reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-49 - Electronic Mail Fraud › Section 6-49-4. - Prohibited activity.

§ 6-49-4. Prohibited activity.
No person may solicit, request, or take any action to induce another person to provide personally identifying information by means of a web page, electronic mail message, or otherwise using the internet in a manner as previously defined in § 6-49-3 by representing oneself, either directly or by implication, to be a business or individual without the authority or approval of such business or individual. No person may conspire with another person to engage in any act that violates the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 628, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 36.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-49 - Electronic Mail Fraud › Section 6-49-5. - Damages.

§ 6-49-5. Damages.
(a)
Damages to a consumer resulting from the practices prohibited by this chapter are up to five hundred dollars ($500) per violation, or actual damages, whichever is greater.
(b)
A person engaged in the business of providing internet access service to the public; an owner of a web page; or trademark owner adversely affected by reason of a violation of this chapter, may bring an action against a person who violates this chapter to:
(1)
Enjoin further violations of this chapter; and
(2)
Recover the greater of actual damages or five thousand dollars ($5,000) per violation of this chapter.
(c)
The court may increase the damages up to three (3) times the damages allowed by this section if the defendant has engaged in a pattern and practice of violating this chapter. The court may award costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees to a prevailing party.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 628, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 36.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-49 - Electronic Mail Fraud › Section 6-49-6. - Severability.

§ 6-49-6. Severability.
If any of the provisions of this chapter, or the application of any provision to any person or circumstance, shall be held invalid, the remainder of this chapter, or the application of the provisions to persons or circumstances other than those to which it is held invalid, shall not be affected thereby.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 628, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-50 - The Rhode Island Fair Dealership Act › Section 6-50-1. - Short title.

§ 6-50-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known as the “Rhode Island Fair Dealership Act.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 28, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 36, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-50 - The Rhode Island Fair Dealership Act › Section 6-50-2. - Definitions.

§ 6-50-2. Definitions.
In this chapter:
(1)
“Community of interest” means a continuing financial interest between the grantor and the grantee in either the operation of the dealership business or the marketing of such goods or services;
(2)
“Dealer” means a person who is a grantee of a dealership situated in this state;
(3)
“Dealership” means any of the following:
(i)
A contract or agreement, either expressed or implied, whether oral or written, between two (2) or more persons, by which a person is granted the right to sell or distribute goods or services, or use a trade name, trademark, service mark, logotype, advertising, or other commercial symbol, in which there is a community of interest in the business of offering, selling, or distributing goods or services at wholesale, retail, by lease, agreement, or otherwise.
(4)
“Good cause” means, for the purposes of this act, good cause for terminating, canceling, or nonrenewal and shall include, but not be limited to, failure by the dealer to comply with the reasonable requirements imposed by the grantor or any of the reasons listed in § 6-50-4(a)(1) — (a)(6).
(5)
“Grantor” means a person who grants a dealership;
(6)
“Person” means a natural person, partnership, joint venture, corporation, or other entity.
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 28, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 36, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 347, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 373, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 37.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-50 - The Rhode Island Fair Dealership Act › Section 6-50-3. - Purposes — Rules of construction — Variation by contract.

§ 6-50-3. Purposes — Rules of construction — Variation by contract.
(a)
This chapter shall be liberally construed and applied to promote its underlying remedial purposes and policies.
(b)
The underlying purposes and policies of this chapter are:
(1)
To promote the compelling interest of the public in fair business relations between dealers and grantors and in the continuation of dealerships on a fair basis;
(2)
To protect dealers against unfair treatment by grantors;
(3)
To provide dealers with rights and remedies in addition to those existing by contract or common law;
(4)
To govern dealerships, including any renewals or amendments, to the full extent consistent with the constitutions of this state and the United States.
(c)
The effect of this chapter may not be varied by contract or agreement. Any contract or agreement purporting to do so is void and unenforceable to that extent only.
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 28, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 36, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 347, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 373, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 37.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-50 - The Rhode Island Fair Dealership Act › Section 6-50-4. - Notice of termination or change in dealership.

§ 6-50-4. Notice of termination or change in dealership.
(a)
Notwithstanding the terms, provisions, or conditions of any agreement to the contrary, a grantor shall provide a dealer sixty (60) days prior, written notice of termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal. The notice shall state all the reasons for termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal and shall provide that the dealer has thirty (30) days in which to cure any claimed deficiency; provided that a dealer has a right to cure three (3) times in any twelve-month (12) period during the period of the dealership agreement. The sixty-day (60) notice provisions of this section shall not apply and the termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal may be made effective immediately upon written notice if the reason for termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal is in the event the dealer: (1) Voluntarily abandons the dealership relationship; (2) Is convicted of a felony offense related to the business conducted pursuant to the dealership; (3) Engages in any substantial act that tends to materially impair the goodwill of the grantor’s trade name, trademark, service mark, logotype, or other commercial symbol; (4) Makes a material misrepresentation of fact to the grantor relating to the dealership; (5) Attempts to transfer the dealership (or a portion thereof) without authorization of the grantor; or (6) Is insolvent, files, or suffers to be filed against it, any voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy petition or makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors or similar disposition of assets of the dealer business.
(b)
If the reason for termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal is nonpayment of sums due under the dealership, the dealers shall be entitled to written notice of such default and shall have ten (10) days in which to cure such default from the date of such notice. A dealer has the right to cure three (3) times in any twelve-month (12) period during the period of the dealership agreement.
(c)
If the reason for termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal is for violation of any law, regulation, or standard relating to public health or safety, the dealer shall be entitled to immediate, written notice and shall have twenty-four (24) hours to cure such violation.
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 28, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 36, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 347, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 373, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 37.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-50 - The Rhode Island Fair Dealership Act › Section 6-50-5. - Repurchase of inventories.

§ 6-50-5. Repurchase of inventories.
If a dealership is terminated by the grantor, the grantor, at the option of the dealer, shall repurchase all inventories sold by the grantor to the dealer for resale under the dealership agreement at the fair, wholesale market value. This section applies only to merchandise with a name, trademark, label, or other mark on it which identifies the grantor.
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 28, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 36, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 37.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-50 - The Rhode Island Fair Dealership Act › Section 6-50-6. - Application to arbitration agreements.

§ 6-50-6. Application to arbitration agreements.
This chapter shall not apply to provisions for the binding arbitration of disputes contained in a dealership agreement if the criteria for determining whether good cause existed for a termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal and the relief provided is no less than that provided for in this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 28, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 36, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 347, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 373, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 37.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-50 - The Rhode Island Fair Dealership Act › Section 6-50-7. - Action for damages and injunctive relief.

§ 6-50-7. Action for damages and injunctive relief.
If any grantor violates this chapter, a dealer may bring an action against such grantor in any court of competent jurisdiction for damages sustained by the dealer as a consequence of the grantor’s violation, together with the actual costs of the action, including reasonable, actual attorneys’ fees. The dealer also may be granted injunctive relief against unlawful termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal.
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 28, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 36, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 347, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 373, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 37.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-50 - The Rhode Island Fair Dealership Act › Section 6-50-8. - Temporary injunctions.

§ 6-50-8. Temporary injunctions.
In any action brought by a dealer against a grantor under this chapter, any violation of this chapter by the grantor is deemed an irreparable injury to the dealer in determining if temporary injunctions should issue.
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 28, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 36, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-50 - The Rhode Island Fair Dealership Act › Section 6-50-9. - Nonapplicability.

§ 6-50-9. Nonapplicability.
This chapter shall not apply to malt beverage dealerships; motor vehicle dealerships; insurance agency relationships; any relationship relating to the sale or administration of insurance or any similar contract with an entity organized under chapters 19 or 20 of title 27; fuel distribution dealerships; and door-to-door sales dealerships.
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 28, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 36, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 347, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 373, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 37.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-51 - The Rhode Island Automobile Repossession Act › Section 6-51-1. - Legislative findings.

§ 6-51-1. Legislative findings.
The general assembly finds and declares that:
(a)
Rhode Island consumers who have purchased, through an extension of credit, or leased an automobile may fall behind on payments during difficult economic or emotional times and should be allowed to cure a default on the loan or lease within the time provided under this chapter.
(b)
If the consumer is unable to cure such a default and the lessor or secured party repossesses the automobile, the repossession cannot take place on the property owned or rented by the consumer without his or her consent except as provided by this chapter or by judicial action. In the event of repossession, a consumer is allowed to redeem the automobile within the time provided by this chapter.
(c)
The lessor or secured party who holds title to the automobile shall be allowed to dispose of the automobile after repossession in order to recover the fair market value of the vehicle and expenses from the repossession according to the provisions of this chapter and any other applicable laws of this state.
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 296, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 115, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 217, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 38.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-51 - The Rhode Island Automobile Repossession Act › Section 6-51-2. - Definitions.

§ 6-51-2. Definitions.
For purposes of this chapter:
(a)
“Automobile” means any self-propelled, motored device in, upon, or by which any person is, or may be, transported or drawn upon a highway and is used or brought for use primarily for personal, family, or household purposes and shall include:
(1)
An automobile as defined by § 31-1-3(d);
(2)
A motorcycle as defined by § 31-1-3;
(3)
A suburban vehicle as defined by § 31-1-3.
(b)
“Automobile lease agreement” means the bargain, with respect to the lease, of the lessor and the consumer in fact as found in their language. The term includes a sublease agreement.
(c)
“Automobile loan agreement” means a transaction that creates or provides for a security interest in an automobile in which: (1) An individual incurs an obligation primarily for personal, family, or household purposes; (2) A security interest secures the obligation; and (3) The automobile is held or acquired primarily for personal, family, or household purposes.
(d)
“Consumer” means any natural person: (1) In an automobile lease agreement who acquires, applies for, or is offered the right to possession and use of goods under an automobile lease and includes a legal representative of, fiduciary for, or successor in interest to, an individual who is a lessee, but does not include a guarantor on a consumer lease; or (2) In an automobile loan agreement with respect to an obligation secured by a security interest in the automobile: (i) Owes payment or other performance of the obligation; (ii) Has provided property other than the collateral to secure payment or other performance of the obligation; or (iii) Is otherwise accountable in whole or part for payment or other performance of the obligation and the term does not include issuers or nominated persons under a letter of credit.
(e)
“Lessor” means a person or business who transfers the right to possession and use of an automobile under a lease. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term includes a sublessor.
(f)
“Secured party” means a person or business that holds a security interest arising under an automobile loan agreement.
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 296, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 38.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-51 - The Rhode Island Automobile Repossession Act › Section 6-51-4. - Repossession of automobile as a result of default under a loan or lease agreement.

§ 6-51-4. Repossession of automobile as a result of default under a loan or lease agreement.
(a)
Subject to the provisions of § 6-50-3, a lessor or secured party under a consumer automobile lease or loan agreement may take possession of the automobile. In taking possession, the lessor or secured party under a consumer automobile lease or loan agreement may proceed without prior hearing pursuant to § 6-50-3, only if the possession can be obtained without a breach of peace and, unless the consumer consents to an entry, at the time of such entry, without entry upon property owned by, or rented to the consumer, except as provided for in chapter 12.1 of title 39.
(b)
Any lessor or secured party obtaining possession of an automobile under the provisions of this chapter shall notify the police department of the city or town in which such possession occurred pursuant to § 6A-9-609(b)(2).
(c)
The consumer under an automobile lease or loan agreement may redeem the automobile from the lessor or secured party and have the automobile lease or loan agreement reinstated at any time within twenty (20) days of the lessor’s or secured party’s taking possession of the automobile, or thereafter until the lessor or secured party has either disposed of the automobile; entered into a contract for its disposition; or gained the right to retain the automobile.
(d)
The lessor or secured party may, after gaining possession of the automobile, sell or otherwise dispose of the automobile after the twenty-day (20) redemption period provided for in subsection (c) of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 296, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 38.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-51 - The Rhode Island Automobile Repossession Act › Section 6-51-5. - Statute of limitations.

§ 6-51-5. Statute of limitations.
An action for default under an automobile lease or loan agreement, including breach of warranty or indemnity, must be commenced within two (2) years after the cause of action accrued. By the original lease or loan agreement the parties may reduce the period of limitation to not less than one year.
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 296, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-52 - Safe Destruction of Documents Containing Personal Information › Section 6-52-1. - Definitions.

§ 6-52-1. Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
(1)
“Business” means a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, association, limited liability company, or other group, however organized and whether or not organized to operate at a profit, including a financial institution organized, chartered, or holding a license or authorization certificate under the laws of this state or any other state, or the parent, affiliate, or subsidiary of a financial institution. This term includes any entity that destroys records, including, but not limited to, the state, a state agency, or any political subdivision of the state.
(2)
“Customer” means an individual who provides personal information to a business for the purpose of purchasing or leasing a product or obtaining a service from the business or whose personal information has been provided to another business from that business.
(3)
“Personal information” means the following information that identifies, relates to, describes, or is capable of being associated with a particular individual: his or her signature; social security number; physical characteristics or description; passport number; driver’s license or state identification card number; insurance policy number; bank account number; credit card number; debit card number; any other financial information or confidential health care information, including all information relating to a patient’s health care history; diagnosis condition; treatment; or evaluation obtained from a health care provider who has treated the patient which explicitly or by implication identifies a particular patient.
(4)
“Record” means any material, regardless of the physical form, on which personal information is recorded or preserved by any means, including written or spoken words, graphically depicted, printed, or electromagnetically transmitted. Record does not include publicly available directories containing information an individual has voluntarily consented to have publicly disseminated or listed, such as name, address, or telephone number.
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 247, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 285, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 39.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-52 - Safe Destruction of Documents Containing Personal Information › Section 6-52-2. - Safe destruction of documents.

§ 6-52-2. Safe destruction of documents.
A business shall take reasonable steps to destroy or arrange for the destruction of a customer’s personal information within its custody and control that is no longer to be retained by the business by shredding, erasing, or otherwise destroying and/or modifying the personal information in those records to make it unreadable or indecipherable through any means for the purpose of:
(1)
Ensuring the security and confidentiality of customer personal information;
(2)
Protecting against any reasonably foreseeable threats or hazards to the security or integrity of customer personal information; and
(3)
Protecting against unauthorized access to, or use of, customer personal information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to any customer.
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 247, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 285, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 39.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-52 - Safe Destruction of Documents Containing Personal Information › Section 6-52-3. - Violations.

§ 6-52-3. Violations.
A business that does not take the reasonable steps when disposing of a customer’s personal information set out in § 6-52-2 is in violation of this chapter. For the purposes of this chapter, each record unreasonably disposed of constitutes an individual violation of this chapter.
(1)
A customer who incurs actual damages due to a violation of this chapter may bring a civil action in superior court.
(2)
Whenever the attorney general has reason to believe that a violation of this chapter has occurred and that proceedings would be in the public interest, the attorney general may bring an action in the name of the state against the business in violation. The business that violates this chapter may be liable in a suit by the attorney general for actual damages of the aggrieved customer and a civil penalty of five hundred dollars ($500) for each violation, not to exceed fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 247, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 285, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 39.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-52 - Safe Destruction of Documents Containing Personal Information › Section 6-52-4. - Exemptions.

§ 6-52-4. Exemptions.
This chapter does not apply to any of the following:
(1)
Any bank, credit union, or financial institution as defined under the federal Gramm Leach Bliley Law that is subject to the regulation of the Office of the Comptroller of Currency; the Federal Reserve; the National Credit Union Administration; the Securities and Exchange Commission; the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; the Federal Trade Commission; the Office of Thrift Supervision; and the U.S. Department of the Treasury or the Department of Business Regulation; and is subject to the privacy and security provisions of the Gramm Leach Bliley Act, 15 U.S.C. § 6801 et seq;
(2)
Any health insurer, non-profit hospital, or medical service corporation, as defined in chapters 19 and 20 of title 27, and any health care facility that is subject to the standards for privacy of individually identifiable health information and the security standards for the protection of electronic health information of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996;
(3)
Any consumer report agency that is subject to, and in compliance with, the Federal Credit Reporting Act. 15 U.S. C. § 1681 et seq., as amended; or
(4)
Any business that enters into a contractual agreement with another business to complete the destruction of a customer’s personal information and has physical evidence of that contractual agreement.
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 247, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 285, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 39.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-53 - Purchase and Sale of Tools and Electronics › Section 6-53-1. - License required — “Person” defined.

§ 6-53-1. License required — “Person” defined.
(a)
No person, including a pawnbroker, consignment shop, salvage yard operator, or second-hand dealer as defined in § 5-21-1, shall engage in the business of buying or receiving for the purpose of selling tools or electronic equipment, whether or not readily identifiable with a serial number, to include, but not limited to, generators, powers tools, video game consoles, MP3 players, computers, audio and video equipment, referred to in this chapter as “tools and electronics or trade-ins and store credits of the aforementioned,” from the general public for the purpose of reselling the tools and electronics in any condition without first obtaining a license from the attorney general of the State of Rhode Island (“attorney general”). The attorney general shall not issue any license to a person who has not registered a permanent place of business within the state for the purchase or sale of tools and electronics. The criteria for determining a person’s permanent place of business shall be formulated by the attorney general within ninety (90) days after passage.
(b)
The word “person,” when used in this chapter, shall include individuals, partnerships, associations, and corporations.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 399, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 40.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-53 - Purchase and Sale of Tools and Electronics › Section 6-53-2. - Application for license — Annual fee — Attorney general to promulgate rules and regulations.

§ 6-53-2. Application for license — Annual fee — Attorney general to promulgate rules and regulations.
(a)
Application for the license shall be in writing, under oath, and in the form prescribed by the attorney general and shall contain the name and address (both of the residence and place of business) of the applicant, and if the applicant is a partnership or association, of every member; and if a corporation, of each officer and director and of the principal owner or owners of the issued and outstanding capital stock; also the city or town with the street and number where the business is to be conducted, and any further information that the attorney general may require. After receipt of an application for a license, the attorney general shall conduct an investigation to determine whether the facts presented in the application are true. The attorney general may also request a record search and a report from the National Crime and Information Center (NCIC) of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. If the application discloses that the applicant has a disqualifying criminal record; or if the investigation indicates that any of the facts presented in the application are not true; or if the records of the department of the attorney general indicate criminal activity on the part of the person signing the application and any other persons named in the application; or if the NCIC report indicates an outstanding warrant for the person signing the application and any other persons named in the application; then the attorney general may initiate a nationwide criminal records check that shall include fingerprints submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation regarding the person signing the application and any other persons named in the application. Upon the annual renewal of a license, or the opening of a new branch designated in the license, the attorney general may initiate a nationwide criminal records check that shall include fingerprints submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation regarding the licensee and any other persons named in the license. The individual who is subject to the national records check shall be responsible for the cost of conducting such check.
(b)
The applicant, at the time of making his or her initial application only, shall pay to the attorney general the sum of fifty dollars ($50.00) as a fee for investigating the application and the additional sum of fifty dollars ($50.00) shall be paid annually. The licensee shall pay an additional fifty dollars ($50.00) annually for each branch designated in the license. Licenses shall not be assignable or transferable to any other person or entity. If the applicant is a holder of a precious metals and dealers license, the fees as required in this section shall be waived.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 399, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 502, § 2; P.L. 2013, ch. 507, § 2; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 40.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-53 - Purchase and Sale of Tools and Electronics › Section 6-53-3. - Identification and authority of seller.

§ 6-53-3. Identification and authority of seller.
(a)
Every person required to be licensed under this chapter shall require positive proof of identification with photograph, date of birth, and current address of every seller from whom tools and electronics are to be purchased and shall require the seller to sign a statement, on a form to be approved by the attorney general, stating that the seller is the legal owner of the property or is the agent of the owner authorized to sell the property and when and where or in what manner the property was obtained.
(b)
Every person required to be licensed under this chapter shall, before purchasing any tool or electronic device, require the seller, if a minor, to be accompanied by the parent or legal guardian of the minor.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 399, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 40.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-53 - Purchase and Sale of Tools and Electronics › Section 6-53-4. - Record of transactions required — Reports to police.

§ 6-53-4. Record of transactions required — Reports to police.
(a)
Every person licensed under this chapter shall keep a copy of the report form obtained from or under the direction of the attorney general, containing a comprehensive record of all transactions concerning tools and electronics. The comprehensive record shall be hand printed legibly or typed. The record shall include the name, address, telephone number, and date of birth of the seller; a complete and accurate description of the property purchased or sold, including any serial numbers or other identifying marks or symbols; and the date and hour of the transaction.
(b)
All persons licensed under this chapter shall deliver or send electronically to the chief of police of the city or town in which the business is located, and electronically submit to the attorney general, in a manner specified by the attorney general, copies of all report forms from the preceding seven-day (7) period.
(c)
Every person licensed under this chapter shall retain a copy of the report for a period of one year from the date of the sale stated on the form.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 399, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 502, § 2; P.L. 2013, ch. 507, § 2; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 40.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-53 - Purchase and Sale of Tools and Electronics › Section 6-53-6. - Persons injured by violations of chapter — Damages and costs.

§ 6-53-6. Persons injured by violations of chapter — Damages and costs.
Any person who has been damaged or injured by the failure of a person required to be licensed under this chapter to comply with the provisions of this chapter may recover the actual damages sustained. The court, in its discretion, may also award punitive damages and/or the costs of suit and reasonable attorneys’ fees to a prevailing plaintiff.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 399, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 40.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-53 - Purchase and Sale of Tools and Electronics › Section 6-53-7. - Penalties.

§ 6-53-7. Penalties.
(a)
Every person who shall violate the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500) or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.
(b)
If the value of the property involved in a transaction that is in violation of this chapter exceeds five hundred dollars ($500), a person convicted of a violation shall be fined not more than two thousand dollars ($2,000) or imprisoned for not more than three (3) years, or both.
(c)
The attorney general shall have the authority to suspend the license of any person required to be licensed under this chapter as a result of violations of this chapter or attorney general regulations leading to penalties under this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 399, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 40.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-53 - Purchase and Sale of Tools and Electronics › Section 6-53-8. - Rules and regulations.

§ 6-53-8. Rules and regulations.
The attorney general is authorized to promulgate, adopt, and enforce any and all rules and regulations deemed necessary to carry out the duties and responsibilities of this chapter. Rules and regulations shall be adopted in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act, § 42-35-1 et seq.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 399, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 40.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-53 - Purchase and Sale of Tools and Electronics › Section 6-53-9. - Refusal to issue license.

§ 6-53-9. Refusal to issue license.
The attorney general shall refuse to issue a license when the attorney general has found that the application for the license contains a false representation of a material fact; when investigation reveals that the person applying for the license has previously been guilty of a violation of this chapter or has been a partner of a partnership, member of an association, or an officer or director of a corporation that has previously been guilty of a violation of this chapter; or has a disqualifying criminal record as defined in § 6-53-13. The attorney general may, in his or her discretion, issue a license if the disqualifying criminal record is more than ten (10) years old.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 399, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 40.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-53 - Purchase and Sale of Tools and Electronics › Section 6-53-10. - Suspension, revocation, and nonrenewal of license.

§ 6-53-10. Suspension, revocation, and nonrenewal of license.
The attorney general, upon his or her own motion or upon receipt of a signed, written complaint that alleges violations of this chapter or of the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapter, may, after a hearing, suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew any license issued pursuant to this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 399, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 40.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-53 - Purchase and Sale of Tools and Electronics › Section 6-53-11. - Hearings.

§ 6-53-11. Hearings.
Hearings conducted pursuant to this chapter shall be in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act, § 42-35-1 et seq.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 399, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 40.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-53 - Purchase and Sale of Tools and Electronics › Section 6-53-12. - Appeals.

§ 6-53-12. Appeals.
Appeals from a decision by the attorney general shall be made to the sixth division district court in Providence. Appeals from the decision of the sixth division district court shall be to the supreme court in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act, § 42-35-1 et seq., as amended.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 399, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 40.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-53 - Purchase and Sale of Tools and Electronics › Section 6-53-13. - Disqualifying criminal records — Employees or agents of licensee.

§ 6-53-13. Disqualifying criminal records — Employees or agents of licensee.
A licensee convicted in a court of this state, a court of another state, or in a federal court, of a felony charge of forgery; embezzlement; obtaining money under false pretenses; bribery; larceny; extortion; conspiracy to defraud; receiving stolen goods; burglary; breaking and entering; or any similar offense or offenses; or tax evasion associated with the conduct of business under a license issued pursuant to this chapter; shall forfeit his or her license. Prior to the forfeiture of the license, the licensee may request a hearing on the forfeiture. The attorney general, when so requested, shall hold a hearing. No licensee shall employ or engage any person as an employee or agent while engaging in the business of trading in tools and electronics who has been convicted of any of the offenses as they are described in this section and which shall be deemed to be a disqualifying criminal record.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 399, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 40.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-53 - Purchase and Sale of Tools and Electronics › Section 6-53-14. - Severability.

§ 6-53-14. Severability.
If any provisions of this chapter or application of this chapter to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this chapter than can be given effect without the invalid provision or phrase or application, and to this end the provisions and phrases of this chapter are severable.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 399, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-54 - Rhode Island Dealership Preservation and Protection Act › Section 6-54-1. - Short title.

§ 6-54-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known as the “Rhode Island Dealership Preservation and Protection Act.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 308, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 370, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-54 - Rhode Island Dealership Preservation and Protection Act › Section 6-54-2. - Definitions.

§ 6-54-2. Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
(1)
“Community of interest” means a continuing financial interest between the grantor and the grantee in either the operation of the dealership business or the marketing of such goods or services.
(2)
“Continuing financial interest” means the following:
(i)
A dealership relationship of at least one year in duration between the grantor and dealer, without regard to:
(A)
Any minimum percentage of revenue or profit derived therefrom by the dealer;
(B)
Any minimum financial investment by the dealer; or
(C)
The aggregate economic size or level of activity by the dealer or its affiliates; and
(ii)
The dealer has expended, allocated, or dedicated revenue or personnel to promoting the sale or distribution of the grantor’s goods or services, including investments in grantor inventory, sales and marketing, or facilities; and
(iii)
Dealer and grantor cooperate, coordinate activities, or share common goals.
(3)
“Dealer” means a person who is a grantee of a dealership situated in this state, and any successor in interest, regardless of the subsequent sale or change in ownership of such entity.
(4)
“Dealership” means any of the following: A contract or agreement, either expressed or implied, whether oral or written, between two (2) or more persons, by which a person is granted the right to sell or distribute goods or services, or use a trade name, trademark, service mark, logotype, advertising, or other commercial symbol, in which there is a community of interest in the business of offering, selling, or distributing goods or services at wholesale, retail, by lease, agreement, or otherwise.
(5)
“Good cause” means, for the purposes of this act, good cause for terminating, diminishing, canceling, or nonrenewal shall mean:
(i)
The failure by the dealer to substantially comply with the reasonable requirements imposed by the grantor; or
(ii)
Any of the reasons listed in § 6-54-4(a)(1) through (a)(6). A sale or change in ownership shall not constitute good cause.
(6)
“Grantor” means a person who grants a dealership, and any successor in interest, regardless of the subsequent sale or change in ownership of such person.
(7)
“Person” means a natural person, partnership, joint venture, corporation, or other entity.
(8)
“Sale or change in ownership” means with respect to any grantor or dealer, the direct or indirect sale of such person’s assets or equity ownership, whether by merger or sale or other change in control event. A sale or change in ownership shall be considered for purposes of this chapter as a continuation of the prior dealership relationship and shall not be deemed to have interrupted, ended, or restarted such relationship between the parties.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 308, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 370, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 243, § 1, effective June 28, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 244, § 1, effective June 28, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-54 - Rhode Island Dealership Preservation and Protection Act › Section 6-54-3. - Purposes; rules of construction; variation by contract.

§ 6-54-3. Purposes; rules of construction; variation by contract.
(a)
This chapter shall be liberally construed and applied to promote its underlying remedial purposes and policies.
(b)
The underlying purposes and policies of this chapter are:
(1)
To promote the compelling interest of the public in fair business relations between dealers and grantors, and in the continuation of dealerships on a fair basis;
(2)
To protect dealers against unfair treatment by grantors;
(3)
To provide dealers with rights and remedies in addition to those existing by contract or common law;
(4)
To govern dealerships, including any renewals or amendments, to the full extent consistent with the constitutions of this state and the United States.
(c)
The effect of this chapter may not be varied by contract or agreement. Any contract or agreement purporting to do so is void and unenforceable to that extent only.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 308, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 370, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-54 - Rhode Island Dealership Preservation and Protection Act › Section 6-54-4. - Notice of termination or change in dealership.

§ 6-54-4. Notice of termination or change in dealership.
(a)
Notwithstanding the terms, provisions, or conditions of any agreement to the contrary, a grantor shall provide a dealer sixty (60) days prior written notice of termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal. The notice shall state all reasons for termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal and shall provide that the dealer has thirty (30) days in which to cure any claimed deficiency; provided, that a dealer has a right to cure three (3) times in any twelve-month (12) period during the period of the dealership agreement. The sixty-day (60) notice provisions of this section shall not apply and the termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal may be made effective immediately upon written notice, if the reason for termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal is in the event the dealer:
(1)
Voluntarily abandons the dealership relationship;
(2)
Is convicted of a felony offense related to the business conducted pursuant to the dealership;
(3)
Engages in any substantial act that tends to materially impair the goodwill of the grantor’s trade name, trademark, service mark, logotype, or other commercial symbol;
(4)
Makes a material misrepresentation of fact to the grantor relating to the dealership;
(5)
Attempts to transfer the dealership (or a portion thereof) without authorization of the grantor, excluding a sale or change of ownership; or
(6)
Is insolvent, files or suffers to be filed against it any voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy petition, or makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors or similar disposition of assets of the dealer business.
(b)
If the reason for termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal is nonpayment of sums due under the dealership, the dealer shall be entitled to written notice of such default, and shall have ten (10) days in which to cure such default from the date of such notice. A dealer has the right to cure three (3) times in any twelve-month (12) period during the period of the dealership agreement.
(c)
If the reason for termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal is for violation of any law, regulation, or standard relating to public health or safety, the dealer shall be entitled to immediate written notice and shall have five (5) days to cure such violation from the date of receipt of the written notice.
(d)
No grantor may terminate, cancel, or fail to renew a dealership, directly or indirectly, or otherwise take any action to diminish the dealership or its value, other than for good cause. No grantor may terminate, cancel, or fail to renew a dealership, directly or indirectly, or otherwise take any action to diminish the dealership or its value, if the dealership shall cure the alleged deficiency or violation in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 308, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 370, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 243, § 1, effective June 28, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 244, § 1, effective June 28, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-54 - Rhode Island Dealership Preservation and Protection Act › Section 6-54-5. - Repurchase of inventories.

§ 6-54-5. Repurchase of inventories.
If a dealership is terminated by the grantor, the grantor, at the option of the dealer, shall repurchase all inventories sold by the grantor to the dealer for resale under the dealership agreement at the fair market value. This section applies only to merchandise with a name, trademark, label or other mark on it which identifies the grantor.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 308, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 370, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-54 - Rhode Island Dealership Preservation and Protection Act › Section 6-54-6. - Application to arbitration agreements.

§ 6-54-6. Application to arbitration agreements.
This chapter shall not apply to provisions for the binding arbitration of disputes contained in a dealership agreement, if the criteria for determining whether good cause existed for a termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal, and the relief provided is no less than that provided for in this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 308, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 370, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-54 - Rhode Island Dealership Preservation and Protection Act › Section 6-54-7. - Action for damages and injunctive relief.

§ 6-54-7. Action for damages and injunctive relief.
If any grantor violates this chapter, a dealer may bring an action against such grantor in any court of competent jurisdiction for damages sustained by the dealer as a consequence of the grantor’s violation, together with the actual costs of the action, including reasonable actual attorneys’ fees, and the dealer also may be granted injunctive relief against unlawful termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal. For purposes of this chapter, damages shall include, without limitation, reasonable compensation for the fair market value of the dealer’s business with relation to the dealership.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 308, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 370, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 6 - Commercial Law – General Regulatory Provisions › Chapter 6-54 - Rhode Island Dealership Preservation and Protection Act › Section 6-54-8. - Temporary injunctions.

§ 6-54-8. Temporary injunctions.
In any action brought by a dealer against a grantor under this chapter, any violation of this chapter by the grantor is deemed an irreparable injury to the dealer in determining if temporary injunctions should issue.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 308, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 370, § 1.