reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-16 - Kent County Water District › Section 39-16-1. - Definitions.

§ 39-16-1. Definitions.
As used in this chapter the following definitions shall apply:
(1)
“Authority” means the corporation created by § 39-16-3.
(2)
“Board” means the members of the authority.
(3)
“Bonds” means the bonds, notes, or other obligations issued by the authority pursuant to this chapter.
(4)
“District” means the Kent County water district.
(5)
“Property” means any or all of the properties of any water supply and distribution system or part thereof, including plants, works, and instrumentalities, and all properties used or useful in connection therewith, and all parts thereof and all appurtenances thereto, including lands, easements, rights in land and water rights, rights-of-way, contract rights, franchises, approaches, connections, dams, reservoirs, water mains and pipelines, pumping stations and equipment, or any other property incidental to and included in the system or part thereof situated within or without the district.
(6)
“Treasurer” means the treasurer of the authority.
History of Section.
P.L. 1946, ch. 1740, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 39-16-1; P.L. 2020, ch. 79, art. 1, § 9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-16 - Kent County Water District › Section 39-16-2. - District created.

§ 39-16-2. District created.
There is hereby created a district to be known as the Kent County water district, whose boundaries shall be coterminous with the boundaries of Kent County. Notwithstanding any finding by any court to the contrary, the Kent County water district shall be a political subdivision of the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1946, ch. 1740, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-16-2; P.L. 1990, ch. 16, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-16 - Kent County Water District › Section 39-16-3. - Board created.

§ 39-16-3. Board created.
A board to be known as the Kent County Water Authority is hereby created. The powers of the public benefit corporation shall be vested in and exercised by a majority of the members of the board then in office.
History of Section.
P.L. 1946, ch. 1740, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-16-3; P.L. 1990, ch. 16, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-16 - Kent County Water District › Section 39-16-4. - Composition of board.

§ 39-16-4. Composition of board.
(a)
The board shall consist of seven (7) members, one member to be appointed by the town council of East Greenwich and two (2) members by the city council of the city of Warwick, and two (2) members each appointed by the town councils of the towns of Coventry and West Warwick. The successors of members shall be appointed by their respective city and town councils. A majority of the governing body appointing a member may remove the member for willful misconduct.
(b)
The members of the board shall appoint a member to serve as chair of the board, and the appointment shall be made at the board’s first meeting after the effective date of this section. The chair appointed shall serve for a seven-year (7) term, at which time the board shall appoint a new chair. If a chair is unable to complete their term, a new chair shall be appointed to serve a seven-year (7) term.
(c)
Each member shall serve for a term of seven (7) years, except that all vacancies occurring during a term shall be filled for the unexpired term. A member shall hold office until his or her successor has been duly appointed and has qualified. Each member of the authority shall take an oath to administer the duties of his or her office faithfully and impartially, and the oath shall be filed in the office of the secretary of state.
(d)
Four (4) members of the authority shall constitute a quorum and the vote of four (4) members shall be necessary for any action taken by the authority. No vacancy in the membership of the authority shall impair the right of a quorum to exercise all the rights and perform all the duties of the authority.
(e)
In the event of a vacancy occurring in the board by reason of the death, resignation, or removal for willful misconduct of a member, the governing body of the town or city that appointed the member shall appoint a new member for the unexpired term.
(f)
In the month of January, the board shall make an annual report to the town councils of East Greenwich, West Warwick, and Coventry, and to the city council of Warwick, of its activities for the preceding fiscal year. Each report shall set forth a complete operating and financial statement covering its operations during the year. The authority shall cause an annual audit of the books, records, and accounts of the authority to be made.
History of Section.
P.L. 1946, ch. 1740, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-16-4; P.L. 1981, ch. 410, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 16, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 283, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 297, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 346, § 26.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-16 - Kent County Water District › Section 39-16-5. - Officers and employees of board.

§ 39-16-5. Officers and employees of board.
The chairperson of the board shall be selected by the majority vote of the members of the board. The board shall appoint a secretary and a treasurer, who may or may not be a member of the board, and other employees as may be necessary in its judgment, and fix their compensation. The board may provide, in the fixing of compensation, for a retirement program, commonly known as a pension plan, funded by individual or group insurance or annuity contracts or otherwise, for health and accident insurance, for life insurance, for hospital service commonly known as blue cross, and for physicians’ service for any one or more or all of its employees; and the board is hereby authorized to expend the moneys of the authority for purposes and programs as it may deem advisable. These programs and purposes may be financed in full or in part by the moneys of the authority.
History of Section.
P.L. 1946, ch. 1740, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-16-5; P.L. 1962, ch. 41, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-16 - Kent County Water District › Section 39-16-6. - Compensation of members and agents.

§ 39-16-6. Compensation of members and agents.
Each member of the board shall receive an annual salary not to exceed three thousand dollars ($3,000) per year, and shall be entitled to reimbursement of his or her actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of his or her official duties. The salaries, compensation, and expenses of all members, officers, employees, and agents shall be paid solely out of the funds of the authority. No part of the earnings of the authority shall inure to the benefit of any private person.
History of Section.
P.L. 1946, ch. 1740, § 1; P.L. 1955, ch. 3592, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-16-6; P.L. 1969, ch. 22, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 16, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-16 - Kent County Water District › Section 39-16-7. - Business prohibited to members.

§ 39-16-7. Business prohibited to members.
No member of the authority shall directly or indirectly engage in any contract or agreement for labor or for the supply of materials for construction or reconstruction of the physical assets of the authority or replacements or additions thereto.
History of Section.
P.L. 1946, ch. 1740, § 1; P.L. 1955, ch. 3592, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-16-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-16 - Kent County Water District › Section 39-16-9. - Application of public utility law — Rate determination.

§ 39-16-9. Application of public utility law — Rate determination.
Notwithstanding the proviso contained in the definition of “public utility” in § 39-1-2, chapters 1 — 5 of this title shall apply to the water district created by this chapter and to the governing body thereof, and notwithstanding anything contained in this chapter with respect to fixing rates and collecting charges, rates and charges of the district and/or authority shall be established in accordance with and subject to the provisions of chapters 1 — 5. Until so established, the rates and charges that were in effect at the time when the authority acquired properties pursuant to the provisions of § 39-16-8, shall continue in full force and effect.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 2876, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-16-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-16 - Kent County Water District › Section 39-16-10. - Power to issue bonds — Pledge of revenues.

§ 39-16-10. Power to issue bonds — Pledge of revenues.
The authority shall have the power and is hereby authorized from time to time to issue its negotiable bonds for any of its corporate purposes and to secure the payment of the bonds as may be provided in the resolution or resolutions authorizing the bonds. Except as may be otherwise expressly provided by the authority, every issue of bonds by the authority shall be general obligations payable out of any moneys, earnings, or revenues of the authority, subject only to any agreements with the holders of particular bonds pledging any particular moneys, earnings, or revenues.
History of Section.
P.L. 1946, ch. 1740, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 39-16-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-16 - Kent County Water District › Section 39-16-13. - Tax exemption.

§ 39-16-13. Tax exemption.
It is hereby declared that the authority and the carrying out of its corporate purposes is in all respects for the benefit of the people of the state and for the improvement of their health, welfare, and prosperity, and the authority will be performing an essential governmental function in the exercise of the powers conferred by this chapter, and the state covenants with the holders of the bonds that the authority shall be required to pay no taxes or assessments or sums in lieu of taxes, except as provided in § 39-16-14, to the state or any political subdivision thereof upon any of the property acquired by it or under its jurisdiction, control, possession, or supervision or upon its activities in the operation and maintenance of the property or upon any earnings, revenues, moneys, or other income derived by the authority, and that the bonds of the authority and the income therefrom shall at all times be exempt from taxation.
History of Section.
P.L. 1946, ch. 1740, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 39-16-13; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 118.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-16 - Kent County Water District › Section 39-16-14. - Payments in lieu of taxes.

§ 39-16-14. Payments in lieu of taxes.
The authority shall pay annually, having first made provision for the payment of principal and interest on any bonds outstanding and any other charges payable from revenues due in such year as may be provided in the resolution or resolutions authorizing any bonds, in lieu of any property tax, as a charge upon its earnings or revenues, to each city, town, or district, a sum equal in amount to any property tax levied on any property by or on behalf of the city, town, or district during the year next preceding the acquisition of such property by the authority. The authority shall have no power to levy or collect ad valorem property taxes.
History of Section.
P.L. 1946, ch. 1740, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 39-16-14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-16 - Kent County Water District › Section 39-16-15. - Pledge not to alter rights of authority.

§ 39-16-15. Pledge not to alter rights of authority.
The state does hereby pledge to and agree with the holders of the bonds, notes, and other evidences of indebtedness of the authority that the state will not limit or alter rights hereby vested in the authority until the bonds, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness, together with interest thereon, with interest on any unpaid installment of interest and all costs and expenses in connection with any actions or proceedings by or on behalf of the bondholders, are fully met and discharged.
History of Section.
P.L. 1946, ch. 1740, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 39-16-15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-16 - Kent County Water District › Section 39-16-16. - Bonds as legal investments.

§ 39-16-16. Bonds as legal investments.
The bonds are hereby made securities in which all public officers and bodies of this state and all municipalities and municipal subdivisions; all insurance companies and associations and other persons carrying on an insurance business; all banks, bankers, trust companies, savings banks, and savings associations, including savings and loan associations, building and loan associations, investment companies and other persons carrying on a banking business; all administrators, guardians, executors, trustees, and other fiduciaries; and all other persons, whomsoever, who are now or may hereafter be authorized to invest in bonds or other obligations of the state, may properly and legally invest funds including capital in their control or belonging to them. The bonds are also hereby made securities that may be deposited with and shall be received by all public officers and bodies of this state, and all municipalities and municipal subdivisions, for any purpose for which the deposit of bonds or other obligations of this state is now or may hereafter be authorized.
History of Section.
P.L. 1946, ch. 1740, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 39-16-16.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-16 - Kent County Water District › Section 39-16-17. - Money of authority.

§ 39-16-17. Money of authority.
All money of the authority, from whatever source derived, shall be paid to the treasurer of the authority. The money on receipt shall be deposited forthwith in a separate bank account or accounts. The money in the accounts shall be paid out on check of the treasurer, on requisition by the authority, or of such other person or persons as the authority may authorize to make the requisitions. All deposits of money shall be secured by obligations of the United States, or of the state, of a market value equal at all times to the amount of deposits, and all banks and trust companies are authorized to give security for the deposits. The authority shall have power, notwithstanding the provisions of this section, to contract with the holders of any of its bonds as to the custody, collection, security, investment, and payment of any money of the authority, or any money held in trust or otherwise for the payment of bonds or in any way to secure bonds, and to carry out any contract notwithstanding that the contract may be inconsistent with the previous provisions of this section. Money held in trust or otherwise for the payment of bonds or in any way to secure bonds and deposits of money may be secured in the same manner as money of the authority, and all banks and trust companies are authorized to give security for the deposits.
History of Section.
P.L. 1946, ch. 1740, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 39-16-17.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-16 - Kent County Water District › Section 39-16-18. - Right to alter, amend, or repeal chapter.

§ 39-16-18. Right to alter, amend, or repeal chapter.
The right to alter, amend, or repeal this chapter is hereby expressly reserved, but no such alteration, amendment, or repeal shall operate to impair the obligation of any contract made by the authority under any power conferred by this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1946, ch. 1740, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 39-16-18.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-16 - Kent County Water District › Section 39-16-19. - Severability.

§ 39-16-19. Severability.
If any section, clause, provision, or term of this chapter shall be declared unconstitutional and ineffective in whole or in part, then to the extent that it is not unconstitutional and ineffective it shall be valid and effective and no other section, clause, provision, or term shall on account thereof be deemed invalid or ineffective.
History of Section.
P.L. 1946, ch. 1740, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 39-16-19.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-16 - Kent County Water District › Section 39-16-20. - Supplementary powers.

§ 39-16-20. Supplementary powers.
The authority, in addition to any other powers granted in this chapter, has the following powers in order to assist it in setting rates:
(1)
To conduct examinations and hearings and to hear testimony and take proof, under oath or affirmation, at public or private hearings, on any matter material for its information and necessary to carry out the terms of this chapter;
(2)
To issue subpoenas, necessary to carry out the terms of this chapter, requiring the attendance of witnesses and the production of books and papers pertinent to any hearing before the authority, or before one or more of the members of the authority appointed by it to conduct the hearing; and
(3)
To apply to any court, having territorial jurisdiction of the offense, to have punished for contempt any witness who refuses to obey a subpoena, or who refuses to be sworn or affirmed to testify, or who is guilty of any contempt after summons to appear.
History of Section.
P.L. 1990, ch. 16, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-16 - Kent County Water District › Section 39-16-21. - Transfer on dissolution.

§ 39-16-21. Transfer on dissolution.
If the authority shall be dissolved, all funds of the authority, not required for the payment of bonds or other debts of the authority, the disposition of which is not otherwise governed by contracts to which the authority may be party, shall be paid to the towns of East Greenwich, Coventry, and West Warwick and the city of Warwick and, except as provided in this chapter, all property belonging to the authority shall be vested in the above-mentioned municipalities and delivered to them.
History of Section.
P.L. 1990, ch. 16, § 2; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 118.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-16 - Kent County Water District › Section 39-16-22. - Notes.

§ 39-16-22. Notes.
The authority may, by resolution, authorize the issue from time to time of interest bearing or discounted notes in anticipation of the issue of bonds. Temporary notes issued under this section shall be signed by the chairperson and the treasurer of the authority and shall be payable within five (5) years of their respective dates, but the principal of and interest on notes issued for a shorter period may be renewed or paid from time to time by the issue of other notes under this section, provided the period from the date of the original note to the maturity of any note issued to renew or pay the same debt or the interest thereon shall not exceed five (5) years. All other terms and conditions of the notes shall be set by the authority in the resolution authorizing issuance.
History of Section.
P.L. 1990, ch. 16, § 2; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 118.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-17 - Franchises › Section 39-17-1. - Power of town or city to grant franchises.

§ 39-17-1. Power of town or city to grant franchises.
Any town or city, by vote of the town council or city council, may pass ordinances or make contracts to be executed by its proper officers, granting rights and franchises in, over, or under the streets and highways in the town or city to the corporations, as are provided for in § 39-17-2, and for the purposes and upon the condition specified in this chapter.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 77, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 91, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 103, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 126, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-17-1; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 119.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-17 - Franchises › Section 39-17-2. - Purposes for which permitted — Duration — Protection of existing businesses — Landowner’s rights.

§ 39-17-2. Purposes for which permitted — Duration — Protection of existing businesses — Landowner’s rights.
Any grants, whether by ordinance or by contract, may confer upon any corporation created by the general assembly for the purpose of distributing water, or for the purpose of producing, selling, and distributing currents of electricity to be used for light, heat, or motive power, or for the purpose of manufacturing, selling, and distributing illuminating or heating gas, or for the purpose of operating street railways by any motive power, or for the purpose of operating telephones, the exclusive right, for a time not exceeding twenty-five (25) years, to erect, lay, construct, and maintain for the purposes for which the corporation is created, poles, wires, pipes, conduits, rails, or cables, with necessary and convenient appurtenances as may be required for the conduct of the business of the corporation, in, over, or under the streets of the town or city; provided, however, that no grant of exclusive rights or franchises for any of the purposes described in this section shall be made by any city or town where, at the time a corporation created for the same purpose, or a person duly authorized by law to use the streets for such purpose, shall be in actual use and enjoyment of the rights, except to the corporation or person already carrying on business in the city or town; and provided, further, that whenever in any city or town more than one corporation shall at the time be in actual use and enjoyment of portions of the streets and highways for any of the purposes described in this section, no exclusive right or franchise shall be granted to either without the consent of the other; and provided, further, that no grant shall prevent any town or city from permitting any person or corporation to use streets or highways for any of the purposes described in this section in order to connect and serve any two (2) or more estates owned by the person or corporation.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 77, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 91, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 103, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 126, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 39-17-2; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 119; P.L. 2006, ch. 216, § 15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-17 - Franchises › Section 39-17-3. - Franchise tax payable to city or town.

§ 39-17-3. Franchise tax payable to city or town.
Every corporation that shall accept exclusive rights or franchises granted by ordinance or contract under the provisions of this chapter, shall make and render to the treasurer of the town or city granting the same, on or before the thirtieth day of January, April, July, and October in every year, returns, verified by the oath of its president or treasurer, of the gross earnings of the corporation within the town or city for the period of three (3) months next preceding the first day of January, April, July, and October in the same year, and shall at the time pay to the town or city treasurer, in full payment for the rights and franchises granted under this chapter, a special tax upon the gross earnings at a rate not exceeding three percent (3%) upon the gross earnings of the corporation within the town or city in that year.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 77, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 91, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 103, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 126, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 39-17-3; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 119.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-17 - Franchises › Section 39-17-4. - Apportionment of gross earnings among cities and towns.

§ 39-17-4. Apportionment of gross earnings among cities and towns.
In case any corporation shall do business in more than one town or city, and it shall be unable to ascertain the amount of its gross earnings in each town or city separately from actual accounts kept thereof, its returns of gross earnings to be made as provided in § 39-17-3 shall state the gross earnings of its entire business and the length of its wires, pipes, mains, or tracks in the streets and highways of each town or city, and the gross earnings from its business in the town or city shall be taken to be that proportion of the whole gross earnings that the length of its wires, pipes, mains, or tracks in the streets and highways of the city or town bears to the total length of all its wires, pipes, mains, or tracks in streets and highways.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 77, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 91, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 103, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 126, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 39-17-4; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 119.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-17 - Franchises › Section 39-17-5. - Delinquencies in franchise tax.

§ 39-17-5. Delinquencies in franchise tax.
In case any corporation shall neglect to make payment of the quarterly tax as provided in § 39-17-3, the town or city treasurer may collect and recover of the corporation, as other taxes are collectible, double the amount of the special tax shown to be due by the last preceding quarterly return of the corporation.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 77, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 91, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 103, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 126, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 39-17-5; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 119.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-17 - Franchises › Section 39-17-6. - Rate increases during term of franchise.

§ 39-17-6. Rate increases during term of franchise.
No corporation which shall acquire exclusive rights or franchises under the provisions of this chapter, shall at any time during the continuance thereof charge for its product, wares, or service, to any town or city or the inhabitants thereof, any greater price than the price actually charged by it at the time of the granting of the rights or franchises, both prices being reckoned in United States gold coin of the standard weight and fineness in force at the time of the granting of the right or franchise, or in the equivalent thereof in actual value in other lawful money of the United States.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 77, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 91, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 103, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 126, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 39-17-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-17 - Franchises › Section 39-17-7. - Town regulatory powers — Appeal.

§ 39-17-7. Town regulatory powers — Appeal.
The use and enjoyment of all rights and franchises granted under the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to such reasonable rules and regulations and orders, controlling the extent and quality of construction and service to be maintained by the corporation to which such rights are granted, and prescribing the location and arrangement of its tracks, poles, wires, or conduits, and their appurtenances, as are, or may be from time to time, enacted by the town or city councils. In case any regulation or enactment shall seem to any corporation to be unreasonable, the corporation, within thirty (30) days after the same has been passed, may complain to the division of public utilities and carriers setting forth that the regulation or order is not reasonable in the premises; and thereupon the division shall proceed to hear and determine the matter in accordance with the provisions of chapter 4 of this title; subject, however, to the right of appeal to the superior court contained in chapter 5 of this title.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 77, § 5; C.P.A. 1905, § 1107; G.L. 1909, ch. 91, § 5; P.L. 1912, ch. 795, § 52; G.L. 1923, ch. 103, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 126, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 39-17-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-17 - Franchises › Section 39-17-8. - Charges for use of streets.

§ 39-17-8. Charges for use of streets.
No city or town shall make any charge to any corporation for the use of its streets except under and in accordance with the provisions of this chapter; provided, that any city or town may require that any street railway company shall continue to conform to any existing requirements as to paving and keeping in repair the streets and highways.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 77, § 6; G.L. 1909, ch. 91, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 103, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 126, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 39-17-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-18 - Rhode Island Public Transit Authority › Section 39-18-1. - Definitions.

§ 39-18-1. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following words and terms shall have the following meanings unless the context shall indicate another or different meaning:
(1)
“Authority” means the Rhode Island public transit authority created by § 39-18-2, or, if the authority shall be abolished, the board, body, or commission succeeding to the principal functions thereof, or upon whom the powers of the authority given by this chapter shall be given by law.
(2)
“Bonds” means bonds, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness, including temporary notes of the authority issued in anticipation of revenues to be received by the authority or in anticipation of the receipt of federal, state, or local grants or other aid.
(3)
“Municipality” means any town, city, or subdivision thereof.
(4)
“Transit property” means and includes any property, whether real or personal, and any apparatus and equipment used or useful in the operation of a motor bus, water, or rail passenger transportation line or system, and includes any rights or franchises to operate any passenger transportation line or system, but it does not include other property or assets.
History of Section.
P.L. 1964, ch. 210, § 1; P.L. 1965, ch. 127, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 157, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 256, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-18 - Rhode Island Public Transit Authority › Section 39-18-1.1. - Findings.

§ 39-18-1.1. Findings.
It is hereby found and declared as follows:
(1)
Rhode Island has had a long and rich legacy of providing public transit services that contribute to the fabric of the state;
(2)
Public transit continues to evolve and can play increasingly important roles in the future;
(3)
Public transit services provide benefits to the quality of communities by curtailing energy consumption, helping people participate in their communities by offering mobility options, defining spaces and promoting sound urban design, and linking activity centers to support social networks;
(4)
Pedestrian access and safety is crucial to supporting public transit services;
(5)
One of the values of an improved public transit system is the generation of investment and wealth in areas served by the system;
(6)
The state’s public transit system should provide a variety of mobility options for people that include services for people with special needs, and services to tourism destinations, employment and retail centers, education institutions and other modes of transportation including rail, air, and water transportation services;
(7)
The use of technology is vital for making informed decisions about existing and future public transit services and for providing efficient, user responsive public transit; and
(8)
The state in partnership with local communities should support the legacy of public transit services in Rhode Island and improve, expand, and augment that system to meet the needs of the people in the twenty-first (21st) century.
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 504, § 2; P.L. 2007, ch. 518, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-18 - Rhode Island Public Transit Authority › Section 39-18-3. - Purposes of the authority.

§ 39-18-3. Purposes of the authority.
(a)
It shall be the purposes of the authority to:
(1)
Provide public transit services that meet mobility needs of the people of the state, including the elderly and disabled;
(2)
Increase access to employment opportunities;
(3)
Connect different modes of public transportation, including rail, air, and water services;
(4)
Promote community design that features public transit services as defining elements of a community;
(5)
Facilitate energy conservation and efficient energy use in the transportation sector by providing public transit services; and
(6)
Mitigate traffic congestion and enhance air quality.
(b)
It shall further be the purpose of the authority to own and operate a mass motor bus, water, or rail passenger transportation system and to manage, to coordinate, and to perform vehicle maintenance for a state paratransit system. Whenever any operator of a mass motor bus, water, or rail passenger transportation system files with the public utilities administrator a petition to discontinue any service, it is the purpose and function of the authority to determine if it is in the public interest to discontinue that service. If it is determined that it is not in the public interest to discontinue that service, the authority is authorized and empowered to acquire all or any part of the transit property, or any interest therein, of the system.
History of Section.
P.L. 1964, ch. 210, § 1; P.L. 1965, ch. 127, § 2; P.L. 1983, ch. 157, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 256, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 504, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 518, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-18 - Rhode Island Public Transit Authority › Section 39-18-4.2. - Alteration of bus route — Public hearing.

§ 39-18-4.2. Alteration of bus route — Public hearing.
(a)
Any alteration or elimination of any bus route within the system established by the authority pursuant to § 39-18-4 shall not take effect until a public hearing is held in the neighborhood(s) along the affected route.
(b)
The public hearing shall take place at least thirty (30) days before the bus route change is scheduled to take effect in the neighborhood(s) along the affected route.
(c)
The authority shall also prepare a neighborhood(s) impact statement prior to the public hearing, and provide it to those persons attending the public hearing, the governor, those members of the general assembly whose districts are affected by the change, and the mayor or town administrator of the city or town affected by the change.
(d)
Nothing in this section shall be construed to apply to any temporary alteration of a bus route necessitated by including, but not limited to, temporary alterations occasioned by weather, construction activity, emergency, or unforeseen condition.
History of Section.
P.L. 2018, ch. 181, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 276, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-18 - Rhode Island Public Transit Authority › Section 39-18-5. - Credit of state and political subdivisions not pledged.

§ 39-18-5. Credit of state and political subdivisions not pledged.
(a)
Bonds issued under the provisions of this chapter shall not be deemed to constitute a debt of the state, or of any political subdivision thereof, or a pledge of the faith and credit of the state, or of any political subdivision. All bonds shall contain, on the face thereof, a statement to the effect that neither the state nor any political subdivision thereof shall be obligated to pay the bonds, or the interest thereon, and that neither the faith and credit nor the taxing power of the state, or of any political subdivision thereof, is pledged to the payment of the principal of or the interest on the bonds.
(b)
All expenses incurred in carrying out the provisions of this chapter shall be payable solely from funds provided under the provisions of this chapter, and no liability or obligation shall be incurred by the authority hereunder beyond the extent to which moneys shall have been provided under the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1964, ch. 210, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 157, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-18 - Rhode Island Public Transit Authority › Section 39-18-8. - Trust agreement — Other security for bonds.

§ 39-18-8. Trust agreement — Other security for bonds.
Bonds issued under the provisions of this chapter may be secured by trust agreement by and between the authority and a corporate trustee, which may be any trust company or bank having the powers of a trust company within or without the state. The trust agreement or the resolution providing for the issuance of the bonds may pledge or assign the revenues to be received, but shall not convey or mortgage any transit property or any part thereof. The trust agreement or resolution providing for the issuance of the bonds may contain such provisions for protecting and enforcing the rights and remedies of the bondholders as may be reasonable and proper and not in violation of law, including, without limitation, covenants setting forth the duties of the authority in relation to the custody, safeguarding, and application of all moneys, and conditions or limitations with respect to the issuance of additional bonds. It shall be lawful for any bank or trust company incorporated under the laws of the state that may act as depositary of the proceeds of bonds or of revenues to furnish such indemnifying bonds or to pledge such securities as may be required by the authority. Any trust agreement may set forth the rights and remedies of the bondholders and of the trustee, and may restrict the individual right of action by bondholders. In addition to the foregoing, any trust agreement or resolution may contain other provisions as the authority may deem reasonable and proper for the security of the bondholders. All expenses incurred in carrying out the provisions of the trust agreement or resolution may be treated as a part of the authority’s cost of operation and maintenance. Bonds may also be secured by insurance or by letters of credit, or in any other manner deemed appropriate by the authority not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter, or may be unsecured.
History of Section.
P.L. 1964, ch. 210, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 157, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-18 - Rhode Island Public Transit Authority › Section 39-18-9. - Revenues.

§ 39-18-9. Revenues.
The authority is hereby authorized and empowered to fix and revise, from time to time, such schedules of service and rates of fare and charges for service furnished or operated as it determines to be reasonable. The schedules of service, rates of fare, and charges for service shall not be subject to supervision or regulation by any commission, board, bureau, or agency of the state or of any municipality or other political subdivision of the state; except as provided in § 39-18-4. Provided, however, any changes in frequency of services of more than fifteen percent (15%), providers of service, rates of service, other than systemwide changes, and charges for service shall be presented for comment in at least one public hearing scheduled in an accessible location in each county affected, and the hearing shall be scheduled in two (2) sessions, one during daytime business hours and one during evening hours. The revenues derived from the authority’s operations and any other funds or property received or to be received by the authority (including, without limitation, any funds or other property received or to be received by the authority pursuant to § 39-18-4(a)(10)), in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, may be pledged to, and charged with, the payment of the principal of and the interest on some or all of the authority’s bonds as provided for in the resolution authorizing the issuance of the bonds or in the trust agreement securing the bonds. The pledge shall be valid and binding from the time when the pledge is made; the revenues, funds, or other property so pledged, and thereafter received by the authority, shall immediately be subject to the lien of the pledge without any physical delivery thereof or further act, and the lien of any pledge shall be valid and binding as against all parties having claims of any kind, in tort, contract, or otherwise, against the authority, irrespective of whether the parties have notice thereof. Neither the resolution nor any trust agreement by which a pledge is created need be filed or recorded except in the records of the authority.
History of Section.
P.L. 1964, ch. 210, § 1; P.L. 1965, ch. 127, § 7; P.L. 1983, ch. 157, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 517, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 475, § 21; P.L. 2020, ch. 79, art. 1, § 10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-18 - Rhode Island Public Transit Authority › Section 39-18-10. - Trust funds.

§ 39-18-10. Trust funds.
All moneys received pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, whether as proceeds from the sale of bonds or as revenues, shall be deemed to be trust funds to be held and applied solely as provided in this chapter. The authority may, in the resolution authorizing the bonds or in the trust agreement securing the bonds, provide for the payment of the proceeds of the sale of the bonds and the revenues to be received to a trustee, which shall be any trust company or bank having the powers of a trust company within or without the state, which shall act as trustee of the bonds and hold and apply the bonds to the purposes of this chapter, subject to this chapter and to regulations as the resolution or trust agreement may provide, or may provide for the funds to be held in a separate account of the authority maintained at any bank within or without the state to be disbursed therefrom on the instructions of such officer or officers of the authority as may be so authorized and empowered by resolution of the authority.
History of Section.
P.L. 1964, ch. 210, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 157, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-18 - Rhode Island Public Transit Authority › Section 39-18-11. - Remedies.

§ 39-18-11. Remedies.
Any holder of bonds issued under the provisions of this chapter, or any of the coupons pertaining thereto, and the trustee under any trust agreement related thereto, except to the extent the rights given in this chapter may be restricted by the trust agreement, may, by civil action, mandamus, or other proceedings, protect and enforce any and all rights under the laws of the state or granted in this chapter or under the trust agreement or the resolution authorizing the issuance of the bonds, and may enforce and compel the performance of all duties required by this chapter or by the trust agreement or resolution to be performed by the authority or by any officer thereof, including the fixing and revising of schedules and rates of fare and charges for service.
History of Section.
P.L. 1964, ch. 210, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 157, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 120.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-18 - Rhode Island Public Transit Authority › Section 39-18-12. - Exemptions from taxation.

§ 39-18-12. Exemptions from taxation.
The exercise of the powers granted by this chapter will be in all respects for the benefit of the people of the state and for the increase of their commerce, maintenance, and increase of their transportation and general prosperity and for the improvement of their health, welfare, and living conditions and as the acquisition, operation, and maintenance by the authority of the transit properties acquired will constitute the performance of essential governmental functions, the authority shall not be required to pay any taxes or assessments upon the facilities or upon any property acquired or used by the authority under the provisions of this chapter, or upon the income from the operation of the transit facilities. The bonds issued under the provisions of this chapter, their transfer, and income derived therefrom (including any profit made on the sale thereof) at all times shall be free from taxation within the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1964, ch. 210, § 1; P.L. 1965, ch. 127, § 8; P.L. 1983, ch. 157, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-18 - Rhode Island Public Transit Authority › Section 39-18-13. - Bonds eligible for investment.

§ 39-18-13. Bonds eligible for investment.
Bonds issued by the authority under the provisions of this chapter are hereby made securities in which all public officers and public bodies of the state and its political subdivisions, all insurance companies, trust companies, banking associations, investment companies, credit unions, building and loan associations, executors, administrators, trustees, and other fiduciaries may properly and legally invest funds, including capital in their control or belonging to them. The bonds are hereby made securities that may properly and legally be deposited with and received by any state or municipal officer or any agency or political subdivision of the state for any purpose for which the deposit of bonds or obligations is now or may hereafter be authorized by law.
History of Section.
P.L. 1964, ch. 210, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-18 - Rhode Island Public Transit Authority › Section 39-18-14. - Negotiable instruments.

§ 39-18-14. Negotiable instruments.
Notwithstanding any of the foregoing provisions of this chapter or any recitals in any bonds issued under the provisions of this chapter, all bonds shall be deemed to be negotiable instruments under the laws of this state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1964, ch. 210, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-18 - Rhode Island Public Transit Authority › Section 39-18-15. - Refunding bonds.

§ 39-18-15. Refunding bonds.
(a)
The authority is hereby authorized to provide for the issuance of bonds of the authority for the purpose of refunding any bonds of the authority, including temporary notes, then outstanding, including the payment of any redemption premium thereon and any interest accrued or to accrue to the date of redemption of the bonds.
(b)
The proceeds of any bonds issued for the purpose of refunding outstanding bonds may, in the discretion of the authority, be applied to the purchase or retirement at maturity or redemption of the outstanding bonds either on their earliest or any subsequent redemption date or upon the purchase or at the maturity thereof, and may, pending application, be placed in escrow to be applied to the purchase or retirement at maturity or redemption on such date as may be determined by the authority.
(c)
Any escrowed proceeds, pending such use, may be invested and reinvested in direct obligations of the United States of America, or in certificates of deposit or time deposits secured by direct obligations of the United States of America, maturing at such time or times as shall be appropriate to ensure the prompt payment, as to principal, interest, and redemption premium, if any, of the outstanding bonds to be so refunded. The interest, income, and profits, if any, earned or realized on any investment may also be applied to payment of the outstanding bonds to be so refunded. After the terms of the escrow have been fully satisfied and carried out, any balance of the proceeds and interest, income, and profits, if any, earned or realized on the investments thereof may be returned to the authority for use by it in any lawful manner.
(d)
All bonds shall be issued and secured and shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter in the same manner and to the same extent as other bonds issued pursuant to this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1964, ch. 210, § 1; P.L. 1965, ch. 127, § 9; P.L. 1983, ch. 157, § 1.