reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-131 - Intergovernmental Relations Council › Section 42-131-2. - Membership of council.

§ 42-131-2. Membership of council.
(a)
The council shall be composed of twenty-four (24) members as follows:
(1)
The lieutenant governor;
(2)
The president of the senate or his or her designee;
(3)
The speaker of the house or his or her designee;
(4)
The majority leader of the house of representatives or his or her designee;
(5)
The minority leader of the house of representatives or his or her designee;
(6)
The minority leader of the senate or his or her designee;
(7)
The chairperson of the house finance committee or his or her designee;
(8)
The chairperson of the senate finance committee or his or her designee;
(9)
Three (3) state executive branch officials appointed by the governor, one of whom shall be the chief of the office of municipal affairs in the department of administration;
(10)
Three (3) city and/or town officials appointed by the president of the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns;
(11)
The executive director of the League of Cities and Towns;
(12)
Two (2) members of the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council, one of whom shall be the executive director of said council and one of whom shall be appointed by the president of said council;
(13)
Two (2) members appointed by the president of the Rhode Island School Committee Association;
(14)
The mayor of the city of Providence or his or her designee;
(15)
The president of the Providence city council or his or her designee; and
(16)
Four (4) members being representatives of the Rhode Island congressional delegation.
(17)
President of the senate effective January 1, 2003.
(b)
Members of the council shall hold office for three (3) years. Should any member cease to be an officer or employee of the unit or agency he or she is appointed to represent, his or her membership on the council shall terminate immediately. Any vacancy on the council shall be filled for the unexpired term by the appointing authority in the same manner as the original appointment.
(c)
The lieutenant governor shall serve as chairperson and the vice chairperson of the council shall be designated by the governor from among the members. In the event of the absence or disability of both the chairperson and vice chairperson, the members of the council shall elect a temporary chairperson by a majority vote of those present and voting.
(d)
The council is subject to review by the general assembly’s legislative oversight commission as defined in chapter 14 of title 22.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 351, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 180, § 137.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-131 - Intergovernmental Relations Council › Section 42-131-3. - Purpose and duties.

§ 42-131-3. Purpose and duties.
The purpose of the council shall be to provide a forum to discuss intergovernmental issues between federal, state and local government and the private sector and to develop specific and comprehensive recommendations for executive and legislative action as may be necessary and proper to maintain and encourage improvements in intergovernmental relations. To enable the council to carry out that purpose, the council shall study the following matters and any others it deems appropriate:
(1)
The existing, necessary, and desirable relationships between and among local governments, the state and the private sector;
(2)
The existing, necessary, and desirable allocation of state and local functional responsibilities and fiscal resources, such as the manner in which the state delivers services to local communities and the powers and functions of local governments;
(3)
The impact of federal aid programs in terms of their compatibility with state and local objectives and their fiscal and administrative impact on programs;
(4)
Impact of federal or state judicial decisions, and/or existing or proposed federal, state, legislative or executive policies and regulations upon the capacities and effectiveness of local government;
(5)
The special problems in interstate areas facing local governments, intrastate regional units, and area-wide bodies, such studies where possible to be conducted in conjunction with those of a pertinent sister state commission(s);
(6)
Ways and means to foster better relations among local, state and federal governments, and between government and the private sector;
(7)
Encourage and, where appropriate, coordinate studies relating to intergovernmental relations conducted by universities, state, local and federal agencies, and research and consulting organizations;
(8)
Review the recommendations of national commissions studying private sector, federal, state and local government relationships and issues and assess their possible application to Rhode Island;
(9)
Provide opportunities for state and local government officials and members of the private sector to become more knowledgeable about their shared duties and responsibilities to deliver effective services, such as conducting educational seminars and informational conferences on selected intergovernmental and state and local issues, including potential areas of interstate, state-local and private-public partnerships; and
(10)
Review and propose any constitutional amendments and statutory changes required to implement proposals of the commission.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 351, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-131 - Intergovernmental Relations Council › Section 42-131-4. - Meetings, hearings, committees.

§ 42-131-4. Meetings, hearings, committees.
(a)
The council shall hold meetings quarterly and at such other times as it deems necessary. The council may hold public hearings from time-to-time on matters within its purview.
(b)
Each officer, board, commission, council, department or agency of state government, and each political subdivision of the state, shall cooperate with the council in carrying out the functions and duties imposed by this chapter.
(c)
The council may establish committees as it deems advisable and feasible, whose membership shall include at least one member of the council, but only the council itself may set policy or take other official action.
(d)
The council shall promulgate rules of procedure governing its operations.
(e)
All meetings of the council, or any committee thereof, at which public business is discussed or formal action is taken shall conform to the state open meetings laws.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 351, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-131 - Intergovernmental Relations Council › Section 42-131-5. - Technical advisory committee.

§ 42-131-5. Technical advisory committee.
A technical advisory committee shall be appointed by the chairperson of the council. The technical advisory committee shall include, but not be limited to, representatives of the office of municipal affairs in the department of administration, statewide planning, the general assembly, the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council, and the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 351, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-131 - Intergovernmental Relations Council › Section 42-131-6. - Reports.

§ 42-131-6. Reports.
The council shall issue reports of its findings and recommendations from time-to-time and issue annually a public report on its work. Copies of the annual report shall be submitted to the governor, presiding officers of the general assembly, each city and town of the state, and appropriate state departments and agencies regarding the council’s work, including draft legislation and model ordinances necessary to implement its recommendations. Reports of the council shall be available to the public.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 351, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-132 - Business Fast-Start Office › Section 42-132-1. - Purpose.

§ 42-132-1. Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to provide a convenient, accessible, and timely one-stop system that will enable the business community to acquire, maintain and file the necessary state licenses required to start and conduct business in Rhode Island. It is the intent of the general assembly that use of the fast-start system by a business be optional and that any business may continue to work directly with the appropriate state agency if preferred.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 117, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-132 - Business Fast-Start Office › Section 42-132-2. - Definitions.

§ 42-132-2. Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
(1)
“Director” means the director of the secretary of state’s first stop business information center;
(2)
“Department” means the secretary of state’s office;
(3)
“License” means any certificate, permit or other evidence, by whatever name called, of a right or privilege to engage in any business activity, except occupational licenses;
(4)
“Occupational license” means any certificate, permit or other evidence, by whatever name called, of a right or privilege to engage in a profession, occupation, or field of endeavor that is issued by an occupational licensing agency;
(5)
“Occupational licensing agency” means any board, commission, committee, or other agency of this state that is established for the primary purpose of regulating the admission or conduct of persons in a particular profession, occupation, or field of endeavor, and is authorized to issue and revoke licenses. The term does not include a state agency or department that issues permits or licenses as only part of its regular function;
(6)
“Office” means the first stop business information center.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 117, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-132 - Business Fast-Start Office › Section 42-132-4. - Services optional.

§ 42-132-4. Services optional.
(a)
The services offered to persons by the fast-start office are optional. Any person may deal directly with a state agency in obtaining information, assistance, or in applying for a license if the person so prefers.
(b)
The authority for determining whether a requested license shall be issued shall remain with the state agency legally authorized to issue the license.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 117, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-132 - Business Fast-Start Office › Section 42-132-5. - Expedited state licensure process.

§ 42-132-5. Expedited state licensure process.
(a) Notification of status.
Any applicant for a license or occupational license as defined in this chapter and identified by the Business Fast-Start Office, shall be notified within sixty (60) days of filing a substantially complete application of the status of that application. Should there be no determination on the application, the applicant shall also be notified thirty (30) days later on the status of that application. Such notification shall be made by the appropriate licensing agency of the state to which the application for licensure has been made, or by another means so designated by the licensing agency.
(b) Expedited determination.
All state departments and agencies with regulatory or permitting authority over a business shall calculate the average processing time for each application for a license or occupational license as defined in this chapter, from time of application to time of issuance and shall report quarterly to the economic development corporation beginning June 1, 2010, and annually to the Rhode Island general assembly beginning January 1, 2011. The economic development corporation shall make the quarterly reports available to the public and shall publish the reports electronically on their website.
History of Section.
P.L. 2010, ch. 245, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 248, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-133 - Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation Act › Section 42-133-1. - Short title.

§ 42-133-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known as the “Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation Act.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 65, art. 8, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-133 - Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation Act › Section 42-133-2. - Purpose.

§ 42-133-2. Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to authorize, create and establish a corporation empowered to acquire from the state that portion of the state’s tobacco receipts as the state is authorized to sell; to authorize the sale by the state of all or a portion of the state’s tobacco receipts to such corporation; to authorize the transfer to and the receipt by such corporation of all or a portion of the state’s tobacco receipts; to authorize such corporation to issue bonds of the corporation for the purposes authorized in this chapter, payable solely from and secured solely by such portion of the state’s tobacco receipts as the corporation may designate and pledge to secure the bonds, together with the investment income thereon and any reserve fund created by the corporation from any portion of the proceeds of such bonds; and to authorize the corporation to manage and dispose of all or a portion of the state’s tobacco receipts for the purposes and in the manner authorized in this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 65, art. 8, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-133 - Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation Act › Section 42-133-3. - Definitions.

§ 42-133-3. 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 or intent:
(1)
“Board” means the governing body of the corporation.
(2)
“Bonds” means bonds, notes (but only as provided in § 42-133-8(6)(e)), or other evidences of indebtedness of the corporation, all of which shall be in all events payable solely from and secured solely by such portion of the state’s tobacco receipts as are sold to the corporation and pledged to secure the bonds, and issued pursuant to the authorizations contained in this chapter, all of which shall be issued under the name of or known as obligations of the corporation.
(3)
“Corporation” means the corporation authorized, created, and established pursuant to this chapter.
(4)
“Escrow” means the escrow as that term is defined in the master settlement agreement.
(5)
“Escrow agent” means the escrow agent as that term is defined in the master settlement agreement.
(6)
“Independent auditor” means the independent auditor as that term is defined in the master settlement agreement.
(7)
“Master settlement agreement” means the settlement agreement and related documents entered into on November 23, 1998, by the state and the four (4) principal United States tobacco product manufacturers, as amended and supplemented.
(8)
“Participating manufacturers” means the participating manufacturers as that term is defined in the master settlement agreement.
(9)
“Qualifying statute” means chapter 71 of title 23 enacted March 30, 2001 and applied retroactively to June 29, 1999, in conformity with exhibit T of the master settlement agreement.
(10)
“State” means the state of Rhode Island.
(11)
“State’s tobacco receipts” means all of the payments to be made by the escrow agent and derived from payments made by the participating manufacturers and allocated to the state under the master settlement agreement, other than pursuant to Article XVII of the master settlement agreement.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 65, art. 8, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-133 - Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation Act › Section 42-133-4. - Creation — Powers — Construction of chapter — Termination.

§ 42-133-4. Creation — Powers — Construction of chapter — Termination.
(a)
There is hereby authorized, created and established, a public corporation of the state having a legal existence distinct from the state and not constituting a department of state government, to be known as the tobacco settlement financing corporation, with such powers as are set forth in this chapter.
(b)
It is the intent of the general assembly by the passage of this chapter to vest in the corporation all powers, authority, rights, privileges, and titles which may be necessary to enable it to accomplish the purposes set forth in this chapter. This chapter and the powers granted hereby shall be liberally construed in conformity with these purposes.
(c)
The corporation and its corporate existence shall continue until terminated by law or until the corporation shall cease entirely and continuously to conduct or be involved in any business whatsoever in furtherance of its purposes; provided, that no termination shall take effect prior to the date which is one year and one day after the date on which the corporation no longer has any bonds outstanding. Upon termination of the existence of the corporation, all its rights and properties shall pass to and best vested in the state. At no other time shall the assets or other property of the corporation inure to the benefit of any other person.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 65, art. 8, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-133 - Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation Act › Section 42-133-7. - Sale of state’s tobacco receipts.

§ 42-133-7. Sale of state’s tobacco receipts.
(a)
On or before June 30, 2002, the state shall sell and assign to and the corporation shall acquire all or a portion of the state’s tobacco receipts. The attorney general shall assist the governor in the preparation and review of all necessary documentation to effect such sale and transfer by such date. The terms and conditions of the sale shall be established in order to accomplish the purpose and intent set forth in this chapter and shall include, but not be limited to, the price, the net proceeds of the sale of the bonds to be issued by the corporation and secured by a portion of the state’s tobacco receipts, and the beneficial interest of the state in any trust fund created in accordance with this chapter.
(b)
The sale of the state’s tobacco receipts to the corporation shall be irrevocable during the time when any bonds issued by the corporation are outstanding, and shall constitute a contractual obligation owed to the holders of such bonds. The sale of the state’s tobacco receipts shall be treated as a true sale and absolute transfer of the property so transferred and not as a pledge or other security interest for any borrowing. The characterization of such a sale as an absolute transfer shall not be negated or adversely affected by the fact that only a portion of the state’s tobacco receipts is being sold or by the state’s acquisition or retention of an ownership interest in any residual assets.
(c)
On or after the effective date of the sale, the state shall not have any right, title, or interest in all or such portion of the state’s tobacco receipts sold which shall be the sole property of the corporation, and not of the state, and shall be owned, received, held, and disbursed by the corporation or its trustee or assignee in accordance with this chapter, and not by the state.
(d)
On or before the effective date of the sale and at the request of the corporation, the state, through the attorney general, shall notify the independent auditor of the sale and instruct the independent auditor to direct the escrow agent that, subsequent to that date and irrevocably during the time when any bonds are outstanding, the state’s tobacco receipts acquired by the corporation are to be paid directly to the corporation or its designee.
(e)
With respect to the issuance of the corporation’s bonds and in compliance with all applicable federal law, including, but not limited to, the Internal Revenue Code, the state and the corporation may enter into agreements for the benefit of the corporation’s bondholders with respect to the application of the proceeds of the bonds and certain other monies of the state, the investment thereof, and the periodic reporting of certain information, and such other matters related thereto.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 65, art. 8, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-133 - Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation Act › Section 42-133-9. - Trust funds.

§ 42-133-9. Trust funds.
All money received pursuant to the authority of this chapter, whether as provided from the sale of bonds or state’s tobacco receipts purchased by the corporation, or investment income, shall be trust funds to be held and applied solely as provided in the proceedings under which the bonds of the corporation are authorized. Any officer with whom, or any bank or trust company with which monies shall be deposited as trustee, shall hold and apply the trust funds for the purposes for which the bonds are authorized, subject to the applicable provisions of this chapter, the proceedings authorizing the bonds, and the trust agreement securing the bonds, if any.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 65, art. 8, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-133 - Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation Act › Section 42-133-10. - Exemption from taxation.

§ 42-133-10. Exemption from taxation.
The exercise of the powers granted by this chapter shall be in all respects for the benefit of the people of the state, and the corporation, and any trust established by the corporation, shall not be required to pay taxes of the state or any political subdivision of the state of any kind, including any tax or assessment on any property owned by the corporation, or any trust established by the corporation, under the provisions of this chapter or upon the income from any property. Any bonds issued by the corporation under the provisions of this chapter, their transfer, and the income from them (including any profits made on their sale), shall at all times be free from taxation by the state or any political subdivision or other instrumentality of the state, excepting inheritance, estate, and gift taxes.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 65, art. 8, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-133 - Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation Act › Section 42-133-11. - Bankruptcy.

§ 42-133-11. Bankruptcy.
Prior to the date which is one year and one day after the date on which the corporation no longer has any bonds outstanding, the corporation has no authority to file a voluntary petition under chapter 9 of the United States Bankruptcy Code or such corresponding law as may, from time to time, be in effect, and neither any public official nor any other organization, entity, or other person shall authorize the corporation to be or become a debtor under the United States Bankruptcy Code or any corresponding law during such periods. The provisions of this section are for the benefit of the holders of any bonds and are a part of the contractual obligation owed to such bondholders, and the state hereby agrees that it shall not modify or delete the provisions of this section during the periods described in this section. The corporation is authorized to include this agreement of the state in any agreement with the holders of the bonds.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 65, art. 8, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-133 - Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation Act › Section 42-133-11.1. - Stay of execution upon appeal.

§ 42-133-11.1. Stay of execution upon appeal.
(a)
In order to secure and protect the monies to be received as a result of the Master Settlement Agreement, as defined in § 42-133-3 of this chapter, in civil litigation under any legal theory involving a signatory, a successor of a signatory, or an affiliate of a signatory to the Master Settlement Agreement, the supersedeas bond to be furnished in order to stay the execution of the judgment during the entire course of appellate review shall be set in accordance with applicable laws or court rules, except that the total supersedeas bond in any one case that is required of all appellants collectively shall not exceed fifty million dollars ($50,000,000) regardless of the value of the judgment. The limitation on the amount of the bond set out in this section does not apply to awards resulting from actions enforcing payments under the Master Settlement Agreement, as defined in § 42-133-3 of this chapter.
(b)
Notwithstanding subsection (a), if an appellee proves by a preponderance of the evidence that an appellant is dissipating assets outside the ordinary course of business to avoid payment of a judgment, a court may require the appellant to post a supersedeas bond in an amount up to the total amount of the judgment.
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 288, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 412, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-133 - Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation Act › Section 42-133-12. - Limited power to incur debt.

§ 42-133-12. Limited power to incur debt.
The corporation and the board have no power to incur debt or obligations or in any way to encumber their assets except by the issuance of bonds, including the making of covenants in relation to the issuing of bonds and the incurring of expenses and obligations in connection with such issuance.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 65, art. 8, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-133 - Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation Act › Section 42-133-13. - Bonds as legal investments.

§ 42-133-13. Bonds as legal investments.
The bonds of the corporation are hereby made securities in which all public officers and bodies of this state and municipalities and municipal subdivisions, all 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 whatsoever who are 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.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 65, art. 8, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-133 - Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation Act › Section 42-133-14. - Agreement by the state.

§ 42-133-14. Agreement by the state.
The state does hereby pledge to and agree with the holders of any bonds issued under this chapter that the state will not limit or alter the rights vested in the corporation to fulfill the terms of any agreements made with the holders, or otherwise take any action that materially and adversely affects the rights of the holders, until the bonds, together with the interest thereon, with interest on any unpaid installments of interest, and all costs and expenses in connection with any action or proceeding by or on behalf of holders, are fully met and discharged. The corporation is authorized to include this pledge and agreement of the state in any agreement with the holders of the bonds.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 65, art. 8, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-133 - Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation Act › Section 42-133-15. - Credit of the state.

§ 42-133-15. Credit of the state.
Bonds issued under the provisions of this chapter shall not constitute a debt, liability, or obligation of the state or of any political subdivision thereof other than the corporation, or a pledge of the faith and credit of the state or any political subdivision, but shall be payable solely from the assets of the corporation. Bonds shall state on their face that the bonds are payable both as to principal and interest solely out of the assets of the corporation pledged for such purpose, and neither the faith and credit nor the taxing power of the state or any political subdivision thereof is pledged to the payment of the principal of or the interest on the bonds; do not constitute an indebtedness of the state or any political subdivision of the state; are secured solely by and payable solely from the tobacco receipts sold to the corporation and other moneys of the corporation; and do not constitute a general, legal, or moral obligation of the state or any political subdivisions thereof, and that the state has no obligation or intention to satisfy any deficiency or default of any payment of the bonds.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 65, art. 8, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-133 - Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation Act › Section 42-133-16. - Annual report and audit.

§ 42-133-16. Annual report and audit.
Within four (4) months after the end of each fiscal year, the board 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, 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 synopsis of hearings, complaints, suspensions, or other legal matters related to the authority of the commission; a summary of any training courses held pursuant to subdivision 42-133-6(a)(3); 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 the 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 this provision. The corporation shall cause an independent audit of its books and accounts to be made at least once each fiscal year. The fiscal year of the corporation shall commence on each July 1.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 65, art. 8, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 241, § 5; P.L. 2005, ch. 319, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-133 - Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation Act › Section 42-133-17. - Attorney general.

§ 42-133-17. Attorney general.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as in any way modifying or limiting, and the state does hereby pledge to and agree with the holders of any bonds issued under this chapter that the state will not modify or limit, the responsibility of the attorney general to administer, protect and discharge all duties, rights and obligations of the state under the master settlement agreement and the qualifying statute.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 65, art. 8, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-133 - Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation Act › Section 42-133-18. - Chapter controlling over inconsistent provisions.

§ 42-133-18. Chapter controlling over inconsistent provisions.
Insofar as the provisions of this chapter are inconsistent with the provisions of any other law or ordinance, general, special or local, the provisions of this chapter shall be controlling.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 65, art. 8, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-133 - Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation Act › Section 42-133-19. - Construction with other statutes.

§ 42-133-19. Construction with other statutes.
The issuance of bonds of the corporation under the provisions of this chapter need not comply with the requirements of any other statute applicable to the issuance of obligations. No proceedings or notice of approval shall be required for the issuance of any bonds except as provided in this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 65, art. 8, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-133 - Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation Act › Section 42-133-20. - Severability.

§ 42-133-20. Severability.
If any clause, sentence, paragraph, section, or part of this chapter shall be adjudged by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, that judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder of this chapter, but shall be confined in its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph, section, or part directly involved in the controversy in which that judgment shall have been rendered.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 65, art. 8, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-135 - State Pharmaceutical Purchasing and Dispensing Coordinating Council › Section 42-135-1. - Creation of council.

§ 42-135-1. Creation of council.
There is hereby created and established a state pharmaceutical purchasing and dispensing coordinating council to be referred to in this chapter as “the council.” The legislative authority for the council shall cease as of June 30, 2005, unless the council is continued under the provisions of this chapter and/or other act of the general assembly.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 365, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-135 - State Pharmaceutical Purchasing and Dispensing Coordinating Council › Section 42-135-2. - Membership of council.

§ 42-135-2. Membership of council.
(a)
The council shall be composed of twelve (12) members as follows:
(1)
The directors of the following state departments, or their designees:
(i)
Administration;
(ii)
Health;
(iii)
Behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals;
(iv)
Human services;
(v)
Elderly affairs;
(vi)
Corrections;
(vii)
Children, youth, and families;
(2)
Two (2) members of the senate, one to be appointed by the president of the senate, and one to be appointed by the senate minority leader;
(3)
Two (2) members of the house of representatives, one to be appointed by the speaker, and one to be appointed by the house minority leader; and
(4)
One representative of the University of Rhode Island School of Pharmacy, to be appointed by the dean of the school.
(b)
Members of the council shall hold office for three (3) years. Should any member cease to be an officer or employee of the unit or agency he or she is appointed to represent, his or her membership on the council shall terminate immediately. Any vacancy on the council shall be filled for the unexpired term by the appointing authority in the same manner as the original appointment.
(c)
The members of the council shall elect a chairperson and vice chairperson by a majority vote of those present and voting.
(d)
The council shall meet at least quarterly.
(e)
The council shall include representatives of the Rhode Island Pharmaceutical Association, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, the Healthcare Distribution Management Association, and other essential organizations as it deems necessary for the proper execution of its powers and duties.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 365, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-135 - State Pharmaceutical Purchasing and Dispensing Coordinating Council › Section 42-135-3. - Purpose and duties.

§ 42-135-3. Purpose and duties.
The purpose of the council shall be to provide a forum to discuss:
(1)
Prudent pharmaceutical purchasing mechanisms for state facilities and programs;
(2)
Efficient pharmaceutical dispensing capabilities in state and community agencies for medications paid for with state funds; and
(3)
A comprehensive and coordinated review of state pharmaceutical purchasing and facility dispensing procedures.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 365, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-135 - State Pharmaceutical Purchasing and Dispensing Coordinating Council › Section 42-135-4. - Reports.

§ 42-135-4. Reports.
The council shall submit a written report annually to the governor, the house of representatives and the senate.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 365, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-136 - Outdoor Lighting Control › Section 42-136-2. - Findings.

§ 42-136-2. Findings.
The general assembly finds that fully shielded lighting units considerably reduce light pollution. The general assembly further finds that the replacement of unshielded lighting units with fully shielded lighting units can result in substantial lowering in the wattage of the lamp needed to maintain an equivalent level of lighting on the ground, thereby realizing a considerable energy savings to the state. Therefore, it is in the public interest to require the use of fully shielded lighting units to the maximum extent possible.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 420, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-136 - Outdoor Lighting Control › Section 42-136-3. - Definitions.

§ 42-136-3. Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
(1)
“Direct light” means light emitting generally in a downward direction by a lamp, off a reflector or through a refractor of a lighting unit.
(2)
“Fully shielded lighting unit” means a lighting unit that is constructed in such a manner that all light emitted, either directly from the lamp or indirectly by reflection or refraction from any part of the lighting unit, is projected below the horizontal.
(3)
“Glare” means direct light emitted by a lighting unit that causes reduced visibility of objects or momentary blindness.
(4)
“Lamp” means the component of a lighting unit that produces light.
(5)
“Light pollution” means a general sky glow caused by the scattering of artificial light in the atmosphere.
(6)
“Lighting unit” means a complete lighting unit, including a lamp or lamps together with the parts designed to distribute the light, to position and protect the lamps and to connect the lamps to the power supply.
(7)
“Lumen” means a specific standard unit of measurement of luminous flux.
(8)
“Outdoor light fixtures” means outdoor artificial illuminating devices, installed or portable, used for flood-lighting, roadway and area lighting, general illumination or advertisement.
(9)
“Partially shielded lighting unit” means a lighting unit that is constructed in such a manner that more than zero (0) but less than ten percent (10%) of the light emitted, either directly from the lamp or indirectly by reflection or refraction from any part of the lighting unit, is projected above the horizontal.
(10)
“Permanent outdoor lighting unit” means any fixed lighting unit or system of lighting units that is outdoors and that is intended to be used for seven (7) days or longer.
(11)
“Roadway lighting” means permanent outdoor lighting units that are specifically intended to illuminate roadways for automotive vehicles.
(12)
“Unshielded lighting unit” means a lighting unit that is constructed in such a manner that more than ten percent (10%) of the light emitted, either directly from the lamp or indirectly by reflection or refraction from any part of the lighting unit, is projected above the horizontal.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 420, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-136 - Outdoor Lighting Control › Section 42-136-4. - Outdoor lighting control.

§ 42-136-4. Outdoor lighting control.
(a) Permanent outdoor lighting unit installation.
The installation of any new or replacement permanent outdoor lighting unit by or for a state agency shall meet the following conditions:
(1)
The new or replacement luminare permits are no more than two percent (2%) of the total lumen in the zone of ninety (90) to one hundred eighty (180) degrees vertical angle if the rated output of the lumen is greater than thirty-two hundred (3,200) lumens.
(2)
The minimum allowance specified by an applicable recommendation or regulation shall be used. The average minimum allowance adequate for the intended purpose shall be used if no lighting recommendation or regulation is applicable, giving full consideration to energy conservation and glare.
(3)
Reflectorized roadway markers, lines, warning signs, informational signs or other passive means shall be utilized for roadway lighting except at intersections of two (2) or more streets or highways unless it is determined that the purpose of the lighting installation or replacement cannot be achieved by these means.
(4)
Adequate consideration shall be given to conserving energy and minimizing glare and light pollution.
(b) Exceptions.
The following instances shall be exempt from the requirements of subsection (a):
(1)
Where federal laws, rules or regulations preempt state regulations.
(2)
Where fire, police, rescue or repair personnel need light for temporary emergencies or road repair work.
(3)
Where there are special requirements, such as sports facilities, historic decorative considerations or flag lighting. All such lighting shall be selected and installed to shield the lamp or lamps from direct view to the greatest extent possible and to minimize upward lighting and light pollution.
(4)
Where there is substantial nighttime pedestrian traffic in an urban area and an engineer experienced in outdoor lighting has deemed it necessary to permit the installation of partially shielded lighting units.
(5)
Where it has been determined that a reasonable safety and security interest exists that cannot be addressed by another method without increasing the cost or reducing the effectiveness of the lighting.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 420, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-136 - Outdoor Lighting Control › Section 42-136-5. - Implementation of chapter.

§ 42-136-5. Implementation of chapter.
The department of transportation shall promulgate rules and regulations, which are deemed necessary and proper for the expedient implementation of the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 420, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-136 - Outdoor Lighting Control › Section 42-136-6. - Severability.

§ 42-136-6. Severability.
The provisions of this chapter are severable. If any provisions of this chapter or their application to any person or circumstance are held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this chapter which can be given effect without regard to the invalid provisions or application.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 420, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-137 - The Select Commission on Race and Police-Community Relations Act › Section 42-137-1. - Short title.

§ 42-137-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Select Commission on Race and Police-Community Relations Act.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2003, ch. 376, art. 30, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-137 - The Select Commission on Race and Police-Community Relations Act › Section 42-137-2. - Commission created — Composition.

§ 42-137-2. Commission created — Composition.
(a)
There is hereby created the Select Commission on Race and Police-Community Relations, hereinafter called the “select commission.”
(b)
The select commission shall consist of fifteen (15) members:
(1)
The attorney general, or designee;
(2)
The superintendent of the state police, or designee;
(3)
The chief of police of the Providence police department, or designee;
(4)
The president of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs’ Association, or designee;
(5)
The president of the Statewide Fraternal Order of Police, or designee;
(6)
The president of the International Brotherhood of Police Officers, or designee;
(7)
The president of the Rhode Island Minority Police Association, or designee, and the President of the Rhode Island Hispanic Officers Association, or designee;
(8)
The president of the NAACP, New England Area Conference, or designee;
(9)
The president of the Urban League of Rhode Island, or designee;
(10)
Three (3) members appointed by the governor from civic, interfaith, and/or community service organizations;
(11)
One member appointed by the governor from a list of names submitted by the president of the senate;
(12)
One member appointed by the governor from a list of names submitted by the speaker of the house of representatives.
(c)
The attorney general, superintendent of state police, and chief of police of the Providence police department are ex officio members with full voting rights and privileges, and each may send, in his or her place, a designated representative to a meeting and/or meetings. If the designation is made in writing, the representative shall have full voting privileges.
(d)
The members of the select commission shall serve two (2) year terms and shall be eligible for reappointment. In the event a vacancy arises it must be filled within thirty (30) days for the remainder of the term in the manner of the original appointment or designation.
History of Section.
P.L. 2003, ch. 376, art. 30, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-137 - The Select Commission on Race and Police-Community Relations Act › Section 42-137-3. - Chairperson and vice-chairperson — Meetings — Quorum.

§ 42-137-3. Chairperson and vice-chairperson — Meetings — Quorum.
The governor shall, at the time of the initial appointments to the select commission, designate one member to act as chairperson and another to act as vice-chairperson of the select commission for one year. Thereafter, the select commission shall elect a chairperson and a vice-chairperson. The vice-chairperson shall act as chairperson in the absence of the chairperson or in the event of a vacancy in that position. The select commission shall meet at least four (4) times in each year and shall hold meetings when called by the chairperson or, in his or her absence, by the vice-chairperson. Eight (8) members of the select commission shall constitute a quorum.
History of Section.
P.L. 2003, ch. 376, art. 30, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-137 - The Select Commission on Race and Police-Community Relations Act › Section 42-137-4. - Compensation and expenses of members.

§ 42-137-4. Compensation and expenses of members.
Members of the select commission shall receive no compensation, but shall be reimbursed for their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. No member shall lose any pay or benefits by reason of his or her attendance at meetings of the select commission.
History of Section.
P.L. 2003, ch. 376, art. 30, § 1.