reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-30 - Benefits for Dependents of Deceased Veterans, P.O.W.S., and M.I.A.S › Section 30-30-2. - Administration.

§ 30-30-2. Administration.
The division of higher education assistance shall be designated as the administering authority for this chapter and shall, no later than August 30, 1987, establish rules, regulations, procedures, and safeguards for the implementation of this chapter. The regulations and procedures shall include, but not be limited to, the establishment of income guidelines and academic performance criteria. No funds shall be awarded under this chapter until these regulatory and administrative measures are established.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 118, art. 20, § 2; P.L. 2015, ch. 141, art. 7, § 13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-30.1 - Educational Benefits for Disabled American Veterans › Section 30-30.1-1. - Educational benefits for disabled American veterans.

§ 30-30.1-1. Educational benefits for disabled American veterans.
Any veteran who is a permanent resident of this state who submits proof sufficient to establish a veterans’ rated ten percent (10%) to one hundred percent (100%) disability by the department of veterans’ affairs as a result of military service shall be entitled to take courses at any public institution of higher education in the state without the payment of tuition, exclusive of other fees and charges; provided, however, that any person eligible for financial aid as determined by the institution of higher education shall apply for such financial aid. Any financial aid award received by the applicant shall be applied towards the full amount of tuition that would otherwise have been charged by the public institution of higher education. Students using the tuition waivers for courses and competitive programs shall register at the start of open registration for the applicable semester in accordance with each institution’s registration policies. This includes priority registration where granted to students with disability status. Use of this waiver for competitive programs does not supersede any existing academic criteria for admission into those programs.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 438, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 152, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 266, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 512, art. 1, § 17.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-30.2 - Educational Assistance for Combat Veterans › Section 30-30.2-1. - Short title.

§ 30-30.2-1. Short title.
This act shall be known and may be cited as the “education assistance for combat veterans act.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 171, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 217, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-30.2 - Educational Assistance for Combat Veterans › Section 30-30.2-2. - Statement of purpose.

§ 30-30.2-2. Statement of purpose.
It is hereby found and declared as follows:
(1)
The fundamental freedoms enjoyed by all citizens of our state and these United States are ensured in no small part through the honorable service of our nation’s military veterans;
(2)
The people of the state have a deep debt of gratitude for the sacrifices made by these men and women who, as combat veterans, placed their lives in harm’s way to protect and defend our nation from all foreign enemies and terrorist threats; and
(3)
These men and women should be allowed to resume their education, receive academic credit commensurate with their military training and experience, graduate, and ultimately obtain meaningful civilian employment upon their return to Rhode Island without delay.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 171, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 217, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 2, § 50.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-30.2 - Educational Assistance for Combat Veterans › Section 30-30.2-3. - Academic credit for military training and coursework.

§ 30-30.2-3. Academic credit for military training and coursework.
The state board of education shall ensure:
(1)
Enrolled students are awarded education credits based upon their military training or service when academically appropriate; and
(2)
Establishment of a preferential class registration process for all state institutions, that shall be reviewed and approved by the board of education to allow combat veterans to register first for all classes at any state-run institution of higher education. In developing rules and regulations, the office of the commissioner of higher education, in consultation with the adjutant general of the Rhode Island national guard, shall determine individual preference ranking among combat veterans, including, but not limited to, the number of combat tours served, service awards, and any other such criteria deemed appropriate by the adjutant general.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 171, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 217, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 2, § 50.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-30.3 - Tuition for Covered Individuals Under Post-911 GI Bill and Montgomery GI Bill › Section 30-30.3-1. - In-state tuition eligibility.

§ 30-30.3-1. In-state tuition eligibility.
(a)
Pursuant to the reauthorization of the Federal Higher Education Act of 2008 and passage of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014, the following individuals shall be entitled to pay tuition and fees at an institution of higher education at the rates provided for Rhode Island residents without regard to the length of time the person has lived in this state:
(1)
Any active duty member or the spouse or dependent of an active duty member of any branch of the uniformed services who has been on active duty for a period of more than thirty (30) days; or
(2)
Any active duty member who is injured while on active duty, and whose injuries causes him or her to be on active duty for a period of less than thirty (30) days; or
(3)
Any veteran of the uniformed services who is eligible for Federal GI Bill educational benefits; or
(4)
Any other individual who is eligible for transferred Federal GI Bill educational benefits or the Fry Scholarship, provided that he or she lives in the state of Rhode Island while attending a Rhode Island public postsecondary institution.
(b)
The council of postsecondary education shall develop a policy and rules and regulations to ensure that public postsecondary institutions in this state implement the changes set forth in this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 2015, ch. 167, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 197, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-31 - Medal of Honor Recipients › Section 30-31-1. - Declaration of purpose.

§ 30-31-1. Declaration of purpose.
The legislature hereby finds and declares:
(1)
Numerous Rhode Island residents have distinguished themselves in the armed services of the United States by gallantry above and beyond the call of duty;
(2)
That as a result of that gallantry, these residents have been awarded the medal of honor by the President of the United States;
(3)
That the proper method of furthering that goal would be the establishment of a permanent committee.
History of Section.
P.L. 1982, ch. 327, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 338, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-31 - Medal of Honor Recipients › Section 30-31-2. - Creation of committee — Members — Vacancies.

§ 30-31-2. Creation of committee — Members — Vacancies.
(a)
There is hereby created a permanent committee on Rhode Island medal of honor recipients to consist of nine (9) members of the general public with knowledge of veterans’ affairs to be appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate; provided, however, that:
(1)
Those members of the committee as of the effective date of this act [March 29, 2006], who were appointed to the committee by members of the general assembly, shall cease to be members of the committee on the effective date of this act [March 29, 2006] and the governor shall nominate six (6) new members, each of whom shall serve for the balance of the current term of his or her predecessor.
(2)
Those members of the committee as of the effective date of this act [March 29, 2006], who were appointed to the committee by the governor, shall continue to serve for the duration of their current terms.
(b)
No person shall be eligible for appointment to the committee unless he or she is a resident of this state. Vacancies shall be filled in like manner as the original appointments. Members shall serve until their successors are appointed and qualified. The members of the committee shall be eligible to succeed themselves.
(c)
No person shall be eligible for appointment to the committee after the effective date of this act [March 29, 2006] unless he or she is a resident of this state.
(d)
Members of the committee shall be removable by the governor pursuant to the provisions of § 36-1-7 and for cause only, and removal solely for partisan of personal reasons unrelated to capacity or fitness for the office shall be unlawful.
History of Section.
P.L. 1982, ch. 327, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 338, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 180, § 64; P.L. 2006, ch. 14, § 6; P.L. 2006, ch. 16, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-31 - Medal of Honor Recipients › Section 30-31-3. - Selection of officers.

§ 30-31-3. Selection of officers.
Upon organization of the committee, by majority vote, one of its members shall be chosen as chairperson, another of its members shall be chosen vice chairperson, and another of its members shall be chosen as secretary.
History of Section.
P.L. 1982, ch. 327, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-31 - Medal of Honor Recipients › Section 30-31-4. - Duties.

§ 30-31-4. Duties.
(a)
It shall be the duty of the committee to coordinate the activities of veterans’ organizations and other parties interested in veterans’ affairs in order to decide upon a suitable monument or monuments to be placed on the site described in § 30-31-1(3). The committee is hereby empowered to determine the type of monument or monuments to be placed on that site and it shall be the exclusive responsibility of the committee to arrange for the placing of a monument or monuments and to maintain the grounds surrounding the monument.
(b)
Within ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year, the committee shall approve and submit an annual report to the governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate, and the secretary of state of its activities during that fiscal year. The report shall provide: an operating statement summarizing meetings or hearings held, including meeting minutes, subjects addressed, decisions rendered, rules or regulations promulgated, studies conducted, policies and plans developed, approved or modified, and programs administered or initiated; a consolidated financial statement of all funds received and expended including the source of the funds, a listing of any staff supported by these funds and a summary of any clerical, administrative or technical support received; a summary of performance during the previous fiscal year including accomplishments, shortcomings and remedies; a summary of any training courses held pursuant to the provisions of this section; a briefing on anticipated activities in the upcoming fiscal year; and findings and recommendations for improvements. The report shall be posted electronically on the general assembly and secretary of state’s websites as prescribed in § 42-20-8.2. The director of the department of administration shall be responsible for the enforcement of the provisions of this subsection.
(c)
The committee shall conduct a training course for newly appointed and qualified members within six (6) months of their qualification or designation. The course shall be developed by the chair of the committee, approved by the committee, and conducted by the chair of the committee. The committee may approve the use of any committee or staff members or other individuals to assist with training. The training course shall include instruction in the following areas: the provisions of chapters 46 of title 42, 14 of title 36, and 2 of title 38 and the committee’s rules and regulations. The director of the department of administration shall, within ninety (90) days of the effective date of this act [March 29, 2006], prepare and disseminate training materials relating to the provisions of chapters 46 of title 42, 14 of title 36, and 2 of title 38.
History of Section.
P.L. 1982, ch. 327, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 14, § 6; P.L. 2006, ch. 16, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-31 - Medal of Honor Recipients › Section 30-31-5. - Technical assistance.

§ 30-31-5. Technical assistance.
The joint committee shall, if it finds it cannot obtain the proper assistance from available sources, contract for such technical services as it shall require to effectuate its purposes.
History of Section.
P.L. 1982, ch. 327, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-31 - Medal of Honor Recipients › Section 30-31-6. - Place of meeting — Quorum.

§ 30-31-6. Place of meeting — Quorum.
The joint committee on legislative services shall provide adequate space in the state house for the use of the committee; provided, however, that the committee may conduct hearings and hold meetings elsewhere when doing so will better serve its purposes. A majority in number of the committee shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
History of Section.
P.L. 1982, ch. 327, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-32 - National Security Infrastructure Support Fund › Section 30-32-1. - Short title.

§ 30-32-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “national security infrastructure support fund.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 360, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 383, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-32 - National Security Infrastructure Support Fund › Section 30-32-2. - Establishment of fund.

§ 30-32-2. Establishment of fund.
There is hereby created the national security infrastructure support fund. The general assembly may from time to time appropriate monies to the national security infrastructure support fund.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 360, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 383, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-32 - National Security Infrastructure Support Fund › Section 30-32-3. - Definition.

§ 30-32-3. Definition.
As used in this chapter, “national security infrastructure” means the land, buildings, equipment or other forms of infrastructure that are principally and predominantly used to support and advance the national security of the United States.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 360, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 383, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-32 - National Security Infrastructure Support Fund › Section 30-32-4. - Administration of funds.

§ 30-32-4. Administration of funds.
(a)
The commerce corporation is designated as the public corporation to administer the national security infrastructure support fund and may receive annual funding from appropriations made for that purpose. The funds shall be separately identified with corresponding revenues and expenses within the financial statements of the commerce corporation. No charges or fees for the operating expenses of the fund, such as legal fees or appraisals related to a specific transaction, shall be allocated from the fund to the commerce corporation.
(b)
Within the national security infrastructure support fund, two (2) distinct grant programs shall be established to carry out the legislative intent of the fund. They shall be known as the:
(1)
Military facility protection program (“MFPP”), and
(2)
The defense economy community reinvestment program (“DECRP”).
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 360, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 383, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 504, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 536, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-32 - National Security Infrastructure Support Fund › Section 30-32-5. - Military facility protection program.

§ 30-32-5. Military facility protection program.
(a)
The purpose of this fund is to address emergent needs relating to mission sustainment, encroachment reduction or prevention, and base retention. All funds appropriated for the purposes of this program are eligible to be used for matching of federal funds.
(b)
The specific allocation of the funds shall be determined by the commerce corporation, after consultation with the fund’s advisory board, and within the following program guidelines:
(1)
To provide grants and loans to improve water, sewer, electric, gas, roads, rail systems, runways, navigational, or security systems relating to the support of national security infrastructures located within the state;
(2)
To secure real estate and tangible property, as well as non-conservation lands, to be used for expansion or to protect against encroachment around national security installations within the state;
(3)
To support best practices in energy efficiency savings initiatives at military facilities, including renewable energy applications;
(4)
To support innovative public/private partnerships in military facility operations, including utility, housing, purchasing, and transportation services; and
(5)
To provide grants to increase the mission-related capabilities of the national security infrastructures located within the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 360, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 383, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 504, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 536, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-32 - National Security Infrastructure Support Fund › Section 30-32-5.1. - Defense economy community reinvestment program.

§ 30-32-5.1. Defense economy community reinvestment program.
(a)
The purpose of this fund is to assist defense-dependent municipalities to develop and implement alternative economic diversification strategies that repurpose surplus defense facilities and properties. All funds appropriated for the purposes of this program are eligible to be used for matching of federal funds.
(b)
The specific allocation of the funds shall be determined by the commerce corporation after consultation with the fund’s advisory board and within the following program guidelines:
(1)
Eligible applicants include defense-dependent municipalities and regions and local economic development organizations located within such communities. The program shall be administered by the commerce corporation and grant awards may be provided to support community-based activities that:
(i)
Assist communities in defense-dependent municipalities and regions to plan, analyze, and develop transitional strategies that maximize uses for surplus defense properties;
(ii)
Diversify and further commercialize the local economy of a defense-dependent community; and
(iii)
Encourage the development of public/private partnerships focused within the high-growth fields of information technology, cyber security, engineering, and advanced manufacturing.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 504, § 2; P.L. 2014, ch. 536, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-32 - National Security Infrastructure Support Fund › Section 30-32-6. - Priority of funding.

§ 30-32-6. Priority of funding.
Priority of funding shall be given to allocations that provide at least a twenty percent (20%) match or supplement funds from other sources.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 360, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 383, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 504, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 536, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-32 - National Security Infrastructure Support Fund › Section 30-32-7. - Reports.

§ 30-32-7. Reports.
The commerce corporation shall provide the general assembly with a biennial report documenting the allocation and uses of money from this fund.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 360, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 383, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 504, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 536, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-32 - National Security Infrastructure Support Fund › Section 30-32-8. - National security infrastructure support fund advisory commission.

§ 30-32-8. National security infrastructure support fund advisory commission.
(a)
There shall be established a permanent advisory board that shall consist of seven (7) members:
(1)
One of whom shall be the secretary of commerce, or his or her designee;
(2)
Two (2) of whom shall be the co-chairs of the Rhode Island defense economy planning commission;
(3)
Four (4) of whom shall be representatives of defense dependent-communities, one named by the speaker of the house, one named by the senate president, one named by the minority leader of the house, and one named by the minority leader of the senate; and
(4)
Additionally, the co-chairpersons may designate additional non-voting, ad hoc members whose technical expertise may be needed based upon national security infrastructure investment issues pending or projects submitted to the fund.
(b)
This board shall be purely advisory and shall meet whenever a quorum of four (4) shall deem it necessary or at the request of the secretary when grant rounds are contemplated or in process.
(c)
The co-chairs of the Rhode Island defense economy planning commission shall chair the advisory commission and its meetings.
(d)
The advisory commission shall meet at the call of the chairpersons.
(e)
The members of the board shall serve for a period of three (3) years.
(f)
The purpose of this commission shall be to identify potential projects and to assist the secretary of commerce in evaluating projects for funding under the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 504, § 2; P.L. 2014, ch. 536, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-33 - The Rhode Island Military Family Relief Act › Section 30-33-1. - Short title.

§ 30-33-1. Short title.
This act may be cited as “The Family Military Leave Act”.
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 61, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 65, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-33 - The Rhode Island Military Family Relief Act › Section 30-33-2. - Definitions.

§ 30-33-2. Definitions.
The following words or phrases, as used in this chapter, mean the following:
(1)
“Employee” means any person who may be permitted, required, or directed by an employer in consideration of direct or indirect gain or profit to engage in any employment. “Employee” does include an independent contractor. “Employee” includes an employee of a covered employer who has been employed by the same employer for at least twelve (12) months, and has been employed from at least one thousand two hundred fifty (1,250) hours of service during a twelve-month (12) period immediately preceding the commencement of leave.
(2)
“Employee benefits” means all benefits, other than salary or wages, provided or made available to employees by an employer and includes group life insurance, health insurance, disability insurance, and pensions, regardless of whether benefits are provided by a policy or practice of an employer.
(3)
“Employer” means any person, partnership, corporation, association, other business entities, the state of Rhode Island, Rhode Island municipalities, and other units of local government.
(4)
“Family military leave”, means leave requested by an employee who is the spouse or parent of a person called to military service lasting longer than thirty (30) days with the state of Rhode Island or the United States pursuant to the orders of the governor of Rhode Island or the President of the United States.
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 61, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 65, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-33 - The Rhode Island Military Family Relief Act › Section 30-33-3. - Family military leave requirements.

§ 30-33-3. Family military leave requirements.
(a)
Any employer, as defined in § 30-33-2, that employs between fifteen (15) and fifty (50) employees shall provide up to fifteen (15) days of unpaid family military leave to an employee during the time federal or state orders are in effect, in accordance with the provisions set forth in this section. Family military leave granted under this act may consist of unpaid leave.
(b)
Any employer, as defined in § 30-33-2, that employs more than fifty (50) employees shall provide up to thirty (30) days of unpaid family military leave to an employee during the time federal or state orders are in effect, in accordance with the provisions set forth in this section. Family military leave granted under this act may consist of unpaid leave.
(c)
The employee shall give at least fourteen (14) days notice of the intended date upon which family military leave will commence if the leave will consist of five (5) or more consecutive workdays. Where able, the employee shall consult with the employer to schedule the leave to not unduly disrupt the operations of the employer. Employees taking military family leave for less than five (5) consecutive days shall give the employer advance notice as is practicable. The employer may require certification from the proper military authority to verify the employee’s eligibility to take the requested family military leave.
(d)
An employee shall not take leave as provided under this act unless he or she has exhausted all accrued vacation leave, personal leave, compensatory leave or time, and any other leave that may be granted to the employee, with the exception of sick leave and disability leave.
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 61, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 65, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-33 - The Rhode Island Military Family Relief Act › Section 30-33-4. - Employee benefits protection.

§ 30-33-4. Employee benefits protection.
(a)
Any employee who exercises the right to family military leave under this act, upon the expiration of their leave, shall be entitled to restoration, by the employer, to the position held by the employee when the leave commenced or to a position with equivalent seniority status, employee benefits, pay, and other terms and conditions of employment. This section does not apply if the employer proves that the employee was not restored as provided in this section because of conditions unrelated to the employee’s exercise of rights under this act.
(b)
During any family military leave taken under this act, the employer shall make it possible for employees to continue their benefits at the employee’s expense. The employer and employee may negotiate for the employer to maintain benefits at the employer’s expense for the duration of the leave.
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 61, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 65, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-33 - The Rhode Island Military Family Relief Act › Section 30-33-5. - Prohibited actions.

§ 30-33-5. Prohibited actions.
(a)
An employer shall not interfere with, restrain, or deny the exercise or the attempt to exercise any right provided under this act.
(b)
An employer shall not discharge, fine, suspend, expel, discipline, or in any other manner discriminate against any employee who exercises any right provided under this act.
(c)
An employer shall not discharge, fine, suspend, expel, discipline, or in any other manner discriminate against any employee for opposing any practice made unlawful under this act.
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 61, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 65, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 2, § 51.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 30 - Military Affairs and Defense › Chapter 30-33 - The Rhode Island Military Family Relief Act › Section 30-33-6. - Enforcement.

§ 30-33-6. Enforcement.
A civil action may be brought to the state court having jurisdiction by any employee to enforce this act. The court may enjoin any act or practice that violates or may violate this act and may order any other equitable relief that is necessary and appropriate to redress the violation or to enforce this act.
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 61, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 65, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-1 - Definitions and General Code Provisions › Section 31-1-1. - Short title.

§ 31-1-1. Short title.
Chapters 1 — 27 of this title may be cited as the “Motor Vehicle Code”.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 39, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-1 - Definitions and General Code Provisions › Section 31-1-2. - Applicability of definitions.

§ 31-1-2. Applicability of definitions.
Except as otherwise provided, the following definitions of the words and phrases in this chapter apply throughout this title.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-2; P.L. 1962, ch. 204, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-1 - Definitions and General Code Provisions › Section 31-1-3.1. - Autocycles.

§ 31-1-3.1. Autocycles.
(a)
“Autocycle” means only those motor vehicles that:
(1)
Do not have more than three (3) wheels in contact with the ground;
(2)
Are designed to be controlled with a steering wheel and foot pedals for acceleration, braking, or shifting;
(3)
Are equipped with seating that does not require occupants to straddle or sit astride the seating; and
(4)
Are manufactured and certified to comply with federal safety requirements for a motorcycle.
(b)
Except as otherwise provided in this title, an “autocycle” shall be considered to be a “motorcycle” as defined in § 31-1-3.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 390, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 404, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-1 - Definitions and General Code Provisions › Section 31-1-4. - Trucks and tractors.

§ 31-1-4. Trucks and tractors.
(a)
“Covered heavy-duty tow and recovery vehicle” means a vehicle that is transporting a disabled vehicle from the place where the vehicle became disabled to the nearest appropriate repair facility; and, provided the vehicle has a gross vehicle weight that is equal to or exceeds the gross vehicle weight of the disabled vehicle being transported.
(b)
“Farm tractor” means every motor vehicle designed and used primarily as a farm implement, for drawing plows, mowing machines, and other implements of husbandry or farm vehicles.
(c)
“Tow cars and tow trucks” means every motor vehicle ordinarily used for the purpose of towing or removing motor vehicles or assisting disabled motor vehicles.
(d)(1)
“Trailer transporter towing unit” means a power unit that is not used to carry property when operating in a towaway trailer transporter combination.
(2)
“Towaway trailer transporter combination” means a combination of vehicles consisting of a trailer transporter towing unit and two (2) trailers or semitrailers:
(i)
With a total weight that does not exceed twenty-six thousand pounds (26,000 lbs.); and
(ii)
In which the trailers or semitrailers carry no property and constitute inventory property of a manufacturer, distributor, or dealer of the trailers or semitrailers.
(e)
“Truck” means every motor vehicle designed, used, or maintained primarily for the transportation of property. The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall determine, in case of doubt, if a motor vehicle is subject to registration as a truck.
(f)
“Truck tractor” means a non-cargo-carrying power unit that operates in combination with a semi-trailer or trailer, except that a truck tractor and a semi-trailer or trailer engaged in the transportation of automobiles may transport motor vehicles on part of the power unit.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 3; P.L. 1951, ch. 2826, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-4; P.L. 1983, ch. 294, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 324, § 9; P.L. 2018, ch. 39, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 45, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-1 - Definitions and General Code Provisions › Section 31-1-5. - Trailers.

§ 31-1-5. Trailers.
(a)
“Automobile transporter” means any vehicle combination designed and used for the transport of assembled highway vehicles, including truck camper units. An automobile transporter shall not be prohibited from the transport of cargo or general freight on a backhaul, provided it complies with weight limitations for a truck tractor and semitrailer combination.
(b)
“Pole trailer” means every vehicle without motive power designed to be drawn by another vehicle and attached to the towing vehicle by means of a reach, or pole, or by being boomed or secured to the towing vehicle, and ordinarily used for transporting long or irregularly shaped loads such as poles, pipes, or structural members capable, generally, of sustaining themselves as beams between the supporting connections.
(c)
“Semi-trailer” means every vehicle with or without motive power, other than a pole trailer, designed for carrying persons or property and for being drawn by a motor vehicle, constructed so that some of its weight and that of its load rests upon or is carried by another vehicle.
(d)
“Tractor-semi-trailer combination” means every combination of a tractor and a semi-trailer properly attached to the tractor to form an articulated vehicle.
(e)
“Tractor-trailer combination” means every combination of a tractor and a trailer, properly attached to the tractor to form an articulated vehicle.
(f)
“Trailer” means every vehicle without motive power, other than a pole trailer, designed for carrying persons or property and for being drawn by a motor vehicle, constructed so that none of its weight rests upon the towing vehicle.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-5; P.L. 2010, ch. 239, § 25; P.L. 2018, ch. 39, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 45, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-1 - Definitions and General Code Provisions › Section 31-1-6. - Specially constructed and reconstructed vehicles.

§ 31-1-6. Specially constructed and reconstructed vehicles.
(a)
“Essential parts” means all integral and body parts of a vehicle of a type that must be registered under chapters 3 — 9 of this title, the removal, alteration, or substitution of which would tend to conceal the identity of the vehicle or substantially alter its appearance, model, type, or mode of operation.
(b)
“Reconstructed vehicle” means every vehicle of a type that must be registered under chapters 3 — 9 of this title, which has been materially altered from its original construction by the removal, addition, or substitution of essential parts, new or used.
(c)
“Specially constructed vehicle” means every vehicle of a type that must be registered under chapters 3 — 9 of this title, but not originally constructed under a distinctive name, make, model, or type by a generally recognized manufacturer of vehicles; provided, that specially constructed vehicles shall include hand-built, home-built, and one-off cars that do not resemble any production car. Specially constructed vehicles shall be entitled to standard passenger automobile plates; provided, that all safety and emissions standards applied to reconstructed vehicles are met.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 5; P.L. 1951, ch. 2826, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-6; P.L. 2013, ch. 188, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 203, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-1 - Definitions and General Code Provisions › Section 31-1-7. - Foreign vehicle.

§ 31-1-7. Foreign vehicle.
“Foreign vehicle” means every vehicle, of a type that must be registered under chapters 3 — 9 of this title, brought into this state from another state, territory or country, other than in the ordinary course of business by or through a manufacturer or dealer, and not registered in this state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-1 - Definitions and General Code Provisions › Section 31-1-8. - Farm vehicle.

§ 31-1-8. Farm vehicle.
“Farm vehicle” means every vehicle which is designed for and used for agricultural purposes and used by the owner of the vehicle or family member(s) or employee(s) or designees of the owner, in the conduct of the owner’s agricultural operations, which use shall include the delivery of agricultural products produced by the farmer but shall not include commercial hire for nonagricultural uses, including, but not limited to, hauling of sand and gravel, snow plowing, land clearing for other than agricultural purposes or directly on the vehicle owner’s farm, and landscaping. For an owner to qualify as having agricultural purposes, the owner shall provide evidence that he or she meets the requirements of § 44-18-30.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-8; P.L. 2002, ch. 404, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-1 - Definitions and General Code Provisions › Section 31-1-9. - Mobile equipment.

§ 31-1-9. Mobile equipment.
“Mobile equipment” means every vehicle not designed or used primarily for the transportation of persons or property and only incidentally operated or moved over a highway, including but not limited to: ditch digging apparatus, well boring apparatus, and road construction or maintenance machinery such as asphalt spreaders, bituminous mixers, bucket loaders, tractors other than truck tractors, ditchers, leveling graders, finishing machines, motor graders, road rollers, scarifiers, earth moving carry-alls and scrapers, power shovels and drag lines, and self-propelled cranes and earth moving equipment. The term does not include house trailers, dump trucks, truck mounted transit mixers, cranes, or shovels, or other vehicles designed for the transportation of persons or property to which machinery has been attached.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-9; P.L. 1959, ch. 123, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-1 - Definitions and General Code Provisions › Section 31-1-10. - Types of tires.

§ 31-1-10. Types of tires.
(a)
“Metal tire” means every tire having a surface made wholly or partly of metal, or other hard, non-resilient material, in contact with the highway.
(b)
“Pneumatic tire” means every tire in which compressed air is designed to support the load.
(c)
“Solid rubber tire” means every solid tire constructed of rubber or other nonmetallic substances, except pneumatic tires.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-1 - Definitions and General Code Provisions › Section 31-1-11. - Railroads and trains.

§ 31-1-11. Railroads and trains.
(a)
“Railroad” means a carrier of persons or property upon cars, other than streetcars, operated upon stationary rails.
(b)
“Railroad train” means an engine driven by steam, electric, or other means, excluding streetcars, with or without cars coupled to it, operated upon stationary rails.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-1 - Definitions and General Code Provisions › Section 31-1-12. - Explosives and flammable liquids.

§ 31-1-12. Explosives and flammable liquids.
(a)
“Explosive” means any chemical compound or chemical mixture that is commonly used or intended for the purpose of producing an explosion and which contains any oxidizing and combustive units or other ingredients in such proportions, quantities, or packing that an ignition by fire, friction, concussion, percussion, or detonation of any part of the compound or mixture may cause a sudden generation of highly heated gases with resultant gaseous pressures capable of producing destructive effects on contiguous objects or of destroying life or limb.
(b)
“Flammable liquid” means any liquid which has a flash point of seventy degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees F.), or less, as determined by a tagliabue or equivalent closed cup test device.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 11; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-1 - Definitions and General Code Provisions › Section 31-1-13. - Gross weight.

§ 31-1-13. Gross weight.
“Gross weight” means the weight of a vehicle without load plus the maximum weight of any load allowed to be carried on the vehicle. Maximum weight shall be determined by the manufacturer’s allowed gross weight, or as determined by the division.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 12; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-13; P.L. 1969, ch. 173, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-1 - Definitions and General Code Provisions › Section 31-1-14. - Renewal.

§ 31-1-14. Renewal.
“Renewal” means the reissuance of a registration, license, or instruction permit, issued under the provisions of chapters 1 — 27 of this title, the term of which has expired.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 13; P.L. 1952, ch. 2937, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-1 - Definitions and General Code Provisions › Section 31-1-15. - Suspension, revocation, and cancellation.

§ 31-1-15. Suspension, revocation, and cancellation.
(a)
“Cancellation” means the registration, driver’s license, or instruction permit is annulled and terminated because of some error or defect or because the former bearer is no longer entitled to one, but the cancellation is without prejudice and a new application may be made at any time after the cancellation.
(b)
“Revocation” means the registration, driver’s license, instruction permit and privilege to drive a motor vehicle on the public highways is terminated and shall not be renewed or restored, except that an application for a new registration, license, or the privilege to drive may be presented and acted upon in accordance with the provisions of chapters 1 — 27 of this title.
(c)
“Suspension” means the registration, license, or instruction permit and privilege to drive a motor vehicle on the public highways is withdrawn for a specified period.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 14; P.L. 1951, ch. 2826, § 3; P.L. 1952, ch. 2937, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-1 - Definitions and General Code Provisions › Section 31-1-16. - Administrator and division.

§ 31-1-16. Administrator and division.
(a)
“Administrator” means the administrator of the division of motor vehicles of this state.
(b)
“Division” means the division of motor vehicles within the department of revenue of this state acting directly or through its authorized officers and agents.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 15; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-16; P.L. 2008, ch. 98, § 2; P.L. 2008, ch. 145, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-1 - Definitions and General Code Provisions › Section 31-1-17. - Types of persons.

§ 31-1-17. Types of persons.
(a)
“Bailee” means a bailee is one to whom possession of personal property has been entrusted by the bailor for a specific purpose resulting from either an express or implied contract, with the understanding that this personal property shall be returned to the bailor or any person designated by the bailor when the terms and purposes of the contract have been accomplished.
(b)
“Chauffeur” means any person who drives a jitney, bus, school bus, motor vehicle used principally for hire with operator, or trackless trolley coach, regardless of the vehicle’s capacity, and any person who drives a truck, tractor, or tractor semi-trailer, if the gross vehicle weight is twenty-six thousand and one pounds (26,001 lbs.) or more. Proper officers and drivers of fire apparatus when in the performance of their duties are not deemed to be chauffeurs.
(c)
“Driver” means any operator or chauffeur who drives or is in actual physical control of a vehicle.
(d)
“Operator” means every person, other than a chauffeur, who drives or is in actual physical control of a motor vehicle upon a highway or who is exercising control over or steering a vehicle being towed by a motor vehicle.
(e)
“Owner” means a person who holds the legal title to a vehicle. In the event a vehicle is the subject of an agreement for conditional sale or lease with right of purchase upon performance of stated conditions and immediate right of possession vested in the vendee or lessee, or in the event a mortgagor of a vehicle is entitled to possession, then the conditional vendee, lessee, or mortgagor is deemed the owner for the purposes of chapters 1 — 27 of this title.
(f)
“Pedestrian” means any person afoot.
(g)
“Person” means every individual, firm, partnership, corporation, or association.
(h)
“Skateboarder, rollerskater, inline skater, or scooter rider” means any person who utilizes a human-powered device containing any number of wheels, whether in tandem or inline, which enables the person to propel himself or herself in a given direction.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 16; P.L. 1951, ch. 2826, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-17; P.L. 1984, ch. 295, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 417, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 202, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 31 - Motor and Other Vehicles › Chapter 31-1 - Definitions and General Code Provisions › Section 31-1-18. - Resident and nonresident.

§ 31-1-18. Resident and nonresident.
(a)
“Nonresident” means any person who is not a resident of this state or is temporarily residing in this state as a student or as a member of the armed forces of the United States.
(b)
“Resident” means a person:
(1)
Who owns, rents, or leases real estate within the state as his or her residence and:
(i)
Engages in a trade, business, or profession in this state; or
(ii)
Enrolls his or her children in a school in this state for a period exceeding ninety (90) days; or
(2)
Who is registered to vote or is eligible to register to vote under the laws of this state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2595, art. 1, § 17; G.L. 1956, § 31-1-18; P.L. 1966, ch. 104, § 1.