regulation of the director, the director has the power by written notice to order the violator to cease and desist immediately and/or restore the freshwater wetlands, buffers, floodplains, or other jurisdictional areas to their original state insofar as possible. Any order or notice to restore freshwater wetlands, buffers, floodplains, or other jurisdictional areas is eligible for recordation under chapter 13 of title 34 and shall be recorded in the land evidence records in the city or town where the property subject to the notice is located and any subsequent transferee of the property is responsible for complying with the requirements of the order or notice. If the violator and/or subsequent transferee is ordered to restore the freshwater wetlands, buffer, floodplain, or other jurisdictional area to the original state, and the violator and/or subsequent transferee does not complete the restoration within a reasonable time following the order of the director, the director has the authority to order the work done by an agent of the director’s choosing, and the person, agent, or subsequent transferee is liable for the cost of the restoration. If the violator and/or subsequent transferee does not conform to the director’s order, the director may bring prosecution by complaint and warrant and the prosecution shall be made in the district court of the state. The director, without being required to enter into any recognizance or to give surety for cost, may institute the proceedings in the name of the state. It is the duty of the attorney general to conduct the prosecution of all proceedings brought by the director.
(b)
The director may obtain relief in equity or by prerogative writ whenever relief is necessary for the proper performance of duties under §§ 2-1-18 — 2-1-27.
(c)
Any person who violates an order of the director shall be punished by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500), or by imprisonment not exceeding thirty (30) days, or by both, and every person is deemed guilty of a separate and distinct offense for each day during which the violation is repeated or continued.
(d)
[Deleted by P.L. 2015, ch. 218, § 1].
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 213, § 1; P.L. 1974, ch. 197, § 2; P.L. 1976, ch. 89, § 1; P.L. 1977, ch. 116, § 1; P.L. 1980, ch. 406, § 10; P.L. 1988, ch. 231, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 218, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-1 - Agricultural Functions of Department of Environmental Management › Part 3 - Severability › Section 2-1-25. - Severability.

§ 2-1-25. Severability.
If any provision of §§ 2-1-20 — 2-1-28, or of any rule, regulation, or determination made under these sections, or the application of these sections to any person, agency, or circumstances, is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of §§ 2-1-20 — 2-1-28, or the rule, regulation, or determination, and the application of those provisions to other persons, agencies, or circumstances, shall not be affected. The invalidity of any section or sections or parts of any section or sections of §§ 2-1-20 — 2-1-28 shall not affect the validity of the remainder of §§ 2-1-20 — 2-1-28.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 2-1-25; P.L. 1974, ch. 197, § 5; P.L. 2015, ch. 218, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-1 - Agricultural Functions of Department of Environmental Management › Part 3 - Severability › Section 2-1-26. - Repealed.

§ 2-1-26. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1983, ch. 175, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 1992, ch. 425, § 2, effective June 1, 1993.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-1 - Agricultural Functions of Department of Environmental Management › Part 3 - Severability › Section 2-1-27. - Access to information on freshwater wetland applications.

§ 2-1-27. Access to information on freshwater wetland applications.
The directors of the department and the coastal resources management council shall establish procedures that will provide municipalities and the public with access to information concerning freshwater wetland permit applications filed with the state. Procedures shall be designed to facilitate municipal input during the permit application review process and shall, to the extent feasible, utilize information technology to automate making information available in a timely manner. Procedures to facilitate local input shall be established and implemented in a manner that avoids introducing delay in issuance of permit decisions.
History of Section.
P.L. 2015, ch. 218, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-1 - Agricultural Functions of Department of Environmental Management › Part 3 - Severability › Section 2-1-28. - Effect on zoning ordinances.

§ 2-1-28. Effect on zoning ordinances.
Local zoning ordinances and regulations that are inconsistent with this chapter shall be amended to conform to the requirements of § 45-24-30.
History of Section.
P.L. 2015, ch. 218, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-2 - Agricultural Experiment Station › Section 2-2-1. - Assent to federal grant.

§ 2-2-1. Assent to federal grant.
The general assembly assents to and accepts the provisions of an act passed by the sixty-eighth congress entitled “An act to authorize the more complete endowment of agricultural experiment stations, and for other purposes”.
History of Section.
P.L. 1925, ch. 619, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 203, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 2-2-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-2 - Agricultural Experiment Station › Section 2-2-2. - Annual report to governor.

§ 2-2-2. Annual report to governor.
It shall be the duty of the experiment station at the University of Rhode Island, on or before the first day of February, annually, to make a full and detailed report of its operations to the governor, including a statement of its receipts and expenditures for the fiscal year ending on the thirtieth (30th) day of November in the year next preceding.
History of Section.
P.L. 1925, ch. 619, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 203, § 2; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2686, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 2-2-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-3 - Cooperative Extension District Associations and the Rhode Island Agricultural Council › Section 2-3-1. - Definitions.

§ 2-3-1. Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
(1)
“Agriculture council” means an organization composed of groups engaged in supporting and promoting the interests of agriculture within this state and providing educational and informative material to its citizens.
(2)
“Cooperative extension” means a partnership made up of residents, the Land Grant College (the University of Rhode Island), the state of Rhode Island, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and city and town governments. The purpose of this partnership is to plan, finance, and operate extension programs transmitting practical information including, but not limited to, agriculture, home economics, natural and community resources, and 4-H youth development produced by research centers and universities to the public.
(3)
“District association” means a county or district organization established to undertake the purposes of cooperative extension and to cooperate with the Land Grant College (the University of Rhode Island), the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the state, in employing extension agents and in carrying on cooperative extension work.
(4)
“Extension agents” means a person or persons qualified by training and experience to instruct in the science and art of agriculture, home economics, natural and community resources, and 4-H youth development who devote their time to demonstrations and other forms of educational instruction.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 553, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-3 - Cooperative Extension District Associations and the Rhode Island Agricultural Council › Section 2-3-2. - Cooperative extension district associations.

§ 2-3-2. Cooperative extension district associations.
There shall be three (3) cooperative extension district associations: (1) The southern Rhode Island cooperative extension service comprising Washington and Kent counties; (2) The eastern Rhode Island cooperative extension service comprising Newport and Bristol counties; and (3) The northern Rhode Island cooperative extension service comprising Providence county.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 553, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-3 - Cooperative Extension District Associations and the Rhode Island Agricultural Council › Section 2-3-3. - Organizational requirements for participation.

§ 2-3-3. Organizational requirements for participation.
The cooperative extension district associations are incorporated under the laws of Rhode Island; are governed by boards of directors selected to represent as evenly as possible all parts of their respective districts; and shall maintain and abide by the memorandum of agreement with the director of cooperative extension at the University of Rhode Island.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 553, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-3 - Cooperative Extension District Associations and the Rhode Island Agricultural Council › Section 2-3-4. - Receipts and disbursement of funds for cooperative extension work.

§ 2-3-4. Receipts and disbursement of funds for cooperative extension work.
The district associations organized under this chapter are authorized to receive funds from the United States Department of Agriculture, the state, the cities and towns of the state, and from individuals, organizations, corporations, and other funding sources that may desire to contribute to the educational work contemplated by this chapter. The district associations are authorized to disburse the funds received in employing extension agents, defraying their expenses, and providing support personnel, office facilities, and materials for demonstrations and other forms of education and instruction according to plans and methods approved by the United States Department of Agriculture for carrying out the provisions of the federal Smith-Lever Act, 7 U.S.C. § 341 et seq., and any subsequent act providing for extension work and by the University of Rhode Island.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 553, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-3 - Cooperative Extension District Associations and the Rhode Island Agricultural Council › Section 2-3-5. - Annual report of activities.

§ 2-3-5. Annual report of activities.
It is the duty of each district association to present annually to the secretary of state a full report of its activities for the preceding year including a statement of its receipts from all sources and disbursements.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 553, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-3 - Cooperative Extension District Associations and the Rhode Island Agricultural Council › Section 2-3-6. - Raising of local funds — Amount of state contributions — Local matching funds.

§ 2-3-6. Raising of local funds — Amount of state contributions — Local matching funds.
(a)
Each district association shall raise funds for the purposes provided in this chapter. Each city or town within its respective district is authorized to appropriate and turn over to the treasurer of the association serving that district any sums that the city or town may approve.
(b)
For the purpose of paying the state’s share of the annual expenses of the cooperative educational work provided for in §§ 2-3-1 — 2-3-6, the general assembly shall annually appropriate any sum that it deems necessary. Any district association not raising within the district covered by the district association, exclusive of funds received from any agency of the United States, an amount equal to the sum appropriated by the state for use by that district association shall draw from the state appropriation during the fiscal year only a sum equal to the amount raised by that district association, exclusive of funds received from any agency of the United States, and expended during the fiscal year as shown by a certificate filed in the office of the state controller, sworn to by the president and treasurer of the district association. The state controller is authorized and directed to draw orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of any sums authorized upon the presentation of the certificates and vouchers signed respectively by the president and treasurer of the district association.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 553, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-3 - Cooperative Extension District Associations and the Rhode Island Agricultural Council › Section 2-3-7. - Cooperation in 4-H youth development activities.

§ 2-3-7. Cooperation in 4-H youth development activities.
The director of cooperative extension at the Land Grant College (the University of Rhode Island) is authorized to provide support in cooperation with the district associations for annual 4-H activities and events, including fairs, demonstrating the work of 4-H members, and for contests, competitions, premiums and awards, and when deemed essential, for representation by carefully chosen Rhode Island 4-H members at 4-H conferences or exhibitions throughout the United States.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 553, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-3 - Cooperative Extension District Associations and the Rhode Island Agricultural Council › Section 2-3-8. - Appropriations for 4-H youth development activities.

§ 2-3-8. Appropriations for 4-H youth development activities.
The sum of four thousand five hundred dollars ($4,500) is annually appropriated, out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated, to be expended by the respective officers of the three (3) district associations:
(1)
Fifteen hundred dollars ($1,500) to the eastern Rhode Island cooperative extension service for expenses in connection with its annual 4-H fair and/or other 4-H activities;
(2)
Fifteen hundred dollars ($1,500) to the northern Rhode Island cooperative extension service for expenses in connection with its annual 4-H fair and/or other 4-H activities; and
(3)
Fifteen hundred dollars ($1,500) to the southern Rhode Island cooperative extension service for expenses in connection with its annual 4-H fair and/or other 4-H activities;
The state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of this money, or so much as may be required from time to time, upon the receipt by the state controller of properly authenticated vouchers.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 553, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-3 - Cooperative Extension District Associations and the Rhode Island Agricultural Council › Section 2-3-9. - Annual appropriation to the Rhode Island agricultural council.

§ 2-3-9. Annual appropriation to the Rhode Island agricultural council.
The sum of five thousand dollars ($5,000) is annually appropriated out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated to the Rhode Island agricultural council to support its efforts to improve the agricultural economy of Rhode Island. The state controller is authorized and directed to draw orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of this money, or so much as may be required from time to time, upon receipt by the state controller of properly authenticated vouchers.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 553, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-3 - Cooperative Extension District Associations and the Rhode Island Agricultural Council › Section 2-3-10. - Appropriations for general education purposes.

§ 2-3-10. Appropriations for general education purposes.
The general assembly shall annually appropriate any sum that it may deem necessary for the purpose of supporting the program of the department of environmental management in its enlargement of cooperation with agricultural organizations as exemplified by the Rhode Island agricultural council in the endeavor to promote, encourage, generally better rural living in Rhode Island; to encourage and promote agriculture in this state and improve the state’s agricultural interests; to hold meetings throughout the state with discussions conducted by authorities from both within and without the state; to make awards for outstanding agricultural contributions, and to assist Rhode Island agriculturalists in every way to overcome the problems that confront them in the agricultural field. This sum is to be expended under the direction of the director of the department of environmental management with a committee of five (5) members of the Rhode Island agricultural council appointed annually by the president of the council within thirty (30) days after the annual meeting of the council. The committee is to act in an advisory capacity and to assist in the formulation of plans and programs.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 553, § 2; P.L. 2016, ch. 512, art. 2, § 35.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-3 - Cooperative Extension District Associations and the Rhode Island Agricultural Council › Section 2-3-11. - Annual report by the Rhode Island agricultural council.

§ 2-3-11. Annual report by the Rhode Island agricultural council.
The Rhode Island agricultural council shall make an annual report to the director of the department of environmental management.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 553, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-4 - Soil Conservation › Section 2-4-1. - Legislative determinations and declaration of policy.

§ 2-4-1. Legislative determinations and declaration of policy.
In recognition of the ever increasing environmental problems resulting from demands on the land and renewable resources of the state and of the need to preserve, protect and develop these resources of the state at a rate and level of quality to meet the needs of the people of the state, and the need for environmental balance, it is hereby declared to be the policy of the state to provide for the conservation of the land and renewable natural resources using those measures that best meet these objectives, including, but not limited to, the control and prevention of erosion, control of floods, the conservation and development of water resources and the improvement of water quality; assistance in the conservation of coastal land and water resources, the prevention of impairment of dams and reservoirs by sediment, the protection of wildlife, and preservation of natural beauty, and to protect and promote the health, safety and general welfare of the people of this state. It is further the policy of the general assembly to authorize conservation districts established under this chapter to serve as a local unit of the state conservation committee responsible for the conservation of the renewable natural resources of this state, and competent to administer, in close cooperation with landowners and occupiers, with local governmental units, and with agencies of the government of this state and of the United States, projects, programs and activities suitable for carrying out the policy of this chapter.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 2-4-1; P.L. 1972, ch. 173, § 2; P.L. 1985, ch. 179, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-4 - Soil Conservation › Section 2-4-2. - Definitions.

§ 2-4-2. Definitions.
(1)
“Associate Director” means a designated representative of any community who serves to advise and consult with the board of directors of a district.
(2)
“Committee” or “state conservation committee” means the agency created in § 2-4-3. All references in this chapter to “state conservation committee”, “state committee”, or “committee” shall be deemed to be references to “state conservation committee”.
(3)
“Conservation” includes conservation, improvement, maintenance, preservation, protection and use, and the control and prevention of floodwater and sediment damages, and the safe disposal of water.
(4)
“Director” means one of the members of the governing body of a district, appointed or elected in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
(5)
“District” or “conservation district” means a subdivision of the state conservation committee, and a quasi public corporation organized in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, for the purposes, with the powers, and subject to the restrictions set forth. All districts created under this chapter shall be known as conservation districts and shall have all the powers and duties set out in this chapter. All references in this chapter to “districts” shall be deemed to be references to “conservation districts”.
(6)
“Land occupier” or “occupier of land” includes any person, firm or corporation holding title to, or in possession of, any lands lying within a district organized under the provisions of this chapter, whether as owner, renter, lessee, tenant, town, municipality or otherwise.
(7)
“Renewable natural resources”, “natural resources”, or “resources” includes land, soil, water, vegetation, trees, fish, wildlife, streams, rivers, natural beauty, scenery, and open space.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 2-4-2; P.L. 1972, ch. 173, § 2; P.L. 1985, ch. 179, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 163, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-4 - Soil Conservation › Section 2-4-3. - State conservation committee.

§ 2-4-3. State conservation committee.
(a)
There is established, within the department of environmental management to serve as an agency of the state and to perform the functions conferred upon it by this chapter, the state conservation committee. The following shall serve as members of the committee: the director of the department of environmental management, or his or her designee, and four (4) members of the public appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate. At least one member shall be appointed from each of the state’s conservation districts and, in making appointments under this section, the governor shall give due consideration to recommendations made by the state’s conservation district directors.
(b)
Members of the committee as of the effective date of this act [April 20, 2006] shall continue to serve for the balance of their current terms. Thereafter, members shall be appointed to terms of three (3) years. Members shall hold office until a successor has been selected. Vacancies shall be filled for any unexpired terms. The selection of successors to fill an unexpired term or for a full term shall be in the same manner in which the respective state committee member had been selected.
(c)
[Deleted by P.L. 2006, ch. 22, § 1 and P.L. 2006, ch. 27, § 1].
(d)
Gubernatorial appointments made under this section after the effective date of this act [April 20, 2006] shall be subject to the advice and consent of the senate. All persons appointed to the committee after the effective date of this act [April 20, 2006] shall be residents of the state.
(e)
The committee shall invite the director of the cooperative extension service and agricultural experiment station, chief of the office of state planning, director of transportation, the president of the Rhode Island association of conservation districts, the state conservationist of the USDA soil conservation service, the state executive director of the USDA agricultural stabilization and conservation service, the chairperson of the water resources board, and the executive director of the coastal resources management council, and any other agency representatives necessary to carry out the intent of this chapter to serve as advisors to the state committee.
(f)
The committee shall keep a record of its official actions, and may perform any acts, hold any public hearings, and promulgate any rules and regulations that may be necessary for the execution of its functions under this chapter.
(g)
The director of the department of environmental management shall direct staff to support the committee within the constraints of available resources.
History of Section.
P.L. 1972, ch. 173, § 2; P.L. 1985, ch. 179, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 163, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 105, § 13; P.L. 2001, ch. 180, § 2; P.L. 2001, ch. 376, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 22, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 27, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-4 - Soil Conservation › Section 2-4-4. - Agents and employees — Assistance by other agencies — Delegation of powers.

§ 2-4-4. Agents and employees — Assistance by other agencies — Delegation of powers.
The committee may employ an administrative officer and any technical experts and any other agents, and employees, permanent and temporary, that it may require, and shall determine their qualifications, duties, and compensation. It has the authority to delegate to its chairperson, to one or more of its members, or to one or more agents or employees, any powers and duties that it may deem proper. Upon request of the committee, for the purpose of carrying out any of its functions, the supervising officer of any state agency, or of any state institution of learning shall, insofar as may be possible under available appropriations, and having due regard to the needs of the agency to which the request is directed, assign or detail to the committee members of the staff or personnel of the agency or institution of learning, and make any special reports, surveys, or studies that the committee may request. The committee may call upon the attorney general for any legal services it may require.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 2-4-4; P.L. 1972, ch. 173, § 2; P.L. 1985, ch. 179, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-4 - Soil Conservation › Section 2-4-5. - Chairperson of the committee — Quorum — Expenses — Surety bonds — Records — Audit.

§ 2-4-5. Chairperson of the committee — Quorum — Expenses — Surety bonds — Records — Audit.
The chairperson of the state committee shall be elected annually by the committee. The committee may elect from among its members such other officers as they deem necessary. A majority of the committee constitutes a quorum, and all actions of the committee shall be by a majority vote of the members present and voting at a meeting at which a quorum is present. The chairperson and members of the committee receive no compensation for their services on the committee, but are entitled to expenses or per diem, including traveling expenses, necessarily incurred in the discharge of their duties on the committee. The committee shall provide for the execution of surety bonds for all employees entrusted with funds or property; shall provide for the keeping of a full and accurate record of all proceedings and of all resolutions, regulations, and orders issued or adopted; and shall provide for a periodic audit of the accounts of receipts and disbursements. Members of the committee and the subcommittee shall be removable by the governor pursuant to § 36-1-7 of the general laws and for cause only, and removal solely for partisan or personal reasons unrelated to capacity or fitness for the office shall be unlawful.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 2-4-5; P.L. 1972, ch. 173, § 2; P.L. 1985, ch. 179, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 22, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 27, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-4 - Soil Conservation › Section 2-4-7. - Establishment of conservation districts.

§ 2-4-7. Establishment of conservation districts.
There are established, three (3) conservation districts as follows:
(1)
All that portion known as Washington County and Kent County is incorporated into a district to be called the southern Rhode Island conservation district;
(2)
All that portion known as Providence County is incorporated into a district to be called the northern Rhode Island conservation district;
(3)
All that portion known as Newport County and Bristol County is incorporated into a district to be called the eastern Rhode Island conservation district.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 2-4-7; P.L. 1972, ch. 173, § 2; P.L. 1983, ch. 68, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-4 - Soil Conservation › Section 2-4-8. - District board — Organization — Quorum — Expenses and audit.

§ 2-4-8. District board — Organization — Quorum — Expenses and audit.
(a)
The governing body of the districts is be the board of directors consisting of five (5) directors, elected or appointed. The directors shall elect one of their members to be chairperson and may, from time to time, change that designation. The term of office of each director is three (3) years. A director holds office until a successor has been elected or appointed and has qualified. Vacancies shall be filled for any unexpired term. The selection of successors to fill an unexpired term, or for a full term, shall be made in the same manner in which the retiring directors were, respectively, selected. A majority of the board constitutes a quorum and all actions of the board shall be by a majority vote of the members present and voting at a meeting at which a quorum is present.
(b)
The directors may employ a secretary and other employees, technical experts, personnel, permanent and temporary, as they may require and shall determine their qualifications, duties, and compensation. The directors shall provide for the execution of surety bonds for all employees and officers who are entrusted with funds or property; shall provide for the keeping of a record of all proceedings and orders issued or adopted; and shall provide for a periodic audit of the accounts of receipts and disbursements in accordance with procedures prescribed by regulations of the state committee.
(c)
The directors may call upon the state committee for any legal services that may be available from the attorney general. The directors shall furnish to the state committee, upon request, copies of any rules, regulations, orders, contracts, ordinances, forms and other documents that they shall adopt or employ, and any other information that may be required in the performance of their duties.
(d)
Directors shall receive twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per meeting for their services, and are entitled to other expenses at a rate set by the state committee, including per diem and traveling expenses, necessarily incurred in the discharge of their duties. All payments for compensation and expenses are contingent upon availability of funds and at no time shall meeting or travel expenses supersede necessary conservation expenditures.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 179, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-4 - Soil Conservation › Section 2-4-9. - Designation of district directors — Appointments — Elections.

§ 2-4-9. Designation of district directors — Appointments — Elections.
(a)
Three (3) directors will be appointed by the state conservation committee and shall be persons who are by training and experience qualified to perform the services which will be required of them in the performance of their duties. In appointing directors, the state committee shall take into consideration the recommendations of the representative of the state committee from the area in which the district is located, as well as representation of the various interests of the district such as agricultural, woodland, wildlife, recreation, community and conservation groups.
(b)
The committee shall receive nomination petitions for directors, whose terms have expired, by or before January 15 of the year following their expiration and shall take action to approve or reject the nominees within thirty (30) days of receipt. The committee has the authority to extend the time within which nominating petitions may be filed.
(c)
No nomination petition shall be accepted by the committee unless it is subscribed to by twenty-five (25) or more occupiers of lands lying within the boundaries of the district. Land occupiers may sign more than one nominating petition to nominate more than one candidate for director.
(d)
The conservation districts shall give notice and hold elections for the two (2) directors for each district on or before January 15 of the year following the expiration of these elected directors’ terms. All occupiers of lands lying within the district shall be eligible to vote in the election. The two (2) candidates who shall receive the largest number, respectively, of the votes cast in the election shall be the elected directors for the district.
(e)
All elections of directors shall be supervised and conducted by the district directors of the districts involved. The elections shall be held during a period prescribed or approved by the state conservation committee and in that manner and under any rules and regulations that the state committee prescribes. The cost of conducting elections shall be borne by the district involved. The board of directors shall certify to the state committee the names of the elected directors. The state committee shall issue certificates of election to each certified director, and shall publish the results of the election in some newspaper of general circulation in the area.
(f)
The board of directors may appoint associate directors, as deemed necessary, to advise and consult with the board and to broaden representation from the communities within the district.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 179, § 3; P.L. 1988, ch. 67, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 163, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-4 - Soil Conservation › Section 2-4-10. - Repealed.

§ 2-4-10. Repealed.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 2-4-10; P.L. 1972, ch. 173, § 2; Repealed by P.L. 1985, ch. 179, § 2, effective June 18, 1985.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-4 - Soil Conservation › Section 2-4-11. - Consultation with municipal representatives.

§ 2-4-11. Consultation with municipal representatives.
The directors may invite the legislative body of any municipality within the district to designate a representative to serve as an associate director to advise and consult with them on all questions of programs and policy which may affect the property, water supply or other interest of the municipality. The board of directors may appoint, as they deem necessary, advisory committees to assure the availability of appropriate channels of communications to the board of directors, to persons affected by district operations, and to local, federal, state, regional and interstate special-purpose districts and agencies responsible for community planning, conservation commissions, zoning or resource development activities. The district shall keep the advisory committees informed of its work, and the advisory committees shall submit recommendations from time to time to the board of directors.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 2-4-11; P.L. 1972, ch. 173, § 2; P.L. 1985, ch. 179, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 163, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-4 - Soil Conservation › Section 2-4-13. - Contributions and agreements as conditions to benefits.

§ 2-4-13. Contributions and agreements as conditions to benefits.
As a condition to the extending of any benefits under this chapter to, or the performance of work upon, any lands not owned or controlled by this state or any of its agencies, the directors may require contributions in money, services, materials, or otherwise to any operations conferring those benefits, and may require land occupiers to enter into and perform any agreements as to the use of their lands as may be consistent with the purposes of this chapter; however, required contributions must be approved as to amount and content by the state conservation committee.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 2-4-13; P.L. 1972, ch. 173, § 2; P.L. 1985, ch. 179, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-4 - Soil Conservation › Section 2-4-14. - Public property laws inapplicable.

§ 2-4-14. Public property laws inapplicable.
No provisions with respect to the acquisition, operation, or disposition of property by other public bodies are applicable to a district organized under the provisions of this chapter unless the legislature shall specifically so state.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 2-4-14; P.L. 1972, ch. 173, § 2; P.L. 1985, ch. 179, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-4 - Soil Conservation › Section 2-4-15. - Cooperation between districts.

§ 2-4-15. Cooperation between districts.
(a)
Any two (2) or more districts may engage in joint activities by agreement between or among them in planning, financing, constructing, operating, maintaining and administering any program or project concerning the conservation of renewable natural resources. The districts concerned may make available for purposes of the agreement any funds, property, personnel, equipment or services available to them under this chapter.
(b)
Any district may, with the concurrence of the state committee, enter into agreements with a district, districts or responsible agency in adjoining states to carry out those purposes if the law in those states permits the district and agencies in those states to enter into agreements. The committee has the authority to propose, guide and facilitate the establishment and carrying out of any agreements.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 2-4-15; P.L. 1972, ch. 173, § 2; P.L. 1985, ch. 179, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-4 - Soil Conservation › Section 2-4-16. - Cooperation of other public agencies.

§ 2-4-16. Cooperation of other public agencies.
Agencies of this state and agencies of towns, municipalities or other governmental subdivisions of this state having jurisdiction over public or private land, or charged with the administration of publicly owned lands lying within the boundaries of any district, may cooperate to the fullest extent with those districts in the implementation of programs undertaken by the directors under the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 2-4-16; P.L. 1972, ch. 173, § 2; P.L. 1985, ch. 179, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-4 - Soil Conservation › Section 2-4-17. - Repealed.

§ 2-4-17. Repealed.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 2-4-17; P.L. 1972, ch. 173, § 2; Repealed by P.L. 1985, ch. 179, § 2, effective June 18, 1985.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-4 - Soil Conservation › Section 2-4-18. - Coastal resources management council and water resources board unaffected.

§ 2-4-18. Coastal resources management council and water resources board unaffected.
The provisions of this chapter notwithstanding, no provision of this chapter shall be construed to take precedence over or acquire any of the powers delegated to the coastal resources management council under the provisions of § 46-23-6 and any amendment to these sections and this section shall also apply to the state water resources board.
History of Section.
P.L. 1972, ch. 173, § 3; P.L. 2016, ch. 512, art. 2, § 36.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-4 - Soil Conservation › Section 2-4-19. - Severability.

§ 2-4-19. Severability.
If any provision of this chapter or the application of any provision to any person or circumstance, is held invalid, the remainder of the chapter, and the application of that provision to other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected by that invalidity.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 2-4-18; P.L. 1972, ch. 173, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-4 - Soil Conservation › Section 2-4-20. - Repealed.

§ 2-4-20. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 353, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 2-4-20; Repealed by P.L. 1986, ch. 97, § 1, effective June 10, 1986.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-5 - Federal Conservation Program › Section 2-5-1. - Definitions.

§ 2-5-1. Definitions.
When used in this chapter, the term:
(1)
“Department” means the department of environmental management of the state of Rhode Island.
(2)
“Director” means the director of environmental management of the state of Rhode Island.
(3)
“Secretary of agriculture” means the secretary of agriculture of the United States.
(4)
“Soil conservation and domestic allotment act” means the federal soil conservation and domestic allotment act, 16 U.S.C. § 590a et seq.
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3585, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 2-5-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-5 - Federal Conservation Program › Section 2-5-2. - Agency to administer state plan.

§ 2-5-2. Agency to administer state plan.
In order to carry out the purposes of the soil conservation and domestic allotment act enacted by the congress of the United States, the Rhode Island department of environmental management, referred to as the department, is designated as the agency of the state of Rhode Island to administer any state plan authorized by this chapter which shall be approved by the secretary of agriculture of the United States, referred to as the secretary of agriculture, for the state of Rhode Island pursuant to the provisions of the soil conservation and domestic allotment act.
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3585, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 2-5-2.