reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-15 - Litter Control and Recycling › Section 37-15-7. - Penalties.

§ 37-15-7. Penalties.
(a)
Any person convicted of a first violation of this chapter shall, except where a penalty is specifically set forth, be subject to a fine of not less than eighty-five dollars ($85.00), nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000). In addition to, or in lieu of, the fine imposed hereunder, the person so convicted may be ordered to pick up litter for not less than two (2), nor more than twenty-five (25), hours.
(b)
Any person convicted of a second or subsequent violation of this chapter shall, except where a penalty is specifically set forth, be subject to a fine of not less than three hundred dollars ($300), nor more than five thousand dollars ($5,000). In addition to, or in lieu of, the fine imposed upon a second or subsequent violation of this chapter, the person so convicted may be ordered to pick up litter for not less than four (4), nor more than fifty (50), hours.
(c)
Jurisdiction to punish violators of the provisions of this chapter is conferred on the traffic tribunal.
(d)
Any person convicted of a violation of this chapter shall, in addition to all other penalties, be liable for the removal of all litter or ordered to pay restitution for the cost of removal of all litter illegally disposed of by that person. The traffic tribunal may hold the registration of any vehicle owned by the violator and used in the act of littering until the aforementioned liability is satisfied.
(e)
The funds received by a state law enforcement agency shall be deposited as general revenues; provided, however, that thirty percent (30%) of any fine collected pursuant to a complaint filed by a local law enforcement agency shall inure to the benefit of that agency, with remittances to be made not less often than once every three (3) months.
(f)
Penalties of eighty-five dollars ($85.00) for violations of this section may be disposed of without the necessity of personally appearing before the traffic tribunal. Said penalty may be handled administratively by mailing a check or money order, together with the properly executed form provided, to the appropriate address as set forth in the summons issued by the enforcing agent.
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 251, § 2; P.L. 1985, ch. 150, § 43; P.L. 1985, ch. 155, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 317, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 70, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 433, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 40, § 114; P.L. 1997, ch. 72, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 58, § 12; P.L. 2002, ch. 292, § 128; P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 12, § 17; P.L. 2014, ch. 368, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 380, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 430, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 453, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-15 - Litter Control and Recycling › Section 37-15-7.1. - Penalties — Used tires.

§ 37-15-7.1. Penalties — Used tires.
(a)
No person shall deposit, discard, or otherwise dispose of used tires in violation of § 37-15-6. Any person convicted of a first violation of this section shall be subject to a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500), be ordered to pick up tires so disposed in the community for not less than eight (8) nor more than thirty-two (32) hours, be imprisoned for a period not to exceed ten (10) days or by any combination of fine, community pick-up, and/or imprisonment.
(b)
Any person convicted of a second violation of this section shall be subject to a fine not less than three hundred dollars ($300) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500), be ordered to pick up tires so disposed in the community for not less than sixteen (16), nor more than forty (40) hours, and/or be imprisoned for a period of not to exceed thirty (30) days, or by any combination of fine, community pick-up, and/or imprisonment.
(c)
Any person convicted of a third or subsequent violation of this section shall be subject to a fine not less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), be ordered to pick up tires so disposed in the community for not less than twenty-four (24), nor more than eighty (80) hours, and/or be imprisoned for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days, or by any combination of fine, community pick-up, and/or imprisonment.
(d)
Jurisdiction to punish violators of the provisions of this chapter is conferred on the traffic tribunal.
(e)
Any person convicted of a violation of this chapter shall, in addition to all other penalties, be liable for the removal or cost of removal of all litter illegally disposed of by that person. The traffic tribunal court may hold the registration of any vehicle owned by the violator and used in the act of littering until the aforementioned liability is satisfied.’
History of Section.
P.L. 1993, ch. 222, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-15 - Litter Control and Recycling › Section 37-15-8. - Notice.

§ 37-15-8. Notice.
Pertinent portions of this chapter shall be posted along the public highways of this state and in all campgrounds and trailer parks, at all entrances to state parks, forest lands, and recreational areas, at all public beaches, and at other public places in this state where persons are likely to be informed of the existence and content of this chapter and the penalties for violating its provisions.
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 251, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-15 - Litter Control and Recycling › Section 37-15-10. - Litter bags.

§ 37-15-10. Litter bags.
The department shall design and produce a litter bag bearing the state anti litter symbol and a statement of the penalties prescribed herein for littering in this state. The department may make litter bags available to the owners of motor vehicles and watercraft in this state and may also provide litter bags at no charge at points of entry into this state and at visitor centers to the operators of incoming vehicles and watercraft.
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 251, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-15 - Litter Control and Recycling › Section 37-15-11. - Responsibility for removal of litter.

§ 37-15-11. Responsibility for removal of litter.
The owners and operators of public places shall be responsible for the removal of litter from litter receptacles.
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 251, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-15 - Litter Control and Recycling › Section 37-15-12. - Repealed.

§ 37-15-12. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 251, § 2; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 40, § 114; Repealed by P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 164, effective July 8, 1997.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-15 - Litter Control and Recycling › Section 37-15-13. - Allocation of funds.

§ 37-15-13. Allocation of funds.
(a)
The department shall allocate and distribute money from the litter control appropriation, by way of grants or transfers, to eligible persons for the following activities:
(1)
Collecting litter along public streets and highways, on parks and recreation lands, and on or along the waters of the state including, but not limited to, expenditures for a youth corps litter program which is hereby created and which shall employ persons from the state. To facilitate litter collection, the department shall transfer fifty-six thousand two hundred and fifty dollars ($56,250) on July 1, 1993, October 1, 1993, January 1, 1994, April 1, 1994, and every year thereafter, to the Department of Corrections for the purposes of litter pick-up on the state’s highways;
(2)
Establishing or expanding community recycling centers;
(3)
Improving enforcement of litter laws;
(4)
Purchasing litter receptacles, litter bags, collection and pickup equipment, and related materials;
(5)
Designing and publishing a state anti-litter symbol;
(6)
Organizing and conducting educational programs designed to increase public awareness of the litter problem, the need for compliance with anti-litter laws, the need for recycling, and the availability of community recycling centers;
(7)
Conducting initial surveys of the amount and composition of litter on the public places in the state and conducting follow-up surveys to measure the progress of litter reduction and recycling programs; and
(8)
Purchasing and erecting roadside signs indicating the penalties imposed for littering or the availability of community recycling centers.
(b)
Any city or town that initiates a program mandating separation of certain forms of garbage, rubbish, or trash (such as newspapers, bottles, and cans) for the purpose of recycling shall be eligible to receive a grant or loan from the litter control account for that program.
(c)
The department shall not use any funds for the purpose of replacing any litter pickup or rubbish removal activity presently performed by the department.
(d)
The department of transportation shall continue to be responsible for the removal of litter from all state highways.
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 251, § 2; P.L. 1993, ch. 138, art. 74, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 40, § 114.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-15 - Litter Control and Recycling › Section 37-15-14. - Application procedure.

§ 37-15-14. Application procedure.
(a)
A person eligible to receive a grant, loan, or contract under this chapter, and the department’s regulations adopted pursuant thereto, may make an application for the loan, grant, or contract in such form as may be required by the department.
(b)
The department shall grant or loan funds, and contract for services from the litter control account to an eligible person who has submitted an application for funds upon determining that the plan submitted by the person is qualified and suitable for purposes of the program.
(c)
The department shall require periodic reports to be filed by grant recipients. The department shall review, evaluate, and follow up on any actions taken by grant recipients to ensure that the purposes of this chapter are being achieved.
(d)
The department shall require that grant recipients post a recycling and redemption rate schedule for public inspection.
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 251, § 2; P.L. 1989, ch. 372, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-15 - Litter Control and Recycling › Section 37-15-15. - Duties of the department.

§ 37-15-15. Duties of the department.
In addition to the foregoing, the department shall:
(1)
Serve as the coordinating agency between the various industry organizations seeking to aid in the anti litter and recycling efforts;
(2)
Recommend to the governing bodies of all local governments that they adopt ordinances consistent with the provisions of this chapter;
(3)
Cooperate with all local governments to accomplish coordination of local anti litter and recycling efforts;
(4)
Encourage, organize, and coordinate all voluntary local anti litter and recycling campaigns seeking to focus the attention of the public on the programs of this state to control and remove litter and to foster recycling;
(5)
Investigate the availability of and apply for funds available from any private or public source to be used in the program outlined in this chapter;
(6)
Develop statewide programs to increase public awareness of and participation in recycling and to encourage community recycling centers, public participation in recycling and research and development in the field of litter control, and recycling, removal, and disposal of litter related recycling materials;
(7)
Establish a technical assistance program to assist cities and towns in establishing separation recycling programs in conjunction with recycling collection centers to be constructed at state solid waste management facilities.
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 251, § 2; P.L. 1986, ch. 522, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-15 - Litter Control and Recycling › Section 37-15-16. - Cooperation between industry and department.

§ 37-15-16. Cooperation between industry and department.
To aid in the state anti litter and recycling campaign, the general assembly requests that the various industry organizations which are active in anti litter and recycling efforts provide active cooperation with the department so that the additional effect may be given to the anti litter and recycling campaign of the state of Rhode Island.
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 251, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-15 - Litter Control and Recycling › Section 37-15-17. - Severability.

§ 37-15-17. Severability.
If any provision of this chapter or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the chapter or the application of the provisions to other persons or circumstances is not affected.
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 251, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-15 - Litter Control and Recycling › Section 37-15-18. - Distribution of flyers on motor vehicles on private property — Penalties.

§ 37-15-18. Distribution of flyers on motor vehicles on private property — Penalties.
No person, corporation, partnership, or association shall cause to be or shall distribute flyers on motor vehicles on private commercial property. Flyers shall mean commercial advertising literature which shall include, but not be limited to, advertisement of products or services, whether free or not; notices of events of any type; solicitation of funds, services, signatures or assistance of any causes; etc. Violators of this section shall be fined two hundred dollars ($200), the proceeds of which shall go to the OSCAR fund.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 366, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-15 - Litter Control and Recycling › Section 37-15-19. - Protection of state coastline — Adult designated smoking areas.

§ 37-15-19. Protection of state coastline — Adult designated smoking areas.
Whereas it has been conclusively shown that pollution in the form of discarded cigarettes pose a major threat to the integrity of the coastline in this state, every municipality bordering on such coastline may adopt rules and regulations for the establishment of adult designated smoking areas for the purpose of reducing such cigarette litter and pollution.
History of Section.
P.L. 1997, ch. 132, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-15.1 - Hard-To-Dispose Material — Control and Recycling › Section 37-15.1-1. - Statement of policy.

§ 37-15.1-1. Statement of policy.
Recognizing the ever increasing use of hard-to-dispose material by the people of Rhode Island as well as the fundamental need for a healthful, clean, and beautiful environment; and further recognizing that the proliferation and accumulation of hard-to-dispose material throughout this state impairs this need and constitutes a public health hazard; and further recognizing the need to conserve energy and natural resources; and further recognizing that there is an imperative need to anticipate, plan for, and accomplish effective control, recovery, and recycling of hard-to-dispose material, there is hereby enacted this “hard-to-dispose material control and recycling” chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 514, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-15.1 - Hard-To-Dispose Material — Control and Recycling › Section 37-15.1-2. - Declaration of purpose.

§ 37-15.1-2. Declaration of purpose.
(a)
The purpose of this chapter is to establish programs to aid in the monitoring, tracking, reuse, recycling, and proper disposal of hard-to-dispose materials and to respond to clean-up activities associated with hard-to-dispose material by delegating to the department of environmental management the authority to:
(1)
Conduct a permanent and continuous program to control and remove hard-to-dispose materials generated within the state to the maximum practical extent possible;
(2)
Recover and recycle waste materials related to hard-to-dispose material;
(3)
Encourage waste reduction, recovery, and private recycling;
(4)
Increase public awareness of the need for recycling; and
(5)
To aid in the development of private and public sector facilities and programs for the monitoring, tracking, recycling, reuse, reduction, and proper disposal of hard-to-dispose material.
(b)
It is further the intent and purpose of this chapter to create jobs for employment in hard-to-dispose material cleanup and related activities and to encourage small, private recycling centers. This program shall include the compatible goal of recovery of recyclable material to conserve energy and natural resources wherever practicable. Every department of state government and all local governmental units and agencies of this state shall cooperate with the department of environmental management in the administration and enforcement of this chapter. The intent of this chapter is to add to and to coordinate existing recycling hard-to-dispose material control and removal efforts, and to aid private and public efforts in the proper disposal, recycling, reuse, and reduction of hard-to-dispose material and not terminate or supplant those efforts.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 514, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-15.1 - Hard-To-Dispose Material — Control and Recycling › Section 37-15.1-3. - Definitions.

§ 37-15.1-3. Definitions.
As used in this chapter the following terms shall, where the context permits, be construed as follows:
(1)
“Community recycling center” means a central collection point in a community for hard-to-dispose material, or a point where those materials are taken after being collected to be processed.
(2)
“Department” means the department of environmental management.
(3)
“Director” means the director of the department of environmental management.
(4)
“Hard-to-dispose of material” means and encompasses the following materials: petroleum-based or synthetic lubricating oils, including, but not limited to, lubricants in internal combustion engines; tires used on motorized vehicles and trailers, including cars, trucks, buses, and heavy construction equipment; glycol-based antifreeze and organic solvents. A petroleum-based or synthetic lubricating oil which is recycled and/or re-refined is not, nor shall it be considered, a hard-to-dispose material.
(5)
“Organic solvents” means any compounds of carbon which are liquids at standard conditions, and which are used as dissolvers, viscosity reducers, dilutents, thinners, reagents, or cleaning agents, (excluding carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, metallic carbides, metallic carbonates, and ammonium carbonate) and which are listed as hazardous waste pursuant to the state hazardous waste program pursuant to chapter 19.1, title 23.
(6)
“Person” means any natural person, political subdivision, government agency, public or private corporation, partnership, joint venture, association, firm, individual proprietorship, or other entity whatsoever.
(7)
“Program” means those activities of the department to encourage, manage, and fund hard-to-dispose material control and recycling, and to aid in the monitoring and tracking, reduction, recycling, and reuse of hard-to-dispose material control and recycling pursuant to this chapter.
(8)
“Public place” means any area that is used or held out for use by the public whether owned or operated by public or private interests.
(9)
“Recycling” means the reuse of recovered resources in manufacturing, agriculture, power production, or other processes.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 514, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-15.1 - Hard-To-Dispose Material — Control and Recycling › Section 37-15.1-4. - Prohibitions.

§ 37-15.1-4. Prohibitions.
No person shall throw, drop, deposit, discard, or otherwise dispose of hard-to-dispose material upon any public property in the state or in the waters of this state or upon private property in this state owned by him or her except:
(1)
When the property is designated by the state or by any of its agencies or political subdivisions for the disposal of hard-to-dispose material, and that person is authorized to use the property for that purpose; or
(2)
Into a receptacle which has been provided by or authorized by the department.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 514, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-15.1 - Hard-To-Dispose Material — Control and Recycling › Section 37-15.1-5. - Revenue.

§ 37-15.1-5. Revenue.
All assessments, fines, bail forfeitures, and other funds collected or received pursuant to this chapter shall be deposited as general revenues.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 514, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 40, § 115.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-15.1 - Hard-To-Dispose Material — Control and Recycling › Section 37-15.1-6. - Allocation of funds.

§ 37-15.1-6. Allocation of funds.
The department shall allocate and distribute money for the hard-to-dispose material program by way of grant to eligible persons for the following activities:
(1)
Establishing educational programs and technical assistance programs to assist in the collection, marketing, recycling, reuse, reduction, and safe disposal of hazardous material hard-to-dispose material.
(2)
Establishing a grant-in-aid program and research programs to assist in the collection, marketing, recycling, reuse, reduction, and proper disposal of hard-to-dispose material for both the public and private sectors.
(3)
Surveying, tracking, and monitoring hard-to-dispose material.
(4)
Establish or plan state owned and operated regional collection centers for hard-to-dispose material with priority given to household materials.
(5)
To supplement, not supplant, funds for the collection of used oil in the state’s collection system.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 514, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 40, § 115.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-15.1 - Hard-To-Dispose Material — Control and Recycling › Section 37-15.1-7. - Repealed.

§ 37-15.1-7. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 514, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 40, § 170, effective July 1, 1995.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-15.1 - Hard-To-Dispose Material — Control and Recycling › Section 37-15.1-8. - Application procedure.

§ 37-15.1-8. Application procedure.
(a)
A person eligible to receive a grant, loan, or contract under this chapter, and the department’s regulations adopted pursuant thereto, may make an application for the loan, grant, or contract in such form as may be required by the department.
(b)
The department shall grant or loan funds, and contract for services from the hard-to-dispose material account to eligible persons who have submitted an application for funds upon determining that the plan submitted by that person is qualified and suitable for purposes of the program.
(c)
The department shall require periodic reports to be filed by grant recipients. The department shall review, evaluate, and follow up on any actions taken by grant recipients to ensure that the purposes of this chapter are being achieved.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 514, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-15.1 - Hard-To-Dispose Material — Control and Recycling › Section 37-15.1-9. - Duties of the department.

§ 37-15.1-9. Duties of the department.
In addition to the foregoing, the department shall:
(1)
Serve as the coordinating agency between the various industry organizations seeking to aid in the hard-to-dispose material and recycling efforts;
(2)
Recommend to the governing bodies of all local governments that they adopt ordinances consistent with the provisions of this chapter;
(3)
Cooperate with all local governments to accomplish coordination of local hard-to-dispose material and recycling efforts;
(4)
Encourage, organize, and coordinate all voluntary local hard-to-dispose material and recycling campaigns seeking to focus the attention of the public on the programs of this state to control and remove hard-to-dispose material, and to foster recycling;
(5)
Investigate the availability of, and apply for funds available from any private or public source to be used in the program outlined in this chapter;
(6)
Develop statewide programs to increase public awareness of and participation in recycling, and to encourage community recycling centers, public participation in recycling and research and development in the field of hard-to-dispose material, and recycling, removal, and disposal of litter-related recycling materials;
(7)
Publish a timetable for the establishment of the state owned and operated regional collection centers.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 514, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-15.1 - Hard-To-Dispose Material — Control and Recycling › Section 37-15.1-10. - Cooperation between industry and department.

§ 37-15.1-10. Cooperation between industry and department.
To aid in the state hard-to-dispose material and recycling campaign, the general assembly requests that the various industry organizations which are active in hard-to-dispose material and recycling efforts provide active cooperation with the department so that the additional effect may be given to the hard-to-dispose material and recycling campaign of the state of Rhode Island.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 514, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-15.1 - Hard-To-Dispose Material — Control and Recycling › Section 37-15.1-11. - Severability.

§ 37-15.1-11. Severability.
If any provision of this chapter or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the chapter or the application of the provisions to other persons or circumstances is not affected.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 514, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-16 - Public Works Arbitration › Section 37-16-3. - Application to subcontracts.

§ 37-16-3. Application to subcontracts.
When a contract described in § 37-16-2 is in effect and any party thereto has entered into a subcontract to perform part of the work and/or furnish any materials in connection with the work described in the contract and the terms of the subcontract provide for arbitration of a dispute or claim concerning the performance or interpretation thereof, or the subcontract, expressly or by reference to the terms of the contract, provides that the parties to the subcontract shall comply with the arbitration provisions of the contract, the following shall apply when a request is made or an order of court is entered for arbitration either under the terms of the contract or subcontract.
(1)
When arbitration under the contract may adversely affect the interest of a party thereto because of the effect of an award of the arbitrator or arbitrators upon the performance or interpretation of the terms of a subcontract to which he or she is also a party, he or she may require any other party or all other parties to the subcontract to become a party or parties to the arbitration.
(2)
When a party to a subcontract makes a demand or an order of court is entered for arbitration under the terms of the subcontract which comply with the provision of this chapter, any party thereto who is also a party to the contract and whose rights under the contract may be adversely affected by the effect of an award of the arbitrator or arbitrators upon the performance or interpretation of the contract may require any other party to the contract to become a party to the arbitration.
(3)
When a party to a contract or to a subcontract is made a party to arbitration by virtue of the provisions of this section, he or she shall have all the rights of a party to arbitration as provided in this chapter except the appointment of an arbitrator. Provided, however, he or she may object to the arbitrators appointed by the parties in which event a single arbitrator shall be appointed as provided in § 37-16-2 in the petition of either of the original parties to arbitration. The award of the arbitrator or arbitrators shall be valid and shall be binding on him or her to the extent that it affects the performance or interpretation of the contract and/or subcontract to which he or she is a party. The award of the arbitrator or arbitrators may be enforced, modified, or vacated as this chapter provides an award made in an arbitration of a contract described in § 37-16-2 may be enforced, modified, or vacated.
History of Section.
P.L. 1967, ch. 165, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-16 - Public Works Arbitration › Section 37-16-4. - Stay of legal proceedings pending arbitration.

§ 37-16-4. Stay of legal proceedings pending arbitration.
If any suit or proceedings be brought upon any issue referable to arbitration under contract in writing providing for arbitration, the court in which the suit is pending upon being satisfied that the issue involved in the suit or proceedings is referable to arbitration under the contract, shall on application of one of the parties, stay the trial of the action until arbitration has been held.
History of Section.
P.L. 1967, ch. 165, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-16 - Public Works Arbitration › Section 37-16-5. - Jurisdiction of superior court to enforce arbitration provision and awards.

§ 37-16-5. Jurisdiction of superior court to enforce arbitration provision and awards.
The entering into a contract in writing providing for arbitration shall be deemed a consent of all parties, including those enumerated in § 37-16-2, thereto to the jurisdiction of the superior court of this state to enforce the arbitration provision and any award made pursuant to that provision. A party aggrieved by the failure, neglect, or refusal of another to perform under a contract providing for arbitration, may petition the superior court, or a judge thereof, for an order directing that arbitration proceed in the manner provided for in the contract. Five (5) days’ notice in writing of the application shall be served upon the party in default. Service thereof shall be made in the manner specified in the contract, and if no manner specified therein, then in the manner provided by law for personal service of a summons, within or without the state, or substituted service of a summons, or upon satisfactory proof that the party aggrieved has been or will be unable with due diligence to make service in any of the foregoing manners, then notice shall be served in such manner as the court or judge may direct. A judge of the superior court shall hear the parties and upon being satisfied that there is no substantial issue as to the making of the contract or the failure to comply therewith, the court, or the judge thereof, hearing the application, shall make an order directing the parties to proceed to arbitration in accordance with the terms of the contract.
History of Section.
P.L. 1967, ch. 165, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-16 - Public Works Arbitration › Section 37-16-6. - Trial upon evidence of substantial issue.

§ 37-16-6. Trial upon evidence of substantial issue.
If evidentiary facts are set forth raising a substantial issue as to the making of the contract or the failure to comply therewith, the court, or the judge thereof, shall proceed immediately to the trial of the issues. Whenever an immediate trial is ordered, the order therefor shall provide that, if the court finds that a written contract providing for arbitration was made, and that there was a failure to comply therewith, the parties shall proceed with the arbitration in accordance with the terms of the contract and the order shall provide that if the court finds that there was no contract or failure to comply with the contract, then the proceeding shall be dismissed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1967, ch. 165, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 165.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-16 - Public Works Arbitration › Section 37-16-7. - Method of appointing arbitrators or umpire.

§ 37-16-7. Method of appointing arbitrators or umpire.
If in the contract providing for arbitration, provision is made for a method of naming or appointing an arbitrator or arbitrators or an umpire, that method shall be followed, but if no method be provided therein, then the parties to the contract shall agree to the method of naming or appointing an arbitrator or arbitrators or an umpire and if the parties shall fail to agree, then the court or the judge thereof upon application of either of the parties after due notice to the other party shall appoint an arbitrator to hear the dispute.
History of Section.
P.L. 1967, ch. 165, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-16 - Public Works Arbitration › Section 37-16-8. - Scheduling and notice of arbitration hearing — Adjournment.

§ 37-16-8. Scheduling and notice of arbitration hearing — Adjournment.
Subject to the terms of the contract, if any are specified therein, the arbitrators selected as prescribed in this chapter must appoint a time and place for the hearing of the matters submitted to them, and must cause notice thereof to be given to each of the parties. They, or a majority of them, may adjourn the hearing from time to time upon the application of either party for good cause shown or upon their own motion, but not beyond the day fixed if a date in the contract, if any, for rendering their award, unless the time so fixed is extended by the written consent of the parties to the contract or their attorney, or the parties have continued with the arbitration without objection to adjournment.
History of Section.
P.L. 1967, ch. 165, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-16 - Public Works Arbitration › Section 37-16-9. - Power of court to direct prompt hearing.

§ 37-16-9. Power of court to direct prompt hearing.
The court shall have the power to direct the arbitrators to proceed promptly with the hearing and determination of the dispute, claim, or matter in question.
History of Section.
P.L. 1967, ch. 165, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-16 - Public Works Arbitration › Section 37-16-10. - Arbitrator’s oath — Waiver.

§ 37-16-10. Arbitrator’s oath — Waiver.
Before hearing any testimony, arbitrators selected as prescribed in this chapter must be sworn, by an officer authorized by law to administer an oath, faithfully and fairly to hear and examine the claim, dispute, or matter in question and to make a just award according to the best of their understanding, unless the oath is waived by the written consent of the parties to the contract or their attorneys or the parties have continued with the arbitration without objection to the failure of the arbitrators to take the oath.
History of Section.
P.L. 1967, ch. 165, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-16 - Public Works Arbitration › Section 37-16-11. - Powers of arbitrators.

§ 37-16-11. Powers of arbitrators.
The arbitrator or arbitrators selected as prescribed in this chapter, may require any person to attend before them as a witness; and he or she and they have, and each of them has, the same powers with respect to all the proceedings before them which are conferred upon a board or a member of a board authorized by law to hear testimony. All the arbitrators selected as prescribed in this chapter must meet together and hear all the allegations and proofs of the parties; but an award by a majority of them is valid.
History of Section.
P.L. 1967, ch. 165, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-16 - Public Works Arbitration › Section 37-16-12. - Fees.

§ 37-16-12. Fees.
In any proceeding under this chapter, unless the parties agree as to the arbitrator’s or arbitrators’ fees, the fees shall be fixed by the court or the judges thereof who shall require the payment equally by both parties of the arbitrators’ fees.
History of Section.
P.L. 1967, ch. 165, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-16 - Public Works Arbitration › Section 37-16-13. - Validity of awards.

§ 37-16-13. Validity of awards.
An award shall be valid and enforceable according to its terms and under the provisions of this chapter, without previous adjudication of the existence of a contract to arbitrate, subject, nevertheless, to the provisions of this section:
(1)
A party who has participated in any of the proceedings before the arbitrator or arbitrators may object to the confirmation of the award only on one or more of the grounds hereinafter specified (provided that he or she did not continue with the arbitration with notice of the facts or defects upon which his or her objection is based) because of a failure to comply with § 37-16-8 or with § 37-16-10 or because of the improper manner of the selection of the arbitrators.
(2)
A party who has not participated in any of the proceedings had before the arbitrator or arbitrators and who has not made or been served with an application to compel arbitration under § 37-16-5 may also put in issue the making of the contract or the failure to comply therewith, either by a motion for a stay of the arbitration or in opposition to the confirmation of the award. If a notice shall have been personally served upon that party of an intention to conduct the arbitration pursuant to the provisions of a contract specified in the notice, then the issues specified in this subdivision may be raised only by a motion for a stay of the arbitration, notice of which motion must be served within ten (10) days after the service of the notice of intention to arbitrate. The notice must state in substance that unless within ten (10) days after its service, the party served therewith shall serve a notice of motion to stay the arbitration, he or she shall thereafter be barred from putting in issue the making of the contract or the failure to comply therewith. The arbitration hearing shall be adjourned upon service of the notice pending the determination of the motion. Where the opposing party, either on a motion for a stay or in opposition to the confirmation of an award, sets forth evidentiary facts raising a substantial issue as to the making of the contract or the failure to comply therewith, an immediate trial of the same shall be had. In the event that the party is unsuccessful he or she may, nevertheless, participate in the arbitration if the same is still being carried on.
History of Section.
P.L. 1967, ch. 165, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-16 - Public Works Arbitration › Section 37-16-14. - Arbitration under chapter deemed special proceeding — Jurisdiction of superior court.

§ 37-16-14. Arbitration under chapter deemed special proceeding — Jurisdiction of superior court.
Arbitration of a claim, dispute, or matter in question under a contract described in this chapter shall be deemed a special proceeding of which the superior court for Providence County shall have jurisdiction.
History of Section.
P.L. 1967, ch. 165, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-16 - Public Works Arbitration › Section 37-16-15. - Procedure for hearing of application to court.

§ 37-16-15. Procedure for hearing of application to court.
Any application to the court, or a judge thereof, hereunder shall be made and heard in the manner provided by law for the making and hearing of motions, except as otherwise herein expressly provided.
History of Section.
P.L. 1967, ch. 165, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-16 - Public Works Arbitration › Section 37-16-16. - Form of award.

§ 37-16-16. Form of award.
To entitle the award to be enforced, as prescribed in this chapter, it must be in writing and within the time limited in the contract, if any, subscribed by the arbitrator or arbitrators making it and either filed in the office of the clerk of the court having jurisdiction as provided in § 37-16-14 or delivered to one of the parties or his or her attorney.
History of Section.
P.L. 1967, ch. 165, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-16 - Public Works Arbitration › Section 37-16-17. - Court order confirming award.

§ 37-16-17. Court order confirming award.
At any time within one year after the award is made, as prescribed in § 37-16-16, any party to the contract by the terms of which arbitration was had, may apply to the court having jurisdiction as provided in § 37-16-14 for an order confirming the award. Thereupon the court must grant the order unless the award is vacated, modified, or corrected, as prescribed in §§ 37-16-18 and 37-16-19 or unless the award is unenforceable under the provisions of § 37-16-13. Notice of the motion must be served upon the adverse party or parties or his or her or their attorneys, as prescribed by law for service of notice of a motion upon an attorney in an action in the same court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1967, ch. 165, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-16 - Public Works Arbitration › Section 37-16-18. - Court order vacating award.

§ 37-16-18. Court order vacating award.
In any of the following cases, the court must make an order vacating the award, upon the application of any party to the controversy which was arbitrated.
(1)
When the award was procured by fraud.
(2)
Where the arbitrator or arbitrators exceeded their powers, or so imperfectly executed them, that a mutual, final, and definite award upon the subject matter submitted was not made.
(3)
If there was no valid contract, and the objection has been raised under the conditions set forth in § 37-16-13.
History of Section.
P.L. 1967, ch. 165, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-16 - Public Works Arbitration › Section 37-16-19. - Rehearing after vacation of award.

§ 37-16-19. Rehearing after vacation of award.
Where an award is vacated, the court in its discretion may direct a rehearing either before the same arbitrator or arbitrators or before a new arbitrator or arbitrators to be chosen in the manner provided in the contract for the selection of the original arbitrator or arbitrators or as provided for in § 37-16-7 and any provision limiting the time in which the arbitrator or arbitrators may make a decision shall be deemed applicable to the new arbitration and shall commence from the date of the court’s order.
History of Section.
P.L. 1967, ch. 165, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-16 - Public Works Arbitration › Section 37-16-20. - Court order modifying or correcting award.

§ 37-16-20. Court order modifying or correcting award.
In any of the following cases, the court must make an order modifying or correcting the award, upon the application of any party to the contract by the terms of which the arbitration was held.
(1)
Where there was an evident miscalculation of figures or an evident mistake in the description of any persons, thing, or property referred to in the award.
(2)
Where the arbitrator or arbitrators have awarded upon a matter not submitted to them, not affecting the merits of the decision upon the matter submitted.
(3)
Where the award is imperfect in a matter of form not affecting the merits of the controversy, and, if it had been a master’s report the defect could have been amended or disregarded by the court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1967, ch. 165, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-16 - Public Works Arbitration › Section 37-16-21. - Notice of motion to vacate, modify, or correct an award.

§ 37-16-21. Notice of motion to vacate, modify, or correct an award.
Notice of a motion to vacate, modify, or correct an award must be served upon all adverse parties, or their attorneys, within sixty (60) days after the award is filed or delivered, as prescribed by law for service of notice of a motion upon an attorney in an action; except that in opposition to a motion to confirm an award, any of the grounds specified in § 37-16-18 may be set up. For the purpose of the motion, any judge who might make an order to stay the proceedings in an action brought in the same court may make an order to be served with the notice of motion staying the proceedings of an adverse party or parties to enforce the award.
History of Section.
P.L. 1967, ch. 165, § 1; P.L. 1984, ch. 81, § 10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-16 - Public Works Arbitration › Section 37-16-22. - Entry of judgment — Costs.

§ 37-16-22. Entry of judgment — Costs.
Upon the granting of an order confirming, modifying, or correcting an award, judgment may be entered in conformity therewith, except as is otherwise prescribed in this chapter. Costs of the application and of the proceedings subsequent thereto, not exceeding twenty-five dollars ($25.00) and disbursements, may be awarded by the court in its discretion. If awarded, the amount thereof must be included in the judgment.
History of Section.
P.L. 1967, ch. 165, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-16 - Public Works Arbitration › Section 37-16-23. - Filing of papers after judgment.

§ 37-16-23. Filing of papers after judgment.
(a)
Immediately after entering judgment, the clerk must attach together and file the following papers:
(1)
The contract, and each written extension of the time, if any, within which to make the award.
(2)
The award.
(3)
Each notice, affidavit, or other paper used upon an application to confirm, modify, or correct the award, and a copy of each order of the court upon the application.
(4)
A copy of the judgment.
(b)
The judgment may be docketed as if it was rendered in an action.
History of Section.
P.L. 1967, ch. 165, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-16 - Public Works Arbitration › Section 37-16-24. - Effect of judgment.

§ 37-16-24. Effect of judgment.
The judgment so entered has the same force and effect, in all respects as, and is subject to all the provisions of law relating to a judgment in an action. The judgment may be enforced as if it had been rendered in an action in the court in which it is entered.
History of Section.
P.L. 1967, ch. 165, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 37 - Public Property and Works › Chapter 37-16 - Public Works Arbitration › Section 37-16-25. - Appeals.

§ 37-16-25. Appeals.
An appeal may be taken from an order made in a proceeding under this chapter, or from a judgment entered upon an award. The proceedings upon the appeal, including the judgment thereupon and the enforcement of the judgment, are governed by the provisions of statute and rule regulating appeal in actions as far as they are applicable.
History of Section.
P.L. 1967, ch. 165, § 1.