reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-3 - Town Meetings › Section 45-3-9. - Notice of meetings by request — Hour held — Business considered.

§ 45-3-9. Notice of meetings by request — Hour held — Business considered.
The notice of meetings, when called by request provided in § 45-3-6, shall be given in the manner provided for meetings prescribed by law. In towns in which the hour of meetings prescribed by law is fixed by law, meetings called by request shall be held at the same hour. In other towns, the meetings shall be held at the hour named in the request. At all meetings called by request, only the business stated in the warrants directing the calling of the meetings shall be acted upon.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 37, § 9; P.L. 1901, ch. 852, § 9; G.L. 1909, ch. 47, § 9; G.L. 1923, ch. 48, § 9; G.L. 1938, ch. 330, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 45-3-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-3 - Town Meetings › Section 45-3-10. - Meeting to elect clerk to fill vacancy.

§ 45-3-10. Meeting to elect clerk to fill vacancy.
Whenever any town clerk is removed by death or otherwise, and the town council under §§ 45-4-16 and 45-5-6 fails to act to fill the vacancy, the town treasurer of the town shall issue his or her warrant to warn the electors to assemble in town meeting, to choose a town clerk in the room of him or her so removed, which warrant shall be directed as provided in § 45-3-8.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 37, § 10; G.L. 1909, ch. 47, § 10; G.L. 1923, ch. 48, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 330, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 45-3-10; P.L. 1999, ch. 354, § 41.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-3 - Town Meetings › Section 45-3-11. - Forfeiture for neglect of duty by officers.

§ 45-3-11. Forfeiture for neglect of duty by officers.
Every town clerk or town treasurer who neglects or refuses to issue a warrant as provided in § 45-3-8, and every town sergeant or constable who neglects or refuses to serve the warrant as provided in § 45-3-8,, shall forfeit for each neglect fifty dollars ($50.00); to be recovered, one-half (½) to the use of the town, and one-half (½) to the use of the person who sues for the warrant.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 37, § 11; G.L. 1909, ch. 47, § 11; G.L. 1923, ch. 48, § 11; G.L. 1938, ch. 330, § 11; G.L. 1956, § 45-3-11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-3 - Town Meetings › Section 45-3-13. - Canvass prior to meeting.

§ 45-3-13. Canvass prior to meeting.
Prior to any town meeting prescribed by law or called by request as provided by § 45-3-6, the list of the electors qualified to vote in town meetings shall be made out and canvassed in the same manner as provided by law with respect to elective town meetings.
History of Section.
G.L. 1909, ch. 47, § 13; P.L. 1917, ch. 1471, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 48, § 13; G.L. 1938, ch. 330, § 13; G.L. 1956, § 45-3-13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-3 - Town Meetings › Section 45-3-14. - Quorum.

§ 45-3-14. Quorum.
Whenever the inhabitants of any town do not exceed three thousand (3,000) by the last census, whether national or state, preceding the holding of a town meeting, seven (7) electors at least shall be necessary to constitute a legal town meeting; and whenever the inhabitants of any town exceed that number, fifteen (15) electors at least shall be necessary to constitute the meeting; provided, that whenever both the warden or moderator and clerk of any ward or district meeting held in any city or town are present, they shall constitute a quorum for the opening of the polls for voting for all civil officers, except for warden and clerk.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 38, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 48, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 49, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 331, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 45-3-14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-3 - Town Meetings › Section 45-3-15. - Selection of moderator.

§ 45-3-15. Selection of moderator.
At the annual or biennial town meeting of each town, there shall be chosen a moderator to preside in all the town meetings until the moderator’s successor is elected and qualified.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 38, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 48, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 49, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 331, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 45-3-15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-3 - Town Meetings › Section 45-3-16. - Term of moderator and clerk.

§ 45-3-16. Term of moderator and clerk.
The term of office of the elected moderator and clerk commences at the first regular meeting held for the election of officers, and continues until their successors are elected and qualified, unless otherwise provided by law.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 38, § 7; G.L. 1909, ch. 48, § 8; G.L. 1923, ch. 49, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 331, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 45-3-16.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-3 - Town Meetings › Section 45-3-17. - Moderator to preside.

§ 45-3-17. Moderator to preside.
In all meetings of the electors or voters in a town, representative district, or voting district, the moderator of the meeting shall preside.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 38, § 8; G.L. 1909, ch. 48, § 9; P.L. 1910, ch. 640, § 37; G.L. 1923, ch. 49, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 331, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 45-3-17.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-3 - Town Meetings › Section 45-3-18. - Regulation of meeting by moderator.

§ 45-3-18. Regulation of meeting by moderator.
Every moderator has the power to manage and regulate the business of each meeting, conforming to law, and to maintain peace and good order at the meeting.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 38, § 11; G.L. 1909, ch. 48, § 12; G.L. 1923, ch. 49, § 11; G.L. 1938, ch. 331, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 45-3-18.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-3 - Town Meetings › Section 45-3-19. - Disorderly conduct at meeting.

§ 45-3-19. Disorderly conduct at meeting.
If any person conducts himself or herself in a disorderly manner in any town, representative district, or voting district meeting, the moderator may order that person to withdraw from the meeting; and, on the person’s refusal, may order the town sergeant, or any town constable present, or any other persons, to take him or her from the meeting and to confine him or her in some convenient place until the meeting is adjourned. The person refusing to withdraw shall, for each offense, be fined not exceeding twenty dollars ($20.00).
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 38, § 12; G.L. 1909, ch. 48, § 13; G.L. 1923, ch. 49, § 12; G.L. 1938, ch. 331, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 45-3-19; P.L. 2015, ch. 260, § 37; P.L. 2015, ch. 275, § 37.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-3 - Town Meetings › Section 45-3-20. - Voting on motions.

§ 45-3-20. Voting on motions.
The moderator of every town meeting shall, on a motion being made and seconded, relative to any business regularly before the meeting, after having heard all the electors entitled to vote on the motion who desire to be heard, cause the votes of the electors present to be taken on the motion. Whenever any question is pending in any town meeting involving an expenditure of money, or the incurring of liability by the town, or the disposition of town property, the vote shall be taken by ballot, if a ballot is called for and the call is seconded by at least one-fifth (⅕) of the electors present who are qualified to vote on the pending question.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 38, § 13; G.L. 1909, ch. 48, § 14; P.L. 1913, ch. 922, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 49, § 13; G.L. 1938, ch. 331, § 11; G.L. 1956, § 45-3-20.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-3 - Town Meetings › Section 45-3-21. - Majority required for action.

§ 45-3-21. Majority required for action.
All questions relating to town affairs, excepting elections, shall be decided by a majority of the votes of the electors present entitled to vote on the question.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 38, § 15; G.L. 1909, ch. 48, § 16; G.L. 1923, ch. 49, § 15; G.L. 1938, ch. 331, § 12; G.L. 1956, § 45-3-21.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-3 - Town Meetings › Section 45-3-22. - Record of proceedings as evidence — Certificate of clerk.

§ 45-3-22. Record of proceedings as evidence — Certificate of clerk.
A copy of the record of the proceedings of any town meeting, certified by the town clerk, is evidence of any act or vote of the town in town meeting assembled, and the certificate of the town clerk that no town meeting was held to consider any subject in the certificate mentioned, or that no vote of the town was taken upon the subject, is evidence of the fact, stated in the record of the proceedings.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 38, § 16; G.L. 1909, ch. 48, § 17; G.L. 1923, ch. 49, § 16; G.L. 1938, ch. 331, § 13; G.L. 1956, § 45-3-22.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-3 - Town Meetings › Section 45-3-23. - Compensation of district moderators and clerks.

§ 45-3-23. Compensation of district moderators and clerks.
The moderators and clerks of voting districts and representative districts in all cities and towns shall severally receive as compensation for their services the minimum sum of seventy-five dollars ($75.00) per day.
History of Section.
G.L. 1909, ch. 48, § 19; P.L. 1919, ch. 1776, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 49, § 18; G.L. 1938, ch. 331, § 15; G.L. 1956, § 45-3-23; P.L. 1964, ch. 18, § 2; P.L. 1979, ch. 292, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 425, § 2; P.L. 1986, ch. 523, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-3 - Town Meetings › Section 45-3-24. - Application to voting machine meetings.

§ 45-3-24. Application to voting machine meetings.
The provisions of §§ 45-3-14 — 45-3-23, govern elective meetings held in accordance with the provisions of chapter 19 of title 17, if and so far as they are applicable, and not inconsistent with the provisions of chapter 19 of title 17.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 38, § 17; G.L. 1909, ch. 48, § 18; G.L. 1923, ch. 49, § 17; G.L. 1938, ch. 331, § 14; G.L. 1956, § 45-3-24.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-3 - Town Meetings › Section 45-3-25. - Voting machines for municipal budget referenda.

§ 45-3-25. Voting machines for municipal budget referenda.
(a)
At the request of the council of a city or town, the board of elections shall furnish a sufficient number of voting machines for use in connection with votes taken at any municipal budget referenda. Any request shall be made to the board of elections not later than fifteen (15) days prior to the date of the municipal budget referenda.
(b)
Nothing in this section makes the provisions of title 17 applicable to municipal budget referenda.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 137, § 1; P.L. 1998, ch. 432, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-3 - Town Meetings › Section 45-3-26. - Town meetings to be open.

§ 45-3-26. Town meetings to be open.
All town meetings are open to the public, including representatives of the press and news media; provided, that, in the event that there are space constraints, voters shall be admitted to the meetings before non-voters. Non-voters may be seated or assigned to a separate area as indicated by the moderator.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 308, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-4 - Election and Qualification of Officers › Section 45-4-1. - Officers to be elected.

§ 45-4-1. Officers to be elected.
(a)
The electors in each town shall, on their town election days, choose and elect as many town officers as are required by the laws of the state; that is to say, a moderator to preside in all the meetings of the town, and a town clerk, a town council to consist of not less than three (3) nor more than seven (7) members, a town treasurer, a town sergeant, a town sealer of weights and measures, one or more auctioneers, a number of assessors of taxes, not less than three (3) nor more than seven (7), as may be deemed necessary, one or more collectors of taxes, one or more corders of wood, one or more packers of fish, one or more poundkeepers, one sealer of leather, and as many constables, directors of public welfare, viewers of fences, gaugers of casks, and other officers as are required by law in the town and as each or any town has occasion for, including persons to superintend the building of chimneys and placing of stoves and stovepipes; provided, that in the town of East Greenwich no constables shall be elected under the provisions of this section.
(b)
It is further provided that in the town of Burrillville no corders of wood, packers of fish, sealers of leather, gaugers of casks, and persons to superintend the building of chimneys and placing of stoves and stovepipes shall be elected under the provisions of this section.
(c)
It is further provided that in the town of Exeter, no tax collector shall be elected under the provisions of this section. The town council of the town of Exeter shall amend the Exeter town ordinances to provide for and entitle the town council to appoint a tax collector who shall serve at the pleasure of the town council and who may be removed for cause shown pursuant to § 44-7-5. Qualifications for the position shall be set by the town council and compensation paid as approved by the town financial meeting. The tax collector shall perform all duties previously required of the elected tax collector in the town of Exeter and any other duties required by law.
(d)
It is further provided that in the town of North Kingstown, no fence viewer shall be elected or appointed under the provisions of this section.
(e)
It is further provided that in the town of North Kingstown, no sealer of weights and measures shall be elected or appointed under the provisions of this section.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 39, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 49, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 50, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 332, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 45-4-1; P.L. 1967, ch. 24, § 1; P.L. 1976, ch. 107, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 48, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 330, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 117, § 2; P.L. 2006, ch. 118, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-4 - Election and Qualification of Officers › Section 45-4-2. - Meetings not to interfere with elections.

§ 45-4-2. Meetings not to interfere with elections.
In towns not divided into voting districts, and in which town meetings for the election of town officers and for the transaction of town business are held on the same day as an election for the officers mentioned in § 17-18-5 is held, the town meetings shall be held and conducted so as not to interfere or conflict with the provisions of chapters 2 — 4 of title 17.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 39, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 49, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 50, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 332, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 45-4-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-4 - Election and Qualification of Officers › Section 45-4-3. - Assistant moderator to preside over town business.

§ 45-4-3. Assistant moderator to preside over town business.
Those towns mentioned in § 45-4-2 are authorized to elect an assistant moderator, who may preside at town meetings held on the same day as an election for the officers mentioned in § 17-18-5 is held, for the election of town officers and the transaction of town business, and with the power and authority in these town meetings as moderators would have.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 39, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 49, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 50, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 332, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 45-4-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-4 - Election and Qualification of Officers › Section 45-4-4. - Duplicate lists of electors.

§ 45-4-4. Duplicate lists of electors.
A duplicate list of the qualified electors in each of the towns shall be prepared for use in town meetings held under the provisions of §§ 45-4-2 and 45-4-3.All the provisions of law relative to the preparation, furnishing, and use of voting lists apply to these duplicate lists.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 39, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 49, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 50, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 332, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 45-4-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-4 - Election and Qualification of Officers › Section 45-4-5. - Certificate of election of clerk.

§ 45-4-5. Certificate of election of clerk.
The mayor of every city and the president of every town council shall, as soon as possible after the election of city or town clerk, send to the secretary of state a certificate of the election of the city or town clerk, which certificate shall be kept on file in the office of the secretary of state.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 39, § 7; G.L. 1909, ch. 49, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 50, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 332, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 45-4-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-4 - Election and Qualification of Officers › Section 45-4-6. - Determination of number of council members to be elected.

§ 45-4-6. Determination of number of council members to be elected.
Before the election of members of the town council is begun at the town meeting, the electors shall determine the number of officers to be elected, except as may otherwise be specifically prescribed by law.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 39, § 8; G.L. 1909, ch. 49, § 8; G.L. 1923, ch. 50, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 332, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 45-4-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-4 - Election and Qualification of Officers › Section 45-4-7. - Election of council members.

§ 45-4-7. Election of council members.
The members of the town council shall be chosen immediately after the election of the town clerk; and in choosing them the vote shall be taken for the whole number at the same time.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 39, § 9; G.L. 1909, ch. 49, § 9; G.L. 1923, ch. 50, § 9; G.L. 1938, ch. 332, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 45-4-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-4 - Election and Qualification of Officers › Section 45-4-9. - Failure by electors to elect officer.

§ 45-4-9. Failure by electors to elect officer.
If any town, on the day of any election for town officers, fails to elect any of the officers whom they may lawfully choose, except town clerk, town council, and town treasurer, the officers shall be elected by the town council of the town at its next meeting; provided, that town councils may postpone the election of any of the officers to some future meeting. The several towns have full power to delegate to their respective town councils the election of any of the officers whom the town may lawfully choose, except town clerk, town council, and town treasurer.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 39, § 13; G.L. 1909, ch. 49, § 13; G.L. 1923, ch. 50, § 13; G.L. 1938, ch. 332, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 45-4-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-4 - Election and Qualification of Officers › Section 45-4-10. - Election of mayors.

§ 45-4-10. Election of mayors.
Mayors of cities shall be elected by a plurality of the electors qualified to vote in the election of general officers, who shall vote for the candidates for that office.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 39, § 14; G.L. 1909, ch. 49, § 14; G.L. 1923, ch. 50, § 14; G.L. 1938, ch. 332, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 45-4-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-4 - Election and Qualification of Officers › Section 45-4-11. - Engagement of town and city officers.

§ 45-4-11. Engagement of town and city officers.
Unless some other form of engagement is specially prescribed by law, every person elected to any town or city office, whether by the town, city council, or town council, and every moderator and warden, and ward and district clerk, shall take the following engagement before he or she acts in that office, before some person authorized to administer oaths:
You (naming the person) do solemnly swear (or, affirm) that you will be true and faithful unto this state, and support the laws and Constitution thereof, and the Constitution of the United States; and that you will well and truly execute the office of (naming the office) for the term for which you have been elected, or until another be engaged in your place, or until you be legally discharged therefrom; so help you God (or this affirmation you make and give upon peril of the penalty of perjury).
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 39, § 15; G.L. 1909, ch. 49, § 15; P.L. 1914, ch. 1039, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 50, § 15; G.L. 1938, ch. 332, § 11; G.L. 1956, § 45-4-11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-4 - Election and Qualification of Officers › Section 45-4-12. - Certificate of oath delivered to officer.

§ 45-4-12. Certificate of oath delivered to officer.
The officer administering the oath shall make and deliver to the officer a certificate of the taking of the oath.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 39, § 16; G.L. 1909, ch. 49, § 16; G.L. 1923, ch. 50, § 16; G.L. 1938, ch. 332, § 12; G.L. 1956, § 45-4-12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-4 - Election and Qualification of Officers › Section 45-4-13. - Bond of tax collectors.

§ 45-4-13. Bond of tax collectors.
(a)
Every collector of taxes shall give bond, with sufficient surety, for the faithful performance of his or her trust, to the town treasurer of the town for which the collector is chosen, in any sum the town or the town council determines, not exceeding double the amount of the tax with the collection of which the collector is charged. Whenever any town elects its town treasurer as collector of taxes for the town, the bond to be given by the collector under the provisions of this section shall be given to the town, and delivered to the town council for safekeeping, and upon the happening of any breach of the condition of the bond, an action on the bond may be commenced in the name of the town to which it was given.
(b)
Any collector of taxes, for any fire district that is covered by any other bond held by the district which gives sufficient coverage and protection for his or her duties as determined by the board of commissioners of the district, is exempt from the requirements of this section.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 39, § 17; G.L. 1909, ch. 49, § 17; G.L. 1923, ch. 50, § 17; G.L. 1938, ch. 332, § 13; G.L. 1956, § 45-4-13; P.L. 1997, ch. 338, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-4 - Election and Qualification of Officers › Section 45-4-14. - Powers of successor tax collectors.

§ 45-4-14. Powers of successor tax collectors.
In case of the death, resignation, or removal of any collector of taxes, the collector who is appointed to complete the collection of taxes has the same power to collect taxes as is by law given to the collector first appointed.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 39, § 18; G.L. 1909, ch. 49, § 18; G.L. 1923, ch. 50, § 18; G.L. 1938, ch. 332, § 14; G.L. 1956, § 45-4-14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-4 - Election and Qualification of Officers › Section 45-4-15. - Tenure of town officers.

§ 45-4-15. Tenure of town officers.
All town officers shall hold their offices until the next election of town officers, and thereafter until their successors are lawfully qualified to act, except where it is expressly provided to the contrary.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 39, § 19; G.L. 1909, ch. 49, § 19; G.L. 1923, ch. 50, § 19; G.L. 1938, ch. 332, § 15; G.L. 1956, § 45-4-15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-4 - Election and Qualification of Officers › Section 45-4-16. - Filling of vacancies in office.

§ 45-4-16. Filling of vacancies in office.
(a)
Whenever a vacancy occurs in any office by death, removal out of town, resignation, or by neglect or refusal to qualify, or for any other cause, the town council may fill the office until the next town meeting for the election of officers. Whenever from any cause there are vacancies in the town council of any town, so that there are not sufficient members to form a quorum, the town clerk shall call a special town meeting in the manner provided by law for calling special town meetings, at which meeting, or at any subsequent meeting called for that purpose, vacancies shall be filled in the manner provided for the election of officers.
(b)
Whenever a vacancy occurs in the town council of the town of West Warwick, and the town council for any reason fails to fill the vacancy within thirty (30) days after the office becomes vacant, then the town clerk shall call for a special election in the manner provided by law; however, no special election shall be called where the vacancy occurs within nine (9) months of the next general election.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 39, § 20; G.L. 1909, ch. 49, § 20; P.L. 1910, ch. 640, § 40; G.L. 1923, ch. 50, § 20; G.L. 1938, ch. 332, § 16; G.L. 1956, § 45-4-16; P.L. 1986, ch. 304, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-4 - Election and Qualification of Officers › Section 45-4-17. - Special statutes controlling.

§ 45-4-17. Special statutes controlling.
The provisions of this chapter are subject to the provisions of any special statutes respecting any particular town or city, none of which are repealed by this section; provided, that no elected or appointed official or member of a board or commission, or employee of any city or town, shall be disqualified in that capacity because he or she serves as a delegate to a constitutional convention of the state, or other unpaid position with the state.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 39, § 22; G.L. 1909, ch. 49, § 22; G.L. 1923, ch. 50, § 22; G.L. 1938, ch. 332, § 18; G.L. 1956, § 45-4-17; P.L. 1966, ch. 56, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 142, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-4 - Election and Qualification of Officers › Section 45-4-18. - Application to voting machine meetings.

§ 45-4-18. Application to voting machine meetings.
The provisions of this chapter govern elective meetings held in accordance with the provisions of chapter 19 of title 17, if and so far as they are applicable and not inconsistent with the provisions of chapter 19 of title 17.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 39, § 23; G.L. 1909, ch. 49, § 23; G.L. 1923, ch. 50, § 23; G.L. 1938, ch. 332, § 19; G.L. 1956, § 45-4-18.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-4 - Election and Qualification of Officers › Section 45-4-19. - Combination of voting districts for special city council election in the city of Pawtucket.

§ 45-4-19. Combination of voting districts for special city council election in the city of Pawtucket.
(a)
Notwithstanding any provision of the general or public laws to the contrary, the Pawtucket board of canvassers shall combine councilmatic voting districts for a special primary election and special election in 2018 to fill a vacancy on the Pawtucket city council. The districts shall be combined so that there shall be at least one voting district in each of the six (6) council wards in the city.
(b)
Once the voting districts are combined as provided in subsection (a), the local board must advertise the combination of districts in a newspaper of general circulation in the city no less than seven (7) days before the special primary election and again no less than seven (7) days prior to the special election.
History of Section.
P.L. 2018, ch. 1, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 3, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-4 - Election and Qualification of Officers › Section 45-4-20. - Combination of voting districts for 2019 special town council election in the town of Barrington.

§ 45-4-20. Combination of voting districts for 2019 special town council election in the town of Barrington.
(a)
Notwithstanding any provision of the general or public laws to the contrary and solely for purposes of a 2019 special town council election, only the Barrington board of canvassers shall combine all town council districts into one voting district.
(b)
Once the voting districts are combined, as provided in subsection (a), the local board shall advertise this one-time-only combination of districts, in a newspaper of general circulation in the town, no less than seven (7) days prior to the special election.
History of Section.
P.L. 2019, ch. 1, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 2, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-4 - Election and Qualification of Officers › Section 45-4-21. - Combination of voting precincts for special school committee election in the town of Coventry.

§ 45-4-21. Combination of voting precincts for special school committee election in the town of Coventry.
(a)
Notwithstanding any provision of the general or public laws to the contrary, the Coventry board of canvassers shall combine school committee voting precincts for a special election in 2019 to fill a vacancy on the Coventry School Committee. The precincts shall be combined so that there shall be two (2) voting precincts. Voting shall take place at Summit Baptist Church and Maple Root Baptist Church.
(b)
Once the voting precincts are combined as provided in subsection (a), the local board shall advertise the combination precincts in a newspaper of general circulation in the town no less than seven (7) days prior to the special election.
History of Section.
P.L. 2019, ch. 5, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 6, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-5 - Councils and Governing Bodies › Section 45-5-1. - Management of affairs of town.

§ 45-5-1. Management of affairs of town.
The town council of each town has full power to manage the affairs and interests of the town, and to determine all matters and things as by law come within its jurisdiction.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 40, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 50, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 51, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 333, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 45-5-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-5 - Councils and Governing Bodies › Section 45-5-2. - Probate meetings.

§ 45-5-2. Probate meetings.
Town councils in towns where the council has probate jurisdiction shall hold regular meetings for the transaction of council and probate business as often as once in each month, at a time in the month and at a place within the town that the council shall by general order fix and determine.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 40, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 50, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 51, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 333, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 45-5-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-5 - Councils and Governing Bodies › Section 45-5-3. - Quorum — Majority required for action.

§ 45-5-3. Quorum — Majority required for action.
A majority of the persons elected as members of any town council shall be a quorum and a majority of the members present at any legal meeting may determine any matter legally before them.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 40, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 50, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 51, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 333, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 45-5-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-5 - Councils and Governing Bodies › Section 45-5-4. - Continuation of business from time to time.

§ 45-5-4. Continuation of business from time to time.
Town councils sitting either for the transaction of council or probate business may continue from time to time any business pending before them which may be undisposed of and, whenever from any cause a quorum of the council is not present at the time for any regular meeting of the council, the council clerk shall continue all business and proceedings returnable to or pending before the council to the next regular meeting of the council. All parties in interest notified or cited to appear before the council shall be held to appear before the council at the time during which the proceedings or business may be continued, in the same way and with the same effect in all respects as they were held to appear at the meeting from which the business or proceedings were continued.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 40, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 50, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 51, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 333, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 45-5-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-5 - Councils and Governing Bodies › Section 45-5-5. - Clerk of council.

§ 45-5-5. Clerk of council.
The town clerk is clerk of the town council. Whenever any town clerk does not appear at the time and place appointed for the meeting of the town council, the town council may appoint a clerk pro tempore, who, after being duly engaged, shall do and perform all the duties enjoined by law on the town clerk as clerk of the town council.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 40, § 10; G.L. 1909, ch. 50, § 10; G.L. 1923, ch. 51, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 333, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 45-5-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-5 - Councils and Governing Bodies › Section 45-5-6. - Filling of vacancies in office.

§ 45-5-6. Filling of vacancies in office.
In case of vacancy in the office of any officer whom a town or town council is authorized to elect, the town council may elect a suitable person to fill the vacancy.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 40, § 9; G.L. 1909, ch. 50, § 9; G.L. 1923, ch. 51, § 9; G.L. 1938, ch. 333, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 45-5-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-5 - Councils and Governing Bodies › Section 45-5-7. - Town clerk pro tempore.

§ 45-5-7. Town clerk pro tempore.
Whenever it satisfactorily appears to the town council that the town clerk is disqualified, from any cause whatsoever, to exercise and perform the several duties of his or her office, it may and shall appoint a town clerk pro tempore, who is qualified as provided in this chapter, and is authorized to perform all the duties of town clerk, until the disability of the town clerk is, in the opinion of the town council, removed, or until a town clerk is legally elected by the town.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 40, § 11; G.L. 1909, ch. 50, § 11; G.L. 1923, ch. 51, § 11; G.L. 1938, ch. 333, § 11; G.L. 1956, § 45-5-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-5 - Councils and Governing Bodies › Section 45-5-8. - Suspension or removal of surveyor of highways.

§ 45-5-8. Suspension or removal of surveyor of highways.
In case of the incapacity of any surveyor of highways, or of any tyrannical and unwarrantable exercise by the surveyor of the powers of his or her office, the town council may, after giving the surveyor notice that the council deems reasonable, either suspend or altogether remove the surveyor from his or her office and appoint another in his or her place.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 40, § 12; G.L. 1909, ch. 50, § 12; G.L. 1923, ch. 51, § 12; G.L. 1938, ch. 333, § 12; G.L. 1956, § 45-5-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-5 - Councils and Governing Bodies › Section 45-5-9. - Election of town auditors.

§ 45-5-9. Election of town auditors.
In addition to the other officers that the town council of any town is authorized to elect, the town council of any town may elect one or more town auditors, prescribe their duties by ordinance, and fix their compensation.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 40, § 42; P.L. 1909, ch. 402, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 51, § 45; G.L. 1938, ch. 333, § 48; G.L. 1956, § 45-5-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-5 - Councils and Governing Bodies › Section 45-5-10. - Fees for licenses and commissions issued to officers.

§ 45-5-10. Fees for licenses and commissions issued to officers.
Town councils and city councils are authorized to charge and collect for licenses and commissions issued to officers elected or appointed by them, fees that the town and city councils, respectively, fix by ordinance or resolution; provided, that the license fee for appointment of town constable with power to serve civil process in accordance with § 9-5-10.1 is not less than five dollars ($5.00) and not more than twenty-five dollars ($25.00).
History of Section.
P.L. 1897, ch. 474, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 50, § 36; P.L. 1916, ch. 1360, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 51, § 39; G.L. 1938, ch. 333, § 39; G.L. 1956, § 45-5-10; P.L. 2015, ch. 260, § 38; P.L. 2015, ch. 275, § 38.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-5 - Councils and Governing Bodies › Section 45-5-11. - Burial lands and funds.

§ 45-5-11. Burial lands and funds.
(a)
Town councils may take and hold, to them and their successors in office, all lands within their towns, conveyed to them in trust for burial purposes and, in like manner, may receive, hold, and manage all funds conveyed to them for the purpose of ornamenting or keeping in repair these burial lots within their towns, and execute the trusts in accordance with the terms contained in the instruments of conveyance. Funds received, or already received, may be placed in a general burial lot fund and this fund may be invested in securities which are legal for investment of funds of savings banks in this state. The earnings of this fund shall be apportioned to the various individual trusts in the proportion each trust, including any undisbursed earnings, bears in relation to the total of the general burial lot fund. Funds received or already received for the purpose of ornamenting or keeping in repair burial lots in town-owned cemeteries may be placed in a general burial lot fund, and this fund may be invested in securities which are legal for investment of funds of savings banks in this state. The earnings of this fund shall be apportioned to the individual trusts in the proportion that the principal of each trust bears in relation to the total principal in the general burial lot fund.
(b)
Effective July 1, 1976, the town of Bristol shall not apportion the earned income of the fund, and it shall be used for maintenance of the entire burial ground.
(c)
Effective July 1, 1979, the towns of Tiverton and Richmond shall not apportion the earned income of their respective funds, and it shall be used for maintenance of their entire burial grounds.
(d)
Effective July 1, 2013, the town of Middletown shall not apportion the earned income of the fund, and it shall be used for maintenance of the entire burial ground.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 40, § 35; G.L. 1909, ch. 50, § 37; G.L. 1923, ch. 51, § 40; G.L. 1938, ch. 333, § 40; P.L. 1945, ch. 1662, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 45-5-11; P.L. 1976, ch. 13, § 1; P.L. 1979, ch. 34, § 1; P.L. 1979, ch. 114, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 261, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 363, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-5 - Councils and Governing Bodies › Section 45-5-12. - Neglected burial grounds.

§ 45-5-12. Neglected burial grounds.
(a)
Town councils may also take possession of and hold ancient, neglected, or abandoned burial grounds including historic cemeteries as defined in § 23-18-1(5), whenever they can take possession without opposition from the persons interested in those grounds. The councils may take, hold, and manage in trust all funds given to the councils to keep these grounds in repair or for ornamenting or improving these grounds, and may in their discretion appropriate from the treasury of their towns money for the purpose of keeping in repair, preserving the monuments in, and maintaining any neglected burial ground.
(b)
Any person interested in caring for burial ground described in subsection (a) which has not been maintained and the owner of which is unknown or whose present address is unknown, may petition the town council for permission to clean up and maintain that burial ground at the person’s own expense. Upon approval of this petition on any conditions the council may deem appropriate, the council shall cause an advertisement to be placed in a local newspaper providing notice that the burial ground is to be entered and cleaned up and thereafter maintained, and notifying persons with a property interest in this burial ground who have objections to come forward by a date certain.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 40, § 36; G.L. 1909, ch. 50, § 38; G.L. 1923, ch. 51, § 41; G.L. 1938, ch. 333, § 41; G.L. 1956, § 45-5-12; P.L. 1995, ch. 338, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-5 - Councils and Governing Bodies › Section 45-5-13. - Administration of oaths and engagements.

§ 45-5-13. Administration of oaths and engagements.
The town council of any town, and each of the members of the town council, may administer oaths in any matter pending before the council, and may engage town officers upon their warrants or commissions, and a record shall be made, or a certificate given, of these engagements.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 40, § 38; G.L. 1909, ch. 50, § 40; G.L. 1923, ch. 51, § 43; G.L. 1938, ch. 333, § 43; G.L. 1956, § 45-5-13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-5 - Councils and Governing Bodies › Section 45-5-14. - Subpoena of witnesses.

§ 45-5-14. Subpoena of witnesses.
Every town council, city council, school committee, or any committee of any of these bodies, may, by their presiding officers, issue subpoenas to witnesses to testify in any manner pending before them, may administer oaths to these witnesses, may compel their attendance, and may punish them for nonattendance by a fine not exceeding twenty dollars ($20.00).
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 360; G.L. 1909, ch. 292, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 342, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 537, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 45-5-14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-5 - Councils and Governing Bodies › Section 45-5-15. - Bonds given to council.

§ 45-5-15. Bonds given to council.
In every case where bonds are required by law to be given to any town council, they may be given to the town council by name, without naming the persons at the time constituting the town council, and may be sued in the same manner.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 40, § 39; G.L. 1909, ch. 50, § 41; G.L. 1923, ch. 51, § 44; G.L. 1938, ch. 333, § 47; G.L. 1956, § 45-5-15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-5 - Councils and Governing Bodies › Section 45-5-16. - Appeals from orders and decrees.

§ 45-5-16. Appeals from orders and decrees.
Any person aggrieved by any order or decree of a town council may appeal to the superior court for the county in which the town is located, within forty (40) days after the order or decree is made, unless another provision is made.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 40, § 40; C.P.A. 1905, § 1097; G.L. 1909, ch. 50, § 42; G.L. 1923, ch. 51, § 46; G.L. 1938, ch. 333, § 49; G.L. 1956, § 45-5-16.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-5 - Councils and Governing Bodies › Section 45-5-17. - Claim and prosecution of appeals.

§ 45-5-17. Claim and prosecution of appeals.
The appeal shall be claimed within forty (40) days by the filing with the town or city clerk of a written claim of appeal and the payment to the clerk at that time of the lawful fees for a copy of the record of the proceeding appealed from. Within fifty (50) days from the date of the determination appealed from the appellant shall file a copy of the record of the proceeding appealed from, together with a specific statement of the appellant’s reasons of appeal, in the clerk’s office of the superior court for the county, to which reasons the appellant shall be restricted, unless for cause shown, and with or without terms, the superior court allows amendments of the appeal and additions to it. Notice of the appeal shall be given in the same manner, and the assignment day of the appeal shall be the same, as is provided for probate appeals, and any justice of the superior court may, with or without terms, extend the time for filing a copy of the record and for making service or further service of the notice of the appeal.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 40, § 41; C.P.A. 1905, § 1097; G.L. 1909, ch. 50, § 43; G.L. 1923, ch. 51, § 47; G.L. 1938, ch. 333, § 50; G.L. 1956, § 45-5-17.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-5 - Councils and Governing Bodies › Section 45-5-18. - Special charters controlling.

§ 45-5-18. Special charters controlling.
The provisions of the sections of this chapter and chapter 6 of this title are subject to the provisions of any special charters respecting any particular town or city.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 333, § 51; G.L. 1956, § 45-5-18.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-5 - Councils and Governing Bodies › Section 45-5-19. - Appointment of municipal officer under home rule charter.

§ 45-5-19. Appointment of municipal officer under home rule charter.
Notwithstanding any provision of the general or public laws providing for the appointment of a municipal officer by the mayor of a city or the president of a town council, if the home rule charter of any city or town adopted pursuant to article XIII of the Constitution of Rhode Island provides that an appointment of this officer shall be by the city or town council, then the officer’s appointment shall be made by the council.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 45-5-19; P.L. 1964, ch. 230, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 84, § 100.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-5 - Councils and Governing Bodies › Section 45-5-20. - Power of city and town councils to establish intermunicipal agreements for joint purchasing of common-use items.

§ 45-5-20. Power of city and town councils to establish intermunicipal agreements for joint purchasing of common-use items.
City and town councils may establish joint agreements between two (2) or more municipalities for the purpose of purchasing materials, supplies, tools, and other items common in usage between units of local government. City or town councils may, jointly or independently, seek the services of the division of purchases, department of administration, in procuring items necessary to the operation of the city or town which it governs and which items are common in usage to those procured by the state, and the division of purchasers shall, upon request, by a city or town council, furnish lists of supplies and equipment to city or town purchasing agents.
History of Section.
P.L. 1970, ch. 51, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 186, § 1.