reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.2 - Police Officers — Commission on Standards and Training › Section 42-28.2-10. - Discretionary powers of commission.

§ 42-28.2-10. Discretionary powers of commission.
The commission on standards and training may:
(1)
Visit and inspect the police training school, or examine the curriculum or training procedures, for which application for approval has been made.
(2)
Authorize the issuance of certificates of graduation or diplomas by the approved police training school to police officers who have satisfactorily completed minimum courses of study.
(3)
Cooperate with state, federal, and local police agencies in establishing and conducting local or area schools or regional training centers for instruction and training of police officers of this state, its cities or towns.
(4)
Adopt such regulations as are necessary to carry out the purpose of this chapter.
(5)
Make recommendations to the director of public safety on matters pertaining to qualification and training of police officers.
(6)
Approve the use of training schools certified pursuant to § 42-28.2-6 by the departments of any municipality pursuant to an agreement between that municipality and the municipality operating the facility.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 42-28.2-10; P.L. 1969, ch. 215, § 1; P.L. 1971, ch. 291, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 9, § 16; P.L. 2009, ch. 310, § 17.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.2 - Police Officers — Commission on Standards and Training › Section 42-28.2-11. - Services of personnel in office of attorney general.

§ 42-28.2-11. Services of personnel in office of attorney general.
The attorney general shall, so far as compatible with other demands upon the personnel in his or her department, make available to the commission on standards and training the services of personnel to assist the commission in the execution of the duties imposed upon it by this chapter.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 42-28.2-11; P.L. 1969, ch. 215, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.2 - Police Officers — Commission on Standards and Training › Section 42-28.2-12. - Expenditure of funds.

§ 42-28.2-12. Expenditure of funds.
In exercising its functions, the commission on standards and training shall endeavor to minimize costs of administration, so that the greatest possible proportion of the funds available to it shall be expended for the purposes of providing training for local law enforcement officers.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 42-28.2-12; P.L. 1969, ch. 215, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.3 - Aptitude and Psychological Tests for Law Enforcement Candidates › Section 42-28.3-1. - Test to be given.

§ 42-28.3-1. Test to be given.
(a)
In addition to any other requirement, no person shall be appointed a probationary or permanent state, city or town police officer, boating safety officer, conservation officer or park police officer within the department of environmental management, or correctional officer at the adult correctional institutions or at the training schools for boys or girls, after May 8, 1973, or a boating safety officer, conservation officer or park officer, within the department of environmental management after July 1, 1979, or civilian security specialist at any national guard facility after January 31, 1984, a Rhode Island state deputy marshal appointed on or after July 1, 1990, until he or she shall have been tested and evaluated with standardized procedures by a psychologist certified in accordance with the provisions of chapter 44 of title 5. The cost of the test and evaluation shall be borne by the appointing authority.
(b)
The psychologist shall provide a report in writing of his or her evaluation together with pertinent recommendations for the guidance of the appointing authority in considering the total fitness of said person for the appointment. Any candidate who receives an unsatisfactory rating shall be ineligible for any of the above specified positions.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 42-28.3-1, P.L. 1969, ch. 227, § 1; P.L. 1973, ch. 54, § 1; P.L. 1979, ch. 130, § 1; P.L. 1984, ch. 28, § 1; P.L. 1984, ch. 202, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 208, § 2; P.L. 1997, ch. 30, art. 28, § 12; P.L. 2007, ch. 340, § 30.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.4 - Municipal Firefighters — Incentive Pay › Section 42-28.4-1. - Incentive pay plan.

§ 42-28.4-1. Incentive pay plan.
There is hereby established an incentive pay program in accordance with the provisions hereof, offering financial compensation to members of the various city and town fire departments and fire districts and the Cumberland rescue department and emergency service technicians of the town of Lincoln for furthering their education so as to improve their professional competency.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 42-28.4-1; P.L. 1970, ch. 185, § 1; P.L. 1972, ch. 154, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 455, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.4 - Municipal Firefighters — Incentive Pay › Section 42-28.4-2. - Eligibility for plan.

§ 42-28.4-2. Eligibility for plan.
Any full-time member of any city or town fire department, the Cumberland rescue department, emergency service technicians of the town of Lincoln, any salaried, full-time official, and any salaried, full-time firefighter of any incorporated fire district shall be eligible for the plan established in this chapter provided he or she accumulates the requisite number of points under the schedule set forth in § 42-28.4-3.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 42-28.4-2; P.L. 1970, ch. 185, § 1; P.L. 1972, ch. 154, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 455, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.4 - Municipal Firefighters — Incentive Pay › Section 42-28.4-3. - Incentive steps.

§ 42-28.4-3. Incentive steps.
Advancement to each of the incentive award steps shall be based on a point system as set forth in § 42-28.4-4 and shall be accomplished as follows:
Incentive Steps
Incentive Award
Acquired
Points
1
$1,000
30
2
$2,000
Associates
Degree
3
$3,000
Baccalaureate
Degree
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 42-28.4-3, as enacted by P.L. 1970, ch. 185, § 1; P.L. 1979, ch. 296, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.4 - Municipal Firefighters — Incentive Pay › Section 42-28.4-4. - Point system.

§ 42-28.4-4. Point system.
The points needed to be acquired in order to achieve the various incentive steps as set forth in § 42-28.4-3 shall be earned as follows:
(1)
One hundred forty (140) points for a baccalaureate degree in a university, college, technical institute, or other institution approved by the regional accrediting association of colleges and secondary schools for the area in which the institution is located.
(2)
Seventy (70) points for an associate degree awarded by any institution approved by the regional accrediting association of colleges and secondary schools for the area in which the institution is located.
(3)
One point for each semester hour credit obtained in a university, college, technical institute, or other institute of learning approved by the regional accrediting association of colleges and secondary schools for the area in which the institution is located, with a concentration related to fire science, provided that the member is continuously enrolled in a degree program and is taking at least nine (9) semester hours per year in the program and that a degree is obtained; provided, however, that upon disability or hardship of a member, the chief of classification and training, division of personnel may exempt the member from the above requirements.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 42-28.4-4; P.L. 1970, ch. 185, § 1; P.L. 1979, ch. 296, § 4; P.L. 1998, ch. 347, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.4 - Municipal Firefighters — Incentive Pay › Section 42-28.4-5. - Payments.

§ 42-28.4-5. Payments.
(a)
The chiefs of the various fire departments and fire districts and Cumberland rescue department and emergency service technicians of the town of Lincoln shall supply to the chief of classification and training, division of personnel, on or before the first day of September of each year, a list of all members of the respective departments who have earned incentive credits from July 1, 1970. The chief shall certify the amount of incentive pay for each firefighter or Cumberland rescue personnel and emergency service technicians of the town of Lincoln; and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for payment to the chief of the sums to be distributed by him or her to the several city and town treasurers who shall in turn distribute these funds to the eligible firefighters or Cumberland rescue personnel and emergency service technicians of the town of Lincoln; provided, however, that if the appropriation in any fiscal year is not sufficient to pay in full the total amount which is eligible to be distributed during the fiscal year, the maximum amounts which the eligible firefighters or Cumberland rescue personnel, and emergency service technicians of the town of Lincoln are eligible to receive shall be ratably reduced to the level of the appropriation.
(b)
Individual incentive payments shall remain fixed at the dollar amount obtained by the incentive point score attained as of September 1, 1978, and will not increase until the additional required incentive points have been earned.
(c)
No participant in this program shall receive an incentive award in an amount less than the amount he or she received in the fiscal year ending June 30, 1979.
(d)
Firefighters who are participants in this program as of September 1, 1978 and who do not have a degree nor are enrolled in a degree program must enroll in a degree program by January 1, 1980 in order to be eligible for the incentive award payments.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 42-28.4-5; P.L. 1970, ch. 185, § 1; P.L. 1972, ch. 154, § 1; P.L. 1979, ch. 296, § 4; P.L. 1983, ch. 167, art. 15, § 2; P.L. 1984, ch. 245, art. VIII, § 2; P.L. 1985, ch. 455, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 84, § 89; P.L. 1993, ch. 138, art. 82, § 2; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 21, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.4 - Municipal Firefighters — Incentive Pay › Section 42-28.4-6. - Appropriation.

§ 42-28.4-6. Appropriation.
The state of Rhode Island shall bear the expense for incentive payments. The general assembly shall annually appropriate such sums as it may deem necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter; and the controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of such sum or so much thereof as may be required from time to time upon receipt by him or her of duly authenticated vouchers.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 42-28.4-6; P.L. 1970, ch. 185, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 21, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.4 - Municipal Firefighters — Incentive Pay › Section 42-28.4-7. - Eligible education.

§ 42-28.4-7. Eligible education.
No credit shall be granted for any degree other than in a major concentration related to fire science, nor for any degree awarded prior to July 5, 1970.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 296, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.6 - Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights › Section 42-28.6-1. - Definitions — Payment of legal fees.

§ 42-28.6-1. Definitions — Payment of legal fees.
As used in this chapter, the following words have the meanings indicated:
(1)
“Law enforcement officer”
means any permanently employed city or town police officer, state police officer, permanent law enforcement officer of the department of environmental management, or those employees of the airport corporation of Rhode Island who have been granted the authority to arrest by the director of said corporation. However this shall not include the chief of police and/or the highest ranking sworn officer of any of the departments including the director and deputy director of the airport corporation of Rhode Island.
(2)(i)
“Hearing committee”
means a committee which is authorized to hold a hearing on a complaint against a law enforcement officer and which consists of three (3) active or retired law enforcement officers from within the state of Rhode Island, other than chiefs of police, who have had no part in the investigation or interrogation of the law enforcement officer. The committee shall be composed of three (3) members; one member selected by the chief or the highest ranking officer of the law enforcement agency, one member selected by the aggrieved law enforcement officer and the third member shall be selected by the other two (2) members. In the event that the other two (2) members are unable to agree within five (5) days, then either member will make application to the presiding justice of the superior court and the presiding justice shall appoint the third member who shall be an active law enforcement officer. Upon written application by a majority of the hearing committee, the presiding justice, in his or her discretion, may also appoint legal counsel to assist the hearing committee.
(ii)
The law enforcement agency and the law enforcement officer under investigation shall each be responsible to pay fifty percent (50%) of the legal fee of the appointed legal counsel for the hearing committee; provided, however, that on motion made by either party, the presiding justice shall have the authority to make a different disposition as to what each party is required to pay toward the appointed legal counsel’s legal fee.
(3)
“Hearing”
means any meeting in the course of an investigatory proceeding, other than an interrogation at which no testimony is taken under oath, conducted by a hearing committee for the purpose of taking or adducing testimony or receiving evidence.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 186, § 1; P.L. 1980, ch. 272, § 1; P.L. 1982, ch. 368, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 19, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 77, art. 29, § 8; P.L. 2007, ch. 497, § 2; P.L. 2007, ch. 519, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.6 - Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights › Section 42-28.6-3. - Disclosure of personal information.

§ 42-28.6-3. Disclosure of personal information.
No law enforcement officer shall be required or requested to disclose any item of his or her property, income, assets, source of income, debts, or personal or domestic expenditures (including those of any member of his or her family or household) unless that information is necessary in investigating a possible conflict of interest with respect to the performance of his or her official duties, or unless the disclosure is required by law.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 42-28.6-3; P.L. 1976, ch. 186, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.6 - Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights › Section 42-28.6-5. - Conduct of hearing.

§ 42-28.6-5. Conduct of hearing.
(a)
The hearing shall be conducted by the hearing committee selected in accordance with § 42-28.6-4 of this chapter. Both the law enforcement agency and the law enforcement officer shall be given ample opportunity to present evidence and argument with respect to the issues involved. Both may be represented by counsel.
(b)
The hearing shall be convened at the call of the chair; shall commence within thirty (30) days after the selection of a chairperson of the hearing committee; and shall be completed within sixty (60) days of the commencement of the hearing. The hearing committee shall render a written decision within thirty (30) days after the conclusion of the hearing. The time limits established in this subsection may be extended by the presiding justice of the superior court for good cause shown.
(c)
Not less than ten (10) days prior to the hearing date, the charging law enforcement agency shall provide to the law enforcement officer:
(i)
A list of all witnesses, known to the agency at that time, to be called by the agency to testify at the hearing;
(ii)
Copies of all written and/or recorded statements by such witnesses in the possession of the agency; and
(iii)
A list of all documents and other items to be offered as evidence at the hearing.
(d)
Not less than five (5) days prior to the hearing date, the law enforcement officer shall provide to the charging law enforcement agency a list of all witnesses, known to the officer at that time, to be called by the officer to testify at the hearing.
(e)
Failure by either party to comply with the provisions of subsections (c) and (d) of this section shall result in the exclusion from the record of the hearing of testimony and/or evidence not timely disclosed in accordance with those subsections.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 42-28.6-5; P.L. 1976, ch. 186, § 1; P.L. 1995 ch. 19, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.6 - Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights › Section 42-28.6-6. - Evidence at hearing — Hearing record.

§ 42-28.6-6. Evidence at hearing — Hearing record.
(a)
Evidence which possesses probative value commonly accepted by reasonable and prudent persons in the conduct of their affairs shall be admissible and shall be given probative effect. The hearing committee conducting the hearing shall give effect to the rules of privilege recognized by law, and may exclude incompetent, irrelevant, immaterial, and unduly repetitious evidence. All records and documents which any party desires to use shall be offered and made part of the record.
(b)
No statements, documents and/or other evidence and no copies of any statements, documents and/or other evidence shall be presented to the hearing committee prior to the hearing.
(c)
All proceedings before the hearing committee shall be recorded by stenographic record, the expense of which shall be borne by the charging law enforcement agency. A copy of the record shall be provided to the law enforcement officer or his or her attorney or representative of record upon request.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 42-28.6-6; P.L. 1976, ch. 186, § 1; P.L. 1995 ch. 19, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.6 - Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights › Section 42-28.6-7. - Subpoena — Oath — Production of documents.

§ 42-28.6-7. Subpoena — Oath — Production of documents.
With respect to the subject of any investigation or hearing conducted pursuant to this section, the hearing committee may subpoena witnesses and administer oaths or affirmations and examine any individual under oath, and may require and compel the production of records, books, papers, contracts, and other documents.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 42-28.6-7; P.L. 1976, ch. 186, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.6 - Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights › Section 42-28.6-8. - Witness fees.

§ 42-28.6-8. Witness fees.
Witness fees and mileage, if claimed, shall be allowed the same as for testimony in the superior court. Witness fees, mileage, and the actual expenses necessarily incurred in securing attendance of witnesses and their testimony shall be itemized, and shall be paid by the law enforcement agency if the officer is ultimately found innocent.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 42-28.6-8; P.L. 1976, ch. 186, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.6 - Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights › Section 42-28.6-9. - Cross-examination and rebuttal.

§ 42-28.6-9. Cross-examination and rebuttal.
Every party has the right of cross-examination of the witnesses who testify, and may submit rebuttal evidence.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 42-28.6-9; P.L. 1976, ch. 186, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.6 - Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights › Section 42-28.6-10. - Judicial notice.

§ 42-28.6-10. Judicial notice.
The hearing committee conducting the hearing may take notice of judicially cognizable facts and, in addition, may take notice of general, technical, or scientific facts within its specialized knowledge.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 42-28.6-10; P.L. 1976, ch. 186, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.6 - Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights › Section 42-28.6-11. - Decisions of hearing committee.

§ 42-28.6-11. Decisions of hearing committee.
(a)
The hearing committee shall be empowered to sustain, modify in whole or in part, or reverse the complaint or charges of the investigating authority, as provided in § 42-28.6-4.
(b)
Any decision, order, or action taken as a result of the hearing shall be in writing and shall be accompanied by findings of fact. The findings shall consist of a concise statement upon each issue in the case. Copies of the decision or order and accompanying findings and conclusions shall be delivered or mailed promptly to the law enforcement officer or to his or her attorney or representative of record and to the law enforcement agency or to its attorney or representative of record.
(c)
In any proceeding under this chapter, it shall be the burden of the charging law enforcement agency to prove, by a fair preponderance of the evidence, that the law enforcement officer is guilty of the offense(s) or violation(s) of which he or she is accused.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 42-28.6-11; P.L. 1976, ch. 186, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 19, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.6 - Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights › Section 42-28.6-12. - Appeals.

§ 42-28.6-12. Appeals.
(a)
Appeals from all decisions rendered by the hearing committee shall be to the superior court in accordance with §§ 42-35-15 and 42-35-15.1. For purposes of this section, the hearing committee shall be deemed an administrative agency and its final decision shall be deemed a final order in a contested case within the meaning of §§ 42-35-15 and 42-35-15.1.
(b)
Within thirty (30) days after the service of the complaint in accordance with § 42-35-15, or within further time allowed by the court, the hearing committee shall transmit to the reviewing court the original or a certified copy of the entire record of the proceeding under review. By stipulation of all parties to the review proceedings, the record may be shortened. Any party unreasonably refusing to stipulate to limit the record may be taxed by the court for the additional costs. The court may require or permit subsequent corrections or additions to the record.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 42-28.6-12; P.L. 1976, ch. 186, § 1; P.L. 1980, ch. 272, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 460, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 19, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.6 - Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights › Section 42-28.6-14. - Retaliation for exercising rights.

§ 42-28.6-14. Retaliation for exercising rights.
(a)
No law enforcement officer shall be discharged, demoted, disciplined, or denied promotion, transfer or reassignment, or otherwise discriminated against in regard to his or her employment or be threatened with any such treatment, by reason of his or her exercise of or demand for rights granted in this subtitle, or by reason of the lawful exercise of his or her constitutional rights.
(b)
Any law enforcement officer who is denied any right afforded by this subtitle may apply, either individually or through his or her certified or recognized employee organization, to the superior court where he or she resides or is regularly employed for any order directing the law enforcement agency to show cause why the right should not be afforded.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 42-28.6-14; P.L. 1976, ch. 186, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.6 - Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights › Section 42-28.6-15. - Exclusivity of remedy.

§ 42-28.6-15. Exclusivity of remedy.
The remedies contained herein shall be the sole and exclusive remedies for all law enforcement officers subject to the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 42-28.6-15; P.L. 1976, ch. 186, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.6 - Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights › Section 42-28.6-16. - Immunity of hearing committee members.

§ 42-28.6-16. Immunity of hearing committee members.
No member of a hearing committee constituted in accordance with the provisions of this chapter shall be held civilly liable for any breach of his or her duties as such member, provided that nothing herein shall eliminate or limit the liability of a qualified member:
(1)
For acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; or
(2)
For any transaction from which such member derived an improper personal benefit; or
(3)
For any malicious, willful or wanton act.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 19, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.6 - Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights › Section 42-28.6-17. - Severability.

§ 42-28.6-17. Severability.
If any provision of this chapter or other application thereof shall for any reason be judged invalid such a judgment shall not affect, impair or invalidate the remainder of the law, but shall be confined in its effect to the provisions or application directly involved in the controversy giving rise to the judgment.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 19, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.7 - Fingerprinting of Minors › Section 42-28.7-1. - Disclosure of records.

§ 42-28.7-1. Disclosure of records.
Whenever the Rhode Island state police, or any city or town police or public safety department, or any other law enforcement agency in the state of Rhode Island (hereinafter collectively referred to as “law enforcement agency”) engages in the practice of fingerprinting minors pursuant to any voluntary plan or program, or at the voluntary request of any minor’s parents or guardian, the original, duplicate, and photocopy of the fingerprinting record shall be given to the minor’s parents or guardian immediately upon completion of the fingerprinting process. The provisions of this section shall not be waived by any parent or guardian.
History of Section.
P.L. 1983, ch. 177, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.7 - Fingerprinting of Minors › Section 42-28.7-2. - Disposition of presently maintained records.

§ 42-28.7-2. Disposition of presently maintained records.
In the event any law enforcement agency is in possession as of May 17, 1983 of any original, duplicate, or photocopy of fingerprint records of minors, which records were obtained pursuant to any voluntary plan or program, or the voluntary request of any minor’s parents or guardian, then the original, and any duplicate and photocopy thereof shall be forwarded to the parents or guardian of those minors within thirty (30) days after May 17, 1983. The provisions of this section shall not be waived by any parent or guardian.
History of Section.
P.L. 1983, ch. 177, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.7 - Fingerprinting of Minors › Section 42-28.7-3. - Penalty.

§ 42-28.7-3. Penalty.
If, after thirty (30) days after May 17, 1983, the original or any duplicate or photocopy of the fingerprint records of minors obtained during the course of any voluntary plan, program or request, remain in the possession of any law enforcement agency, that law enforcement agency shall pay a penalty of one hundred dollars ($100) for each violation, with the sum being paid into the general treasury of the state of Rhode Island.
History of Section.
P.L. 1983, ch. 177, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.8 - Protection of Children › Section 42-28.8-1. - Missing children’s information center.

§ 42-28.8-1. Missing children’s information center.
There is hereby established in the division of state police under the jurisdiction of the superintendent of state police a missing children’s information center.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 335, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.8 - Protection of Children › Section 42-28.8-2. - Scope of responsibilities.

§ 42-28.8-2. Scope of responsibilities.
The missing children’s information center shall be charged with the responsibility of the following:
(1)
Coordinate, file, and promptly investigate all missing children cases in the state and create a central office on missing children.
(2)
Collect and maintain data on missing children in the state and throughout the United States.
(3)
Coordinate with other states and with the federal government in investigating cases of missing children and unidentified bodies.
(4)
Provide special training to law enforcement officers and medical examiners to help them expeditiously handle cases of missing children and to prohibit any regulation requiring a twenty-four (24) hour waiting period prior to conducting a preliminary investigation of a complaint of a missing child.
(5)
Developing recommendations for better reporting and use of computer systems.
(6)
Providing the necessary equipment for the use of the national crime information center by state and municipal police departments.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 335, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 260, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.8 - Protection of Children › Section 42-28.8-2.1. - Investigation.

§ 42-28.8-2.1. Investigation.
No municipal police department of the state shall have in force any regulation or policy that requires a twenty-four (24) hour waiting period prior to conducting an investigation of a complaint of a missing child.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 260, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.8 - Protection of Children › Section 42-28.8-3. - Reporting and distribution of information.

§ 42-28.8-3. Reporting and distribution of information.
The police departments of the various towns and cities of the state shall immediately enter the information on the missing person into the National Crime Information Center computer of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and inform the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Police departments shall provide to the parents or guardians of the missing child information release forms from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and advise them of the services of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The missing children’s information center shall send a report to the missing children’s information center of the state police. The missing children’s information center shall distribute the names of and other descriptive information about these children to the state registrar of vital statistics in the department of health, the commissioner of education, the school districts of the state, all branches of the United States Postal Service in the state, and all law enforcement agencies in the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 335, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 252, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 302, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.8 - Protection of Children › Section 42-28.8-4. - Hotline.

§ 42-28.8-4. Hotline.
The division of the state police shall establish a statewide 1-800 telephone line to receive reports on missing children.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 335, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.8 - Protection of Children › Section 42-28.8-5. - Contents of report on a missing child.

§ 42-28.8-5. Contents of report on a missing child.
A law enforcement agency in which a complaint of a missing child has been filed shall prepare a report on a missing person. That report shall include, but is not limited to, the following:
(1)
All information contained in the complaint on a missing person on forms prescribed by the superintendent of the Rhode Island state police.
(2)
All information or evidence which shall be gathered by an immediate preliminary investigation.
(3)
A statement by the law enforcement officer in charge, setting forth that officer’s assessment of the case based upon all evidence and information received.
(4)
An explanation of the next steps to be taken by the law enforcement agency filing the report.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 335, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 260, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.8 - Protection of Children › Section 42-28.8-6. - Public education and information.

§ 42-28.8-6. Public education and information.
The director of the department of children, youth, and families shall provide statewide educational and public informational seminars for the purpose of developing public awareness of the problems regarding missing children and encourage the development of community programs to aid law enforcement agencies to locate missing children.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 335, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.8 - Protection of Children › Section 42-28.8-7. - School records — Flagging required.

§ 42-28.8-7. School records — Flagging required.
(a)
Upon notification by the missing children’s information center of a person’s disappearance, the commissioner of education shall cause any school in which the person is currently or was previously enrolled to flag the record of that person in such a manner that whenever a copy of or information regarding the record is requested, the school shall be alerted to the fact that the record is that of a missing person.
(b)
In response to any inquiry, the school shall not provide a copy of the school records or other information concerning the person whose record is flagged pursuant to this section except as approved by the missing children’s information center.
(c)
When a copy of the school record of a person whose record has been flagged is requested in person, the school personnel accepting the request shall immediately notify his or her supervisor. The person making the request shall complete a form supplying his or her name, address, telephone number, social security number, and relationship to the missing person and the name, address, and birth date of the missing person. The driver’s license of the person making the request, if available, shall be photocopied and returned to him or her. He or she shall be informed that a copy of the records shall be mailed to him or her. The school personnel shall note the physical description of the person making the request, and, upon the latter’s departure from the school’s office, his or her supervisor shall immediately notify the missing children’s information center as to the request and the information obtained pursuant to this section. The school shall retain the form completed by the person making the request unless the missing children’s information center requests otherwise.
(d)
When a copy of the school records of a person whose record has been flagged is requested in writing, the school personnel receiving the request shall immediately notify his or her supervisor. The supervisor shall immediately notify the local law enforcement authority or the missing children’s information center as to the request and shall provide a copy of the written request. The school shall retain the original written request unless otherwise requested by the missing children’s information center.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 252, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.8 - Protection of Children › Section 42-28.8-8. - Birth certificates — Flagging required.

§ 42-28.8-8. Birth certificates — Flagging required.
(a)
Upon receipt of information by the missing children’s information center that a person born in this state is missing, the state registrar of vital statistics shall transmit such information to the local registrar. Both the state registrar and the local registrars shall flag the birth certificate records of the missing person in such a manner that whenever a copy of the birth certificate or information regarding the birth record is requested, the registrars shall be alerted to the fact that the certificate is that of a missing person. Upon notification by the missing children’s information center that the missing person has been recovered, the state registrar shall remove the flag from the person’s birth certificate record and shall notify any other previously notified local registrar to remove the flag from his or her records.
(b)
In response to any inquiry, a registrar or his or her employees shall not provide a copy of a birth certificate or information concerning the birth record of any person whose record is flagged pursuant to this section except as approved by the missing children’s information center.
(c)
When a copy of the birth certificate of a person whose record has been flagged is requested in person, the registrar’s personnel accepting the request shall immediately notify his or her supervisor. The supervisor shall inform the person making the request that the birth record is not available at that time but that the copy will be mailed to the requestor’s address. The supervisor shall immediately notify the missing children’s information center as to the request and the address given by the person making the request.
(d)
When a copy of the birth certificate of a person whose record has been flagged is requested in writing, the registrar’s personnel receiving the request shall immediately notify his or her supervisor. The supervisor shall immediately notify the missing children’s information center as to the request and shall provide a copy of the written request. The custodian shall retain the original written request unless the missing children’s information center requests otherwise.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 252, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.9 - Mounted Video/Audio Surveillance Cameras › Section 42-28.9-1. - Declaration of policy.

§ 42-28.9-1. Declaration of policy.
The general assembly recognizes alcohol related traffic fatalities require special legislative initiatives. Over one million (1,000,000) people are either killed or injured every year due to alcohol related crashes. About three (3) out of five (5) Americans will be affected by an alcohol related crash at some time in their lives. Economic costs of alcohol related crashes are estimated to be forty-five billion dollars ($45,000,000,000) yearly. Based on these statistics and projections, it will be the state legislature’s policy to provide more resources to state law enforcement to reduce alcohol related vehicular crashes and fatalities.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 205, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.9 - Mounted Video/Audio Surveillance Cameras › Section 42-28.9-2. - Purpose and intent.

§ 42-28.9-2. Purpose and intent.
The purpose of this chapter is to provide greater access to state law enforcement to video surveillance cameras to reduce alcohol related traffic fatalities.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 205, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.9 - Mounted Video/Audio Surveillance Cameras › Section 42-28.9-3. - State to provide video/audio surveillance devices.

§ 42-28.9-3. State to provide video/audio surveillance devices.
The state shall provide ten (10) mounted video/audio surveillance cameras annually to the Rhode Island state police for each of the next five (5) years and those devices shall be utilized by the state police consistent with the intent of this chapter. Should other funding become available, the state will purchase the cameras with these other funds in lieu of general revenues.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 205, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 77, art. 20, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.10 - Statewide Public Safety Computer Aided Records Management System › Section 42-28.10-1. - Statewide records management system.

§ 42-28.10-1. Statewide records management system.
(a)
The director of the department of public safety in the director’s capacity as superintendent of the division of state police is hereby authorized and empowered to provide for the installation, operation, and maintenance of a statewide dispatch and records management system (RMS). The statewide records management system shall provide for the storage, exchange, retrieval, retention, manipulation, archiving, and viewing of information, records, documents, or files pertaining to law enforcement operations. The records may include, but not be limited to: incident and accident reports, arrests, citations, warrants, case management, field contacts, final dispositions, and other operations-oriented records.
(b)
State and local sworn law enforcement agencies are authorized to interface, at their own expense, with the RMS for the exchange of information provided by the system.
(c)
The department of public safety is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this chapter. All rules, regulations, and policies authorized under this chapter shall be promulgated in accordance with chapter 35 of this title, the administrative procedures act, and shall be in effect prior to an implementation of the RMS.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 304, § 1, effective July 9, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 305, § 1, effective July 9, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.10 - Statewide Public Safety Computer Aided Records Management System › Section 42-28.10-2. - Records management system board of advisors — Established.

§ 42-28.10-2. Records management system board of advisors — Established.
(a)
There is hereby established a board of advisors for the Rhode Island records management system. The board’s purpose shall be to advise the department of public safety on the implementation of this chapter.
(b)
The board shall include the following: One member who shall be a representative of the Rhode Island Association of Fire Chiefs, or designee; one member who shall be the Rhode Island attorney general, or designee; one member who shall be the chief of the Providence police department, or designee; one member of a law enforcement agency from a city or town with fewer than twenty-five thousand (25,000) residents to be appointed by the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association; one member of a law enforcement agency from a city or town with twenty-five thousand (25,000) residents or more, to be appointed by the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association; one member who shall be the President of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association, or designee; one member who shall be the director of the Rhode Island department of transportation’s office on highway safety, or designee; one member who shall be the superintendent of the state police, or designee; and one member from a sworn law enforcement agency within the department of public safety. The director of public safety shall also appoint members to the board from state agencies with an interest in law enforcement records management.
(c)
A majority of the board shall elect the chair of the board on an annual basis.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 304, § 1, effective July 9, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 305, § 1, effective July 9, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.10 - Statewide Public Safety Computer Aided Records Management System › Section 42-28.10-3. - Privacy policy and protections.

§ 42-28.10-3. Privacy policy and protections.
(a)
The RMS shall be responsible for safeguarding all collected information and shall comply with all state and federal privacy laws in order to protect privacy rights, civil rights, and civil liberties in the collection, use, analysis, retention, destruction, sharing, and disclosure of information. Information gathered and retained by the RMS may only be accessed, stored, or disseminated for the specific purpose of administering the provisions of this chapter and shall only be accessed by authorized users to have such access and only for those uses or purposes specified by law.
(b)
The RMS shall not retain personal information for a period longer than is reasonably required to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
(c)
The department of public safety is hereby directed to develop and maintain a privacy policy that shall ensure safeguards are in place to protect personal information from unlawful access, sharing and/or second party dissemination. The privacy policy shall include maintaining an access log.
(d)
Any request for access to public records pursuant to the provisions of chapter 2 of title 38 shall be made to the agency that created the record.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 304, § 1, effective July 9, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 305, § 1, effective July 9, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.10 - Statewide Public Safety Computer Aided Records Management System › Section 42-28.10-4. - Collection of fees.

§ 42-28.10-4. Collection of fees.
Any participating law enforcement agency shall be required to pay a user fee to be determined by the department of public safety in consultation with the board. Fees paid pursuant to this section shall be maintained in a restricted receipt account pursuant to this chapter for the exclusive purpose of implementing the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 304, § 1, effective July 9, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 305, § 1, effective July 9, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.10 - Statewide Public Safety Computer Aided Records Management System › Section 42-28.10-5. - Restricted receipt account.

§ 42-28.10-5. Restricted receipt account.
There is hereby created a restricted receipt account within the general fund of the state to be known as the statewide records management system account. Fees collected pursuant to § 42-28.10-4 shall be deposited into this account and be used for costs associated with the system. The restricted receipt account shall be included in the budget of the division of the state police. All expenditures from the account shall be subject to appropriation by the general assembly. Any other available grants or funds from a public or private source may be deposited in the account and used for associated costs. This restricted receipt account shall not be subject to the provisions of § 35-4-27.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 304, § 1, effective July 9, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 305, § 1, effective July 9, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-28.10 - Statewide Public Safety Computer Aided Records Management System › Section 42-28.10-6. - Annual reporting.

§ 42-28.10-6. Annual reporting.
The director of public safety shall annually provide a report to the speaker of the house, and the president of the senate. The report shall include and document the system’s annual activity including, but not limited to, the data reported and the number of reports entered into the system.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 304, § 1, effective July 9, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 305, § 1, effective July 9, 2021.