reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-38. - City of East Providence — Municipal court.

§ 45-2-38. City of East Providence — Municipal court.
(a)
The city council of the city of East Providence may establish a municipal court and confer upon that court original jurisdiction, not withstanding any other provisions of the general laws, to hear and determine causes involving the violation of any ordinance, including minimum housing ordinances of the city and any violation of the provisions of chapter 24.3 of this title entitled, “The Rhode Island Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Code”; provided, however, that any defendant found guilty of any offense, excluding violations of the minimum housing ordinances or chapter 24.3 may, within seven (7) days of conviction, file an appeal from the conviction to the superior court and be entitled in the latter court to a trial de novo; and provided further, however, that any defendant found guilty of any violation of a minimum housing ordinance or of chapter 24.3, may within seven (7) days of conviction, file an appeal from the conviction to the sixth division of the district court and be entitled to a trial de novo in accordance with §§ 8-8-3(a)(4) and 8-8-3.2.
(b)
With respect to violations of either municipal ordinances dealing with minimum housing or chapter 24.3 et seq., of this title dealing with housing maintenance and occupancy, the city council may also confer upon the municipal court, in furtherance of the court’s jurisdiction, the power to proceed according to equity:
(1)
To restrain, prevent, enjoin, abate, or correct a violation;
(2)
To order the repair, vacation, or demolition of any dwelling, existing in violation; or
(3)
To otherwise compel compliance with all of the provisions of those ordinances and statutes.
(c)
The city council of the city of East Providence is authorized and empowered to appoint a judge and clerk of the municipal court. The city council of the city is authorized and empowered to enact ordinances governing the personnel, operation, and procedure to be followed in the court and to establish a schedule of fees and costs and to otherwise provide for the operation and management of the court. The municipal court may impose a sentence not to exceed thirty (30) days in jail and impose a fine not in excess of five hundred dollars ($500), or both. The court is empowered to administer oaths, compel the attendance of witnesses, and punish persons for contempt, and to execute search warrants to the extent the warrants could be executed by a judge of the district court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1993, ch. 192, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-39. - Care and repair of stone walls.

§ 45-2-39. Care and repair of stone walls.
The town or city council of each municipality and the state of Rhode Island shall by ordinance or by administrative order direct that their appropriate departments and employees exercise due care and caution while performing tasks of brush removal and cleaning in areas of stone walls and boundaries and require that any damage that they cause in the process of brush removal or cleaning be repaired immediately.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 81, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-39.1. - Theft of historic stone walls.

§ 45-2-39.1. Theft of historic stone walls.
(a)
For the purposes of this chapter, an historic stone wall shall be defined as “a vertical structure of aligned natural stone, originally constructed in the 17th, 18th, 19th or 20th centuries, to designate a property boundary between farmsteads or to segregate agricultural activities with a single farmstead or to designate property lines.” This definition shall include new stone walls which closely approximate the appearance of adjoining stone walls with respect to coursing, stone type, joint width, construction and distribution of stones by size.
(b)
Anyone convicted of the theft of an historic stone wall, pursuant to § 11-41-1, or portions of an historic stone wall, or convicted of attempt to commit that larceny, shall be civilly liable to the property owner for the cost of replacing the stones and any other compensable damages related to that larceny.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 251, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-41. - Residency requirements — Generally.

§ 45-2-41. Residency requirements — Generally.
Whenever a husband and wife are employed by different cities and towns, both with residency requirements related to their employment, they may elect to reside in the city or town in which either of them is employed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 146, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-42. - Town of East Greenwich — Smoking prohibited in municipal buildings.

§ 45-2-42. Town of East Greenwich — Smoking prohibited in municipal buildings.
(a)
Smoking tobacco in any form is a public nuisance and dangerous to public health and is not permitted in any municipal building within the town of East Greenwich.
(b)
“Municipal building” means any publicly owned building and offices. Smoking is prohibited in all indoor places or portions of those places owned, leased or rented by the town of East Greenwich or by agencies supported by appropriation of the town’s municipal taxes.
(c)
The town council of East Greenwich is authorized to adopt rules and regulations necessary for the implementation and enforcement of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 282, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 361, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-43. - Right of way tree planting.

§ 45-2-43. Right of way tree planting.
Cities and towns may appropriate resources to be used under the direction of the tree warden in planting shade trees upon land adjoining public right of ways, at a distance not exceeding twenty (20) feet from the public ways, that will function as public trees by improving, protecting, shading or beautifying the right of way; provided, that the written consent of the owner of the adjoining land is first obtained.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 228, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-44. - Town of Cumberland — Municipal court.

§ 45-2-44. Town of Cumberland — Municipal court.
(a)
The town council of the town of Cumberland may establish a municipal court and confer upon that court original jurisdiction, not withstanding any other provisions of the general laws, to hear and determine causes involving the violation of any ordinance, including minimum housing ordinances of the town and any violation of the provisions of chapter 24.3 of this title, entitled the Rhode Island Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Code; provided, however, that any defendant found guilty of any offense, excluding violations of the minimum housing ordinances or chapter 24.3 of this title may, within seven (7) days of conviction, file an appeal from the conviction to the superior court and be entitled in the latter court to a trial de novo; and provided further, however, that any defendant found guilty of any violation of a minimum housing ordinance or of chapter 24.3 of this title, may within seven (7) days of conviction, file an appeal from the conviction to the sixth division of the district court and be entitled to a trial de novo in accordance with §§ 8-8-3(a)(4) and 8-8-3.2.
(b)
With respect to violations of either municipal ordinances dealing with minimum housing or chapter 24.3 et seq., of this title dealing with housing maintenance and occupancy, the town council may also confer upon the municipal court, in furtherance of the court’s jurisdiction, the power to proceed according to equity:
(1)
To restrain, prevent, enjoin, abate, or correct a violation;
(2)
To order the repair, vacation, or demolition of any dwelling, existing in violation; or
(3)
To otherwise compel compliance with all of the provisions of those ordinances and statutes.
(c)
The town council of the town of Cumberland is authorized and empowered to appoint a judge and clerk of the municipal court. The town council of the city is authorized and empowered to enact ordinances governing the personnel, operation, and procedure to be followed in the court and to establish a schedule of fees and costs and to otherwise provide for the operation and management of the court. The municipal court may impose a sentence not to exceed thirty (30) days in jail and impose a fine not in excess of five hundred dollars ($500), or both. The court is empowered to administer oaths, compel the attendance of witnesses, and punish persons for contempt, and to execute search warrants to the extent the warrants could be executed by a judge of the district court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1997, ch. 270, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-45. - Town of Bristol — Municipal court.

§ 45-2-45. Town of Bristol — Municipal court.
(a)
The town council of the town of Bristol may establish a municipal court and confer upon that court original jurisdiction, notwithstanding any other provisions of the general laws, to hear and determine causes involving the violation of any ordinance, including minimum housing ordinances of the town and any violation of the provisions of chapter 24.3 of this title, entitled the Rhode Island Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Code; provided, however, that any defendant found guilty of any offense, excluding violations of the minimum housing ordinances or chapter 24.3 of this title may, within seven (7) days of conviction, file an appeal from the conviction to the superior court and be entitled in the latter court to a trial de novo; and provided further, however, that any defendant found guilty of any violation of a minimum housing ordinance or of chapter 24.3 of this title, may within seven (7) days of conviction, file an appeal from the conviction to the sixth division of the district court and be entitled to a trial de novo in accordance with §§ 8-8-3(a)(4) and 8-8-3.2.
(b)
With respect to violations of either municipal ordinances dealing with minimum housing or chapter 24.3 et seq. of this title dealing with housing maintenance and occupancy, the town council may also confer upon the municipal court, in furtherance of the court’s jurisdiction, the power to proceed according to equity:
(1)
To restrain, prevent, enjoin, abate, or correct a violation;
(2)
To order the repair, vacation, or demolition of any dwelling, existing in violation; or
(3)
To otherwise compel compliance with all of the provisions of those ordinances and statutes.
(c)
The town council of the town of Bristol is authorized and empowered to appoint a judge and clerk of the municipal court. The town council of the town is authorized and empowered to enact ordinances governing the personnel, operation, and procedure to be followed in the court and to establish a schedule of fees and costs and to otherwise provide for the operation and management of the court. The municipal court may impose a sentence not to exceed thirty (30) days in jail and impose a fine not in excess of five hundred dollars ($500), or both. The court is empowered to administer oaths, compel the attendance of witnesses, and punish persons for contempt, and to execute search warrants to the extent the warrants could be executed by a judge of the district court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1998, ch. 143, § 1; P.L. 1998, ch. 168, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-46. - Towns of Burrillville and North Smithfield — Municipal court.

§ 45-2-46. Towns of Burrillville and North Smithfield — Municipal court.
(a)
The town councils of the towns of Burrillville and North Smithfield may establish a regional municipal court and confer upon that court original jurisdiction, notwithstanding any other provisions of the general laws, to hear and determine causes involving the violation of any ordinance, including minimum housing ordinances of either town and any violation of the provisions of chapter 24.3 of this title, entitled the Rhode Island Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Code; provided, however, that any defendant found guilty of any offense, excluding violations of the minimum housing ordinances or chapter 24.3 of this title may, within seven (7) days of conviction, file an appeal from the conviction to the superior court and be entitled in the latter court to a trial de novo; and provided further, however, that any defendant found guilty of any violation of a minimum housing ordinance or of chapter 24.3 of this title, may within seven (7) days of conviction, file an appeal from the conviction to the sixth division of the district court and be entitled to a trial de novo in accordance with §§ 8-8-3(a)(4) and 8-8-3.2.
(b)
With respect to violations of either municipal ordinances dealing with minimum housing or chapter 24.3 et seq. of this title dealing with housing maintenance and occupancy, the town councils may also confer upon the municipal court, in furtherance of the court’s jurisdiction, the power to proceed according to equity:
(1)
To restrain, prevent, enjoin, abate, or correct a violation;
(2)
To order the repair, vacation, or demolition of any dwelling, existing in violation; or
(3)
To otherwise compel compliance with all of the provisions of those ordinances and statutes.
(c)
The town councils of the towns of Burrillville and North Smithfield are authorized and empowered to appoint a judge and clerk of the municipal court. The town councils are authorized and empowered to enact ordinances governing the personnel, operation, and procedure to be followed in the court and to establish a schedule of fees and costs and to otherwise provide for the operation and management of the court. The municipal court may impose a fine not in excess of five hundred dollars ($500). The court is empowered to administer oaths, compel the attendance of witnesses, and punish persons for contempt, and to execute search warrants to the extent the warrants could be executed by a judge of the district court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1998, ch. 165, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-48. - Town of East Greenwich — Municipal court.

§ 45-2-48. Town of East Greenwich — Municipal court.
(a)
The town council of the town of East Greenwich may establish a municipal court and confer upon that court original jurisdiction, notwithstanding any other provisions of the general laws, to hear and determine causes involving the violation of any ordinance, including minimum housing ordinances of the town and any violation of the provisions of chapter 24.3 of this title, entitled the “Rhode Island Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Code”; provided, however, that any defendant found guilty of any offense, excluding violations of the minimum housing ordinances or chapter 24.3 of this title may, within seven (7) days of conviction, file an appeal from the conviction to the Kent County superior court and be entitled in the latter court to a trial de novo; and provided, further, however, that any defendant found guilty of any violation of a minimum housing ordinance or of chapter 24.3 of this title, may within seven (7) days of conviction, file an appeal from the conviction to the sixth division of the district court and be entitled to a trial de novo in accordance with §§ 8-8-3(a)(4) and 8-8-3.2.
(b)
With respect to violations of either municipal ordinances dealing with minimum housing or chapter 24.3 et seq. of this title dealing with housing maintenance and occupancy, the town council may also confer upon the municipal court, in furtherance of the court’s jurisdiction, the power to proceed according to equity:
(1)
To restrain, prevent, enjoin, abate, or correct a violation;
(2)
To order the repair, vacation, or demolition of any dwelling, existing in violation; or
(3)
To otherwise compel compliance with all of the provisions of those ordinances and statutes.
(c)
The town council of the town of East Greenwich is authorized and empowered to appoint a judge and clerk of the municipal court. The East Greenwich town council of the town is authorized and empowered to enact ordinances governing the personnel, operation, and procedure to be followed in the court and to establish a schedule of fees and costs and to otherwise provide for the operation and management of the court. The municipal court may impose a fine not in excess of five hundred dollars ($500). The court is empowered to administer oaths, compel the attendance of witnesses, and punish persons for contempt.
History of Section.
P.L. 1998, ch. 171, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-49. - Town of Burrillville — Municipal court.

§ 45-2-49. Town of Burrillville — Municipal court.
(a)
The town council of the town of Burrillville may establish a municipal court and confer upon that court original jurisdiction, notwithstanding any other provisions of the general laws, to hear and determine causes involving violation of any ordinance, including minimum housing ordinances of the town and any violation of the provisions of chapter 24.3 of this title, entitled the “Rhode Island Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Code”; provided, however, that any defendant found guilty of any offense, excluding violations of the minimum housing ordinances or chapter 24.3 of this title, may within seven (7) days of conviction, file an appeal from the conviction to the superior court and be entitled in the latter court to a trial novo; and provided, further, however, that any defendant found guilty of any violation of a minimum housing ordinance or in chapter 24.3 of this title, may within seven (7) days of conviction, file an appeal from the conviction to the sixth division of the district court and be entitled to a trial de novo in accordance with §§ 8-8-3(a)(4) and 8-8-3.2.
(b)
With respect to violations of either municipal ordinances dealing with minimum housing or chapter 24.3 et seq. of this title dealing with housing maintenance and occupancy, the town council may also confer upon the municipal court, in furtherance of the jurisdiction conferred by this section, the power to proceed according to equity:
(1)
To restrain, prevent, enjoin, abate, or correct a violation;
(2)
To order the repair, vacation, or demolition of any dwelling, existing in violation; or
(3)
To compel compliance with all of the provisions of those ordinances and statutes.
(c)
The town council of the town of Burrillville is authorized and empowered to appoint a judge and clerk of the municipal court. The town council of the town is authorized and empowered to enact ordinances governing the personnel, operation, and procedure to be followed in the court and to establish a schedule of fees and costs and to provide for the operation and management of the court. The municipal court may impose a fine not in excess of five hundred dollars ($500). The court is empowered to administer oaths, compel the attendance of witnesses, and punish persons for contempt.
History of Section.
P.L. 1999, ch. 399, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-50. - Town of Exeter — Municipal court.

§ 45-2-50. Town of Exeter — Municipal court.
(a)
The town council of the town of Exeter may establish a municipal court and confer upon that court original jurisdiction, notwithstanding any other provisions of the general laws, to hear and determine causes involving the violation of any ordinance, including, but not limited to, municipal code violations, animal regulation violations, traffic and parking violations, minimum housing ordinances of the town and any violation of the provisions of chapter 24.3 of this title, entitled the “Rhode Island Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Code”; provided, however, that any defendant found guilty of any offense, excluding violations of the minimum housing ordinances or chapter 24.3 of this title within the jurisdiction of the court, may within seven (7) days of the conviction, file an appeal from the conviction to the superior court and be entitled in the latter court to a trial de novo; and provided further, however, that any defendant found guilty of any violation of a minimum housing ordinance or of chapter 24.3 of this title, may within seven (7) days of conviction, file an appeal from the conviction to the fourth division of the district court and be entitled to a trial de novo in accordance with §§ 8-8-3(a)(4) and 8-8-3.2.
(b)
With respect to violations of either municipal ordinances dealing with minimum housing or chapter 24.3 et seq., of this title dealing with housing maintenance and occupancy, the town council may also confer upon the municipal court, in furtherance of the court’s jurisdiction, the power to proceed according to equity:
(1)
To restrain, prevent, enjoin, abate, or correct a violation;
(2)
To order the repair, vacation, or demolition of any dwelling existing in violation; or
(3)
To otherwise compel compliance with all of the provisions of those ordinances and statutes.
(c)
The town council of the town of Exeter is authorized and empowered to appoint a judge of the municipal court. The judge shall serve for a term of two (2) years, or concurrent with the term of each appointing council. The town council of the town is authorized and empowered to enact ordinances governing the personnel, operation, and procedure to be followed in the court and to establish a schedule of fees and costs, and to otherwise provide for the operation and management of the court. The municipal court may impose sentences not to exceed thirty (30) days in jail and impose fines not in excess of five hundred dollars ($500), or both. The court is empowered to administer oaths, compel the attendance of witnesses, and punish persons for contempt, and to authorize and execute search warrants to the extent the warrants could be authorized and executed by a justice of the district court.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 111, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 115, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 475, § 27.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-51. - [Repealed.]

§ 45-2-51. [Repealed.]
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 433, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 119, § 2; Repealed by P.L. 2018, ch. 305, § 1, effective July 5, 2018; P.L. 2018, ch. 324, § 1, effective July 5, 2018.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-52. - Town of Jamestown — Municipal Court.

§ 45-2-52. Town of Jamestown — Municipal Court.
(a)
The town council of the town of Jamestown may establish a municipal court and confer upon that court original jurisdiction, notwithstanding any other provisions of the general laws, to hear and determine causes involving the violation of any ordinance, including, but not limited to, municipal code violations, animal regulation violations, minimum housing ordinances of the town and any violation of the provisions of chapter 24.3 of this title, entitled the Rhode Island Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Code; and, if but only if, jurisdiction is specifically conferred by a vote of the town council, traffic and parking violations; provided, however, that any defendant found guilty of any offense, excluding violations of the minimum housing ordinances or chapter 24.3 within the jurisdiction of the court, may within seven (7) days of the conviction, file an appeal from the conviction to the superior court and be entitled in the latter court to a trial de novo; and provided further, however, that any defendant found guilty of any violation of a minimum housing ordinance or of chapter 24.3, may within seven (7) days of conviction, file an appeal from the conviction to the second division of the district court and be entitled to a trial de novo in accordance with §§ 8-8-3(a)(4) and 8-8-3.2.
(b)
With respect to violations of either municipal ordinances dealing with minimum housing or chapter 24.3 et seq., of this title dealing with housing maintenance and occupancy, the town council may also confer upon the municipal court, in furtherance of the court’s jurisdiction, the power to proceed according to equity:
(1)
To restrain, prevent, enjoin, abate, or correct a violation;
(2)
To order the repair, vacation, or demolition of any dwelling existing in violation; or
(3)
To otherwise compel compliance with all of the provisions of those ordinances and statutes.
(c)
The town council of the town of Jamestown is authorized and empowered to appoint a judge of the municipal court. The judge shall serve for a term of two (2) years, or concurrent with the term of each appointing council. The town council of the town is authorized and empowered to enact ordinances governing the personnel, operation, and procedure to be followed in the court and to establish a schedule of fees and costs, and to otherwise provide for the operation and management of the court. The municipal court may impose sentences not to exceed thirty (30) days in jail and impose fines not in excess of five hundred dollars ($500), or both. The court is empowered to administer oaths, compel the attendance of witnesses, and punish persons for contempt, and to authorize and execute search warrants to the extent the warrants could be authorized and executed by a justice of the district court.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 90, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 159, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-53. - Town of North Kingstown — Fence viewer.

§ 45-2-53. Town of North Kingstown — Fence viewer.
The town of North Kingstown is authorized not to elect or appoint a fence viewer.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 117, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-54. - Regulation of excavating.

§ 45-2-54. Regulation of excavating.
(a)
The town of Middletown is hereby authorized to impose upon any excavation activity within the town, including all such activity on rights of way but excluding such activity on private land such permit requirements and regulations as are necessary to ensure proper review of the excavation plans by town authorities and to require such excavation to be conducted with minimum disturbance to surrounding land.
(b)
The town of Middletown is further authorized to require excavation activity permits including completion bonds or insurance, if necessary, to guarantee the return of an excavated area to the conditions stipulated in the permit process.
(c)
Subsections (a) and (b) of this section shall not apply to any department, division or agency of the state of Rhode Island.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 220, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 358, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-55. - Town of North Kingstown — Municipal Court.

§ 45-2-55. Town of North Kingstown — Municipal Court.
(a)
The town council of the town of North Kingstown may establish a municipal court and confer upon that court original jurisdiction, notwithstanding any other provisions of the general laws, to hear and determine causes involving the violation of any ordinance, including, but not limited to, municipal code violations, animal regulation violations, minimum housing ordinances of the town, any violation of the provisions of chapter 24.3 of this title, entitled the “Rhode Island Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Code” and, if, but only if, jurisdiction is specifically conferred by a vote of the town council, traffic and parking violations; provided, however, that any defendant found guilty of any offense, excluding violations of the minimum housing ordinances or chapter 24.3 within the jurisdiction of the court, may within seven (7) days of the conviction, file an appeal from the conviction to the superior court and be entitled in the latter court to a trial de novo; and provided, further, however, that any defendant found guilty of any violation of a minimum housing ordinance or of chapter 24.3 of this title may, within seven (7) days of conviction, file an appeal from the conviction to the second division of the district court and be entitled to a trial de novo in accordance with subdivision 8-8-3(a)(4) and § 8-8-3.2.
(b)
With respect to violations of either municipal ordinances dealing with minimum housing or chapter 24.3 et seq., of this title dealing with housing maintenance and occupancy, the town council may also confer upon the municipal court, in furtherance of the court’s jurisdiction, the power to proceed according to equity:
(1)
To restrain, prevent, enjoin, abate, or correct a violation;
(2)
To order the repair, vacation, or demolition of any dwelling existing in violation; or
(3)
To otherwise compel compliance with all of the provisions of those ordinances and statutes.
(c)
The town council of the town of North Kingstown is authorized and empowered to appoint a judge of the municipal court. The judge shall serve for a term of two (2) years, or concurrent with the term of each appointing council. The town council of the town is authorized and empowered to enact ordinances governing the personnel, operation, and procedure to be followed in the court and to establish a schedule of fees and costs, and to otherwise provide for the operation and management of the court. The municipal court may impose sentences not to exceed thirty (30) days in jail and impose fines not in excess of five hundred dollars ($500), or both. The court is empowered to administer oaths, compel the attendance of witnesses, and punish persons for contempt, and to authorize and execute search warrants to the extent the warrants could be authorized and executed by a justice of the district court.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 341, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 482, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-56. - Town of Hopkinton — Municipal Court.

§ 45-2-56. Town of Hopkinton — Municipal Court.
(a)
The town council of the town of Hopkinton may establish a municipal court and confer upon that court original jurisdiction, notwithstanding any other provisions of the general laws, to hear and determine causes involving the violation of any ordinance, including, but not limited to, municipal code violations, animal regulation violations, minimum housing ordinances of the town and any violation of the provisions of chapter 24.3 of this title, entitled the Rhode Island Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Code; and, if but only if, jurisdiction is specifically conferred by a vote of the town council, traffic and parking violations; provided, however, that any defendant found guilty of any offense, excluding violations of the minimum housing ordinances or chapter 24.3 within the jurisdiction of the court, may within seven (7) days of the conviction, file an appeal from the conviction to the superior court and be entitled in the latter court to a trial de novo; and provided further, however, that any defendant found guilty of any violation of a minimum housing ordinance or of chapter 24.3, may within seven (7) days of conviction, file an appeal from the conviction to the fourth division of the district court and be entitled to a trial de novo in accordance with subdivision 8-8-3(a)(4) and § 8-8-3.2.
(b)
With respect to violations of either municipal ordinances dealing with minimum housing or chapter 24.3 et seq., of this title dealing with housing maintenance and occupancy, the town council may also confer upon the municipal court, in furtherance of the court’s jurisdiction, the power to proceed according to equity:
(1)
To restrain, prevent, enjoin, abate, or correct a violation;
(2)
To order the repair, vacation, or demolition of any dwelling existing in violation; or
(3)
To otherwise compel compliance with all of the provisions of those ordinances and statutes.
(c)
The town council of the town of Hopkinton is authorized and empowered to appoint a judge of the municipal court. The judge shall serve for a term of two (2) years, or concurrent with the term of each appointing council. The town council of the town is authorized and empowered to enact ordinances governing the personnel, operation, and procedure to be followed in the court and to establish a schedule of fees and costs, and to otherwise provide for the operation and management of the court. The municipal court may impose sentences not to exceed thirty (30) days in jail and impose fines not in excess of five hundred dollars ($500), or both. The court is empowered to administer oaths, compel the attendance of witnesses, and punish persons for contempt, and to authorize and execute search warrants to the extent the warrants could be authorized and executed by a justice of the district court.
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 336, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 474, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-57. - Town of Richmond — Noise pollution.

§ 45-2-57. Town of Richmond — Noise pollution.
For the purpose of promoting the public health, safety and general welfare, the town council of the town of Richmond shall have the power in accordance with the provisions of this section to establish by ordinance standards for the control of noise originating within the limits of the town. Without limiting the generality of the aforementioned, such ordinance shall:
(1)
Establish standards for the control of noise originating within the limits of the town by setting maximum permissible sound levels for various activities and noise sources in order to protect the public health, safety and general welfare, provided that the regulation of noise from any particular source has not been preempted by state or federal law or regulation;
(2)
Regulate noise pollution based on factors including but not limited to the volume of the noise, the intensity of the noise, whether the nature of the noise is usual or unusual, whether the origin of the noise is natural or unnatural, the volume and intensity of the background noise, if any, the proximity of the noise to residential dwellings, the location from which the noise emanates, the density of inhabitation of the area within which the noise emanates, the time of day or night the noise occurs, the duration of the noise, whether the noise is recurrent, intermittent or constant, and whether the noise is produced by a commercial or noncommercial activity;
(3)
Establish use districts for regulation of noise, establish maximum permissible sound levels according to receiving land use, and provide that measurement of sound or noise shall be made with a sound level meter and octave band analyzer meeting the standards prescribed by the American Standards Association;
(4)
Include definitions of words, terms and phrases necessary for the enforcement of the ordinance, and provide that definitions of technical terms not defined in the ordinance shall be obtained from publications of acoustical terminology issued by American National Standards Institute or its successor body;
(5)
Provide that limitations shall not apply to sound from certain sources, including but not limited to emergency vehicles and snow removal equipment;
(6)
Provide for enforcement by police department and/or by the town solicitor, who may institute an action for injunctive relief together with an action for penalties in the case of continuing violations;
(7)
Provide the town council with the authority to grant sound variances after a public hearing, establish criteria for the granting of such variances and providing the town council with the authority to impose conditions on such variances; and
(8)
Establish penalties for violation consistent with those established by state law for violation of municipal ordinances, provide the police department with the authority to issue warnings and cease and desist orders, and provide that each day of noise disturbance shall be considered a separate offense.
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 284, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-60. - City of Pawtucket — Licenses.

§ 45-2-60. City of Pawtucket — Licenses.
Notwithstanding any provisions of the Rhode Island general or public laws to the contrary, all licenses in the city of Pawtucket which must be granted by the city council may be granted by the Pawtucket city council sitting as the Pawtucket board of license commissioners.
History of Section.
P.L. 2012, ch. 29, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 35, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-62. - [Repealed.]

§ 45-2-62. [Repealed.]
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 98, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 108, § 1; repealed by P.L. 2022, ch. 95, § 1, effective June 17, 2022; repealed by P.L. 2022, ch. 96, § 1, effective June 17, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-64. - Town of Coventry — Regulation of asphalt or continuous mixing facilities.

§ 45-2-64. Town of Coventry — Regulation of asphalt or continuous mixing facilities.
(a)
No asphalt batching or continuous mix facility shall be located in the town of Coventry in an area which is less than four thousand feet (4,000′) from any hospital, nursing home, school, area of critical environmental concern, watercourse, or area occupied by residential housing. Such distance shall be measured from the outermost perimeter of the facilities property line to the outermost point of such properties as mentioned herein.
(b)
Any facility in operation, prior to the enactment of this section, shall not be subject to the provisions of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 534, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-65. - Right to counsel.

§ 45-2-65. Right to counsel.
(a)
If a city or town elects to prosecute a defendant with an offense that is punishable by imprisonment in any court created under the authority of this chapter, the court shall advise the defendant of his or her right to be represented by counsel and, if the defendant is indigent, the court shall assign counsel to represent the defendant at every stage of the proceeding. The right to counsel may be waived through a knowing, intelligent, and voluntary waiver, in writing and duly executed on the record in open court.
(b)
No defendant may be ordered detained at the adult correctional institution for violation of a court order entered as a result of an adjudication that is not punishable by imprisonment in the first instance.
History of Section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 77, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 87, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-66. - Ability to pay hearings.

§ 45-2-66. Ability to pay hearings.
In any court created under the authority of this chapter, the procedures established in §§ 11-25-15 and 12-6-7.1(b) shall be followed when a defendant is arrested and detained for failure to appear at an ability to pay hearing, whether detained at the adult correctional facility or at a police station.
History of Section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 77, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 87, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-3 - Town Meetings › Section 45-3-1. - Periodic elective meetings.

§ 45-3-1. Periodic elective meetings.
A town meeting shall be held annually or biennially as required by law in each town, for the election of those town officers as are required by law.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch 37, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 47, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 48, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 330, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 45-3-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-3 - Town Meetings › Section 45-3-2. - Time of elective meetings.

§ 45-3-2. Time of elective meetings.
Town meetings shall be held at the time as is by law or vote provided, unless otherwise directed.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 37, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 47, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 48, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 330, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 45-3-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-3 - Town Meetings › Section 45-3-3. - Adjournment to complete election of officers.

§ 45-3-3. Adjournment to complete election of officers.
If, on the day of the town meeting for the election of town officers, any town fails to make an election of town clerk, town council, or town treasurer, the meeting may be adjourned for the purpose of completing the election of those officers, but of no others, from day to day, not exceeding three (3) days beyond the first day of meeting.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 37, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 47, § 3; P.L. 1914, ch. 1037, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 48, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 330, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 45-3-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-3 - Town Meetings › Section 45-3-3.1. - Adjournment of the Barrington town meeting to an indoor facility located outside the town of Barrington.

§ 45-3-3.1. Adjournment of the Barrington town meeting to an indoor facility located outside the town of Barrington.
(a)
If at the stated time and day of the town meeting in the town of Barrington, there is insufficient room to accommodate, seat, assemble, and hear, all the qualified electors present at the town meeting, and if after review by the town moderator and town clerk it is determined there is no indoor facility in the town large enough to accommodate the electors reasonably expected at the continuation of the town meeting, then the town of Barrington may hold its town meeting at an indoor facility located a reasonable distance outside the town of Barrington.
(b)
Notice of the meeting shall be given pursuant to § 45-3-8 of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 38, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 400, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-3 - Town Meetings › Section 45-3-3.2. - Town of Foster financial town meeting — Scheduling outside of town.

§ 45-3-3.2. Town of Foster financial town meeting — Scheduling outside of town.
(a)
In the event that in the judgment of the town moderator there is no facility in the town of Foster large enough to accommodate the electors reasonably expected at the annual financial town meeting, then the moderator may make arrangements to schedule the financial town meeting at a facility in either the town of Scituate or the town of Glocester large enough to accommodate the financial town meeting. The moderator shall make this determination in writing and shall transmit it to the town council of the town of Foster on or before the regularly scheduled town council meeting on the first Thursday after the first Monday in the month of April.
(b)
Notice of the meeting shall be given pursuant to § 45-3-8.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 19, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-3 - Town Meetings › Section 45-3-4. - Meetings other than elective.

§ 45-3-4. Meetings other than elective.
Town meetings, other than annual or biennial meetings, shall be held at the times that are, or may be, by the Constitution or by law required, or may be called in the manner provided in this chapter. Notwithstanding any provision of any state law or municipal charter provision to the contrary, whenever a state or local emergency is declared pursuant to §§ 30-15-9 and 30-15-12(b) that prevents a city, town, or fire district from conducting a town or district meeting pursuant to this chapter, except for a meeting pursuant to § 45-3-1, the governing body of any city, town, or fire district may provide, by resolution, for the convening of a town or district meeting by remote, electronic, virtual or other means provided that the governing body finds that the convening of a town meeting would jeopardize the public health or safety of persons within the city, town, or fire district.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 37, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 47, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 48, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 330, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 45-3-4; P.L. 2020, ch. 14, § 2; P.L. 2020, ch. 19, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-3 - Town Meetings › Section 45-3-5. - Notice of meetings.

§ 45-3-5. Notice of meetings.
Town clerks shall cause the electors of their respective towns to be notified of every town meeting prescribed by law, and also of all other town meetings legally called.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 37, § 5; G.L. 1909, ch. 47, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 48, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 330, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 45-3-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-3 - Town Meetings › Section 45-3-6. - Call of meeting on request of electors.

§ 45-3-6. Call of meeting on request of electors.
Whenever the town council, or whenever ten percent (10%) of the electors of any town, as provided in this section, less any fractional part that may appear in this computation thereof, shall make a request, in writing, for the calling of a town meeting to transact any business relating to the town in respect of which they shall have a right to vote, and direct the request to the town clerk, the town clerk shall cause the electors to be notified of the time when and the place where the meeting is to be held, and of the business proposed to be transacted; except as provided in § 45-3-7; provided, that the ten percent (10%) shall be computed on the total number of electors appearing on the last canvassed voting lists of the town as having a right to vote in the transaction of any business that may be presented at the meeting.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 37, § 6; P.L. 1900, ch. 781, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 47, § 6; P.L. 1915, ch. 1191, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 48, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 330, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 45-3-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-3 - Town Meetings › Section 45-3-7. - Consent of council to special meeting.

§ 45-3-7. Consent of council to special meeting.
No special town meeting shall be called without the consent of the town council, if the subject or any of the subjects proposed to be considered at the special town meeting have been acted on by the town at any time within six (6) months prior to the time of the proposed call.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 37, § 7; G.L. 1909, ch. 47, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 48, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 330, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 45-3-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-3 - Town Meetings › Section 45-3-8. - Clerk’s warrant giving notice.

§ 45-3-8. Clerk’s warrant giving notice.
The notice to the electors to meet in a town meeting, prescribed by law, shall be given by the town clerk issuing his or her warrant, directed to the town sergeant or one of the town constables of the town, or in the event that the town sergeant or a town constable is not available, to any elector of that town designated by the town or city clerk, requiring him or her to post, at least seven (7) days before the day appointed for the meeting, written notifications in three (3) or more public places in the town, of the time when and place where the meeting is to be held and of the business required by law to be transacted.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 37, § 8; G.L. 1909, ch. 47, § 8; G.L. 1923, ch. 48, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 330, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 45-3-8; P.L. 1994, ch. 154, § 2; P.L. 2015, ch. 260, § 37; P.L. 2015, ch. 275, § 37.