reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-58 - Local Ownership Opportunity Act › Section 28-58-1. - Short title.

§ 28-58-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Local Ownership Opportunity Act.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2019, ch. 43, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 64, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-58 - Local Ownership Opportunity Act › Section 28-58-2. - Legislative purpose.

§ 28-58-2. Legislative purpose.
The purpose of this legislation is to preserve jobs and create new opportunities for economic growth and entrepreneurship in Rhode Island by providing opportunities for employees to purchase a business otherwise at risk of closure.
History of Section.
P.L. 2019, ch. 43, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 64, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-58 - Local Ownership Opportunity Act › Section 28-58-3. - Definitions.

§ 28-58-3. Definitions.
(a)
“Employer,” “plant closing,” “mass layoff,” “representative,” “employment loss,” “unit of local government,” and “part-time employee” means those terms as defined in 29 U.S.C. §  2101(a).
(b)
“Employing business” means the business enterprise or entity for which the affected employees worked or were suffered or permitted to work at the time the notice defined in § 28-58-4 was issued.
History of Section.
P.L. 2019, ch. 43, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 64, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-58 - Local Ownership Opportunity Act › Section 28-58-4. - Notification to affected employees.

§ 28-58-4. Notification to affected employees.
(a)
Whenever an employer is required by the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN Act), 29 U.S.C. Chapter 23, to provide advance notice of a plant closing or mass layoff, the director of the department of labor and training, or any designee thereof, shall provide to the affected employees or the representatives of the affected employees written notice consisting of, but not limited to, the following:
(1)
Notice of the affected employees’ right to furnish a bid to purchase the employing business; and
(2)
Information regarding the formation of a workers’ cooperative under chapter 6.2 of title 7.
(b)
The department of labor and training, or any designee thereof, shall make available to employees information, materials, and resources on the creation of workers’ cooperatives as defined in chapter 6.2 of title 7.
(c)
The department of labor and training shall provide access for business owners to information and materials on the creation of workers’ cooperatives under chapter 6.2 of title 7, and the conversion of a traditionally owned business to worker ownership.
History of Section.
P.L. 2019, ch. 43, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 64, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-58 - Local Ownership Opportunity Act › Section 28-58-5. - Sale not compelled.

§ 28-58-5. Sale not compelled.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as compelling or preventing a sale by the employing business.
History of Section.
P.L. 2019, ch. 43, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 64, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-58 - Local Ownership Opportunity Act › Section 28-58-6. - Regulations.

§ 28-58-6. Regulations.
The department of labor and training shall coordinate implementation and enforcement of this chapter and may promulgate appropriate guidelines or regulations for such purposes.
History of Section.
P.L. 2019, ch. 43, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 64, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-58 - Local Ownership Opportunity Act › Section 28-58-7. - Severability.

§ 28-58-7. Severability.
If any provision of this chapter or any rule or regulation created under this chapter, or the application of any provision of this chapter to any person or circumstance shall be held invalid in any court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of the chapter, rule, or regulation and the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby. The invalidity of any section or sections or parts of any section of this chapter shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this chapter and to this end the provisions of the chapter are declared to be severable.
History of Section.
P.L. 2019, ch. 43, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 64, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-59 - Rhode Island Noncompetition Agreement Act › Section 28-59-1. - Short title.

§ 28-59-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Rhode Island Noncompetition Agreement Act.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2019, ch. 204, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 264, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations › Chapter 28-59 - Rhode Island Noncompetition Agreement Act › Section 28-59-3. - Enforceability.

§ 28-59-3. Enforceability.
(a)
A noncompetition agreement shall not be enforceable against the following types of workers:
(1)
An employee who is classified as nonexempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act, 29 U.S.C. §§ 201-219;
(2)
Undergraduate or graduate students who participate in an internship or otherwise enter a short-term employment relationship with an employer, whether paid or unpaid, while enrolled at an educational institution;
(3)
Employees age eighteen (18) or younger; or
(4)
A low-wage employee.
(b)
This section does not render void or unenforceable the remainder of a contract or agreement containing the unenforceable noncompetition agreement, nor does it preclude the imposition of a noncompetition restriction by a court, whether through preliminary or permanent injunctive relief or otherwise, as a remedy for a breach of another agreement or of a statutory or common law duty.
(c)
Nothing in this section shall preclude an employer from entering into an agreement with an employee not to share any information, including after the employee is no longer employed by the employer, regarding the employer or the employment that is a trade secret.
History of Section.
P.L. 2019, ch. 204, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 264, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-1 - State Library › Section 29-1-1. - Library established — State librarian.

§ 29-1-1. Library established — State librarian.
Within the department of state there shall be a state library and, for the supervision of the state library, the secretary of state shall appoint a state librarian qualified by training and experience who shall serve at the pleasure of the secretary of state. The state librarian shall carry out the duties required by chapters 1 — 3 of this title. The state librarian shall continue to maintain and supervise the legislative reference bureau.
History of Section.
P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 31; G.L. 1956, § 29-1-1; P.L. 1964, ch. 233, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-1 - State Library › Section 29-1-2. - Care of library — Preservation of books and documents.

§ 29-1-2. Care of library — Preservation of books and documents.
The secretary of state shall have the care and custody of the state library, except the law library, and shall receive and preserve all books and documents that may be sent to, or purchased for, the library.
History of Section.
P.L. 1901, ch. 862, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 38, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 36, § 1; P.L. 1935, ch. 2250, § 21; G.L. 1938, ch. 22, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 29-1-2; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 2, § 22.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-1 - State Library › Section 29-1-3. - Clerical assistance.

§ 29-1-3. Clerical assistance.
The general assembly shall annually appropriate such sums as it may deem necessary for clerical service in the state library, and the state librarian is hereby authorized and empowered to employ additional clerical assistance. The state controller shall draw orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of all sums appropriated under the authority of this section, or so much thereof as may be from time to time required, upon his or her receipt of proper vouchers approved by the state librarian and the secretary of state.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 28, § 2; P.L. 1905, ch. 1252, § 1; P.L. 1906, ch. 1350, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 38, § 2; P.L. 1909, ch. 442, § 1; P.L. 1910, ch. 592, § 1; P.L. 1914, ch. 1095, § 1; P.L. 1917, ch. 1499, § 1; P.L. 1919, ch. 1747, § 1; P.L. 1920, ch. 1915, § 1; P.L. 1922, ch. 2223, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 36, § 2; P.L. 1925, ch. 622, § 1; P.L. 1927, ch. 1019, § 1; P.L. 1935, ch. 2250, § 149; G.L. 1938, ch. 22, § 2; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 65; G.L. 1956, § 29-1-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-1 - State Library › Section 29-1-4. - Annual report to general assembly.

§ 29-1-4. Annual report to general assembly.
The secretary of state shall annually, at the January session, make report to the general assembly of the condition of the library, and shall make such recommendations as he or she may deem advisable for the welfare thereof, and of the books purchased during the year preceding, and of the cost thereof.
History of Section.
P.L. 1901, ch. 862, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 38, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 36, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 22, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 29-1-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-1 - State Library › Section 29-1-5. - Exchange of publications with agencies outside state.

§ 29-1-5. Exchange of publications with agencies outside state.
It shall be the duty of the state librarian to exchange with such nations, states, municipalities, institutions, and persons outside the state as may confer a corresponding benefit, copies of the laws, law reports, reports of departments and institutions, and all other books and pamphlets published by the state, and to distribute these publications to such other nations, states, municipalities, institutions, and persons outside the state as may, by law, be entitled to receive them. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent any department from distributing its own publications. Distributions to, or exchanges with, states shall be with the state libraries or the authorized exchange agencies of the states.
History of Section.
P.L. 1902, ch. 959, §§ 1-3; G.L. 1909, ch. 38, §§ 5-7; G.L. 1923, ch. 36, §§ 7-9; G.L. 1938, ch. 22, §§ 5-7; G.L. 1956, § 29-1-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-1 - State Library › Section 29-1-6. - Disposition of duplicates and surplus supplies.

§ 29-1-6. Disposition of duplicates and surplus supplies.
The state librarian, with the consent of the secretary of state, is hereby authorized and empowered to sell, exchange, or destroy all duplicate books, pamphlets, or other surplus supplies, which, in his or her judgment, are not available for use in the state library. All such fees shall be deposited as general revenue.
History of Section.
P.L. 1909, ch. 462, §§ 1, 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 36, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 22, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 29-1-6; P.L. 1988, ch. 374, § 2; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 40, § 98.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-1 - State Library › Section 29-1-10. - Legislative reference bureau — Functions.

§ 29-1-10. Legislative reference bureau — Functions.
There shall be in the state library, under the direction of the state librarian, a legislative reference bureau that shall collect, arrange, and place on file books, pamphlets, and other material relating to legislation; that shall prepare abstracts of laws in other states; and that shall present such other information as may be useful and necessary to the general assembly in the performance of its legislative duties.
History of Section.
P.L. 1907, ch. 1471, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 38, § 17; G.L. 1923, ch. 36, § 20; G.L. 1938, ch. 22, § 18; G.L. 1956, § 29-1-10; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 2, § 22.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-1 - State Library › Section 29-1-11. - Expense of legislative reference bureau.

§ 29-1-11. Expense of legislative reference bureau.
(a)
The state librarian shall, with the approval of the secretary of state, employ such assistance and incur such expenses as may be necessary in the proper administration of the legislative reference bureau, and the general assembly shall annually appropriate such sum as it may deem necessary for this purpose.
(b)
The state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of the amount appropriated, or so much thereof as may be from time to time required, upon his or her receipt of proper vouchers approved by the state librarian and the secretary of state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1907, ch. 1471, § 2; P.L. 1908, ch. 1554, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 38, § 18; P.L. 1911, ch. 729, § 1; P.L. 1913, ch. 935, § 1; P.L. 1917, ch. 1499, § 2; P.L. 1919, ch. 1747, § 2; P.L. 1920, ch. 1915, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 36, § 21; P.L. 1925, ch. 622, § 3; P.L. 1930, ch. 1600, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 22, § 19; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 65; G.L. 1956, § 29-1-11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-1 - State Library › Section 29-1-12. - Appropriations for labor.

§ 29-1-12. Appropriations for labor.
There shall be annually appropriated for labor in the state library, including cleaning, shifting, and sorting books, such sums of money as the general assembly shall deem necessary; and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of all sums appropriated under authority of this section, or so much thereof as may from time to time be required, upon his or her receipt of proper vouchers approved by the state librarian and the secretary of state.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 36, § 23; P.L. 1931, ch. 1792, § 1; P.L. 1935, ch. 2250, § 149; G.L. 1938, ch. 22, § 22; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 65; G.L. 1956, § 29-1-12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-1 - State Library › Section 29-1-13. - Repealed.

§ 29-1-13. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1935, ch. 2250, § 21; G.L. 1938, ch. 22, § 21; G.L. 1938, ch. 23, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 29-1-13; Repealed by P.L. 1964, ch. 233, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-1 - State Library › Section 29-1-14. - Repealed.

§ 29-1-14. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1944, ch. 1404, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 29-1-14; Repealed by P.L. 1978, ch. 404, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-1 - State Library › Section 29-1-15. - Cooperation with federal officials.

§ 29-1-15. Cooperation with federal officials.
The secretary of state is hereby empowered to cooperate with the Secretary of Education of the United States of America or any United States officer in carrying out the purposes of any and all acts of Congress for the benefit of those library services, including archives and records that are under his or her jurisdiction.
History of Section.
P.L. 1972, ch. 144, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 2, § 22.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-2 - Historical Society Libraries › Section 29-2-1. - Appropriations for Rhode Island Historical Society.

§ 29-2-1. Appropriations for Rhode Island Historical Society.
The general assembly shall annually appropriate such a sum as it may deem necessary out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated, to be expended by the state librarian for the purpose of caring for, preserving, and cataloguing the property of the state in the keeping of the Rhode Island Historical Society, including such historical materials as may from time to time be transferred to the society from the state library collections by the state librarian, and for the purchase and binding of books relating to the history of the state, and for copying and preserving the records of the several towns of the state, and the state librarian, with the approval of the secretary of state, may pay this sum to the Rhode Island Historical Society for this purpose.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 28, § 8; G.L. 1909, ch. 38, § 14; P.L. 1915, ch. 1207, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 36, § 17; P.L. 1929, ch. 1374, § 1; P.L. 1929, ch. 1398, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 22, § 15; G.L. 1956, § 29-2-1; P.L. 1978, ch. 404, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-2 - Historical Society Libraries › Section 29-2-2. - Appropriations for Newport Historical Society.

§ 29-2-2. Appropriations for Newport Historical Society.
The general assembly shall annually appropriate such a sum as it may deem necessary, out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated, to be expended by the state librarian for the purpose of caring for, preserving, and cataloguing the property of the state in the keeping of the Newport Historical Society, and for the purchase and binding of books relating to the history of the state, and for copying and preserving the records of the several towns of the state, and the state librarian, with the approval of the secretary of state, may pay this sum to the Newport Historical Society for this purpose.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 28, § 8; G.L. 1909, ch. 38, § 14; P.L. 1915, ch. 1207, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 36, § 17; P.L. 1929, ch. 1374, § 1; P.L. 1929, ch. 1398, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 22, § 15; G.L. 1956, § 29-2-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-2 - Historical Society Libraries › Section 29-2-2.1. - Appropriations for the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society.

§ 29-2-2.1. Appropriations for the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society.
The general assembly shall annually appropriate such a sum as it may deem necessary, out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated, to be expended by the state librarian for the purpose of caring for, preserving, and cataloguing the property of the state in the keeping of the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society, and for the purchase and binding of books relating to the history of the state, and for copying and preserving the records of the several towns of the state, and the state librarian, with the approval of the secretary of state, may pay this sum to the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society for this purpose.
History of Section.
P.L. 2023, ch. 144, § 2, effective June 20, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 145, § 2, effective June 20, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-2 - Historical Society Libraries › Section 29-2-3. - Disbursement of appropriated funds.

§ 29-2-3. Disbursement of appropriated funds.
The state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of these sums, or so much thereof as may be required, upon his or her receipt of proper vouchers approved by the state librarian and the secretary of state.
History of Section.
G.L., ch. 36, § 17, as enacted by P.L. 1929, ch. 1374, § 1; P.L. 1929, ch. 1398, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 22, § 15; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 65; G.L. 1956, § 29-2-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-2 - Historical Society Libraries › Section 29-2-4. - Use of historical society libraries.

§ 29-2-4. Use of historical society libraries.
All books, periodicals, and papers in the keeping of the Rhode Island Historical Society, the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society, and the Newport Historical Society, shall at all reasonable times be open to the use of all the citizens of the state, under the same conditions pertaining to the members of the society as long as funds are provided under §§ 29-2-1, 29-2-2, 29-2-2.1, and 29-2-3.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 28, § 10; G.L. 1909, ch. 38, § 16; G.L. 1923, ch. 36, § 19; G.L. 1938, ch. 22, § 17; G.L. 1956, § 29-2-4; P.L. 1978, ch. 404, § 2; P.L. 2023, ch. 144, § 1, effective June 20, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 145, § 1, effective June 20, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-2 - Historical Society Libraries › Section 29-2-5. - Reports on expenditures.

§ 29-2-5. Reports on expenditures.
(a)
The Rhode Island Historical Society, the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society, and the Newport Historical Society, respectively, shall place on file with the state librarian annual reports as to the manner in which the funds are expended, as long as funds are appropriated in accordance with §§ 29-2-1, 29-2-2, and 29-2-3.
(b)
The Rhode Island Historical Society, the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society, and the Newport Historical Society, respectively, shall submit to the general assembly and the state librarian annually a plan for the preservation initiatives for the collections in its care. The report shall be submitted as part of the annual report of each agency.
(c)
The Rhode Island Historical Society, the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society, and the Newport Historical Society, respectively, shall submit to the state librarian a disaster preparedness plan for the collection in its care on or before January 1, 1993. The plan will be maintained on file at the state library and will be updated annually.
History of Section.
P.L. 1901, ch. 862, § 5; G.L. 1909, ch. 38, § 15; G.L. 1929, ch. 36, § 18; G.L. 1938, ch. 22, § 16; G.L. 1956, § 29-2-5; P.L. 1978, ch. 404, § 2; P.L. 1992, ch. 237, § 1; P.L. 2023, ch. 144, § 1, effective June 20, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 145, § 1, effective June 20, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-2 - Historical Society Libraries › Section 29-2-6. - Appropriations for purchase, microfilming, and binding of newspapers.

§ 29-2-6. Appropriations for purchase, microfilming, and binding of newspapers.
The general assembly shall annually appropriate such a sum as it may deem necessary, to be expended by the state librarian for the purchase, microfilming, and binding of newspapers published in this state, the copies to be received by the state librarian and to be deposited in the Rhode Island Historical Society in accordance with § 29-2-4, and the state controller is hereby authorized to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for this sum or sums, upon his or her receipt of vouchers approved by the state librarian and the secretary of state.
History of Section.
G.L. 1909, ch. 38, § 19; P.L. 1910, ch. 579, § 1; P.L. 1921, ch. 2034, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 36, § 22; P.L. 1935, ch. 2250, § 149; G.L. 1938, ch. 22, § 20; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 65; G.L. 1956, § 29-2-6; P.L. 1978, ch. 404, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-3 - State Law Library › Section 29-3-1. - Custody — Use of library materials.

§ 29-3-1. Custody — Use of library materials.
The supreme court shall have the custody of the state law library, and shall be responsible for the care and keeping of it. The state law library shall be open to the public; provided, however, no library materials shall be taken from it, except for the use of the Rhode Island judiciary, the general assembly, officers and employees of the executive branch, and attorneys at law admitted to practice in the courts of this or any other state, but any person may use the books within the library rooms.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 28, § 6; C.P.A. 1905, § 1088; G.L. 1909, ch. 38, § 12; G.L. 1923, ch. 36, § 15; G.L. 1938, ch. 22, § 13; G.L. 1956, § 29-3-1; P.L. 2002, ch. 222, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 377, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-3 - State Law Library › Section 29-3-2. - Law librarian — Hours library open.

§ 29-3-2. Law librarian — Hours library open.
The supreme court shall appoint a librarian, who shall cause the library to be kept open daily, Sundays and holidays excepted, from nine o’clock in the morning (9:00 a.m.) until five o’clock in the afternoon (5:00 p.m.), except during summer hours of the courts, when it may be closed at four-thirty o’clock in the afternoon (4:30 p.m.), and on Saturdays, when it may be closed at three o’clock in the afternoon (3:00 p.m.). The state court administrator, in consultation with the chief justice, shall have the authority to change the state law library hours for operational purposes and in the interest of public safety.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 28, § 6; C.P.A. 1905, § 1088; G.L. 1909, ch. 38, § 12; G.L. 1923, ch. 36, § 15; G.L. 1938, ch. 22, § 13; G.L. 1956, § 29-3-2; P.L. 2002, ch. 222, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 377, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-3 - State Law Library › Section 29-3-3. - Repealed.

§ 29-3-3. Repealed.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 28, § 5; G.L. 1909, ch. 38, § 11; G.L. 1923, ch. 36, § 14; G.L. 1938, ch. 22, § 12; G.L. 1956, § 29-3-3; Repealed by P.L. 2002, ch. 222, § 2, effective June 28, 2002; P.L. 2002, ch. 377, § 2, effective June 28, 2002.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-3 - State Law Library › Section 29-3-4. - Appropriations.

§ 29-3-4. Appropriations.
The general assembly shall annually appropriate such a sum as it may deem necessary, to be expended under the direction of the justices of the supreme court, for the purchase of legal information, both print and electronic, for the state law library, the law library in the J. Joseph Garrahy judicial complex in Providence, the law libraries in Kent, Newport, and Washington Counties, and the judges and staff of the judiciary.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 28, § 7; P.L. 1899, ch. 619, § 1; C. P. A. 1905, § 1089; G.L. 1909, ch. 38, § 13; P.L. 1909, ch. 408, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 36, § 16; P.L. 1929, ch. 1313, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 22, § 14; G.L. 1956, § 29-3-4; P.L. 2002, ch. 222, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 377, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-3.1 - Office of Library and Information Services › Section 29-3.1-1. - Office of library and information services.

§ 29-3.1-1. Office of library and information services.
Within the department of administration, division of enterprise technology strategy and services, there shall be an office of library and information services under the direction of a chief of library services who shall be appointed by the director of administration and supervised by the chief digital information officer. The office is hereby empowered to cooperate with the Institute of Museum and Library Services of the United States of America in the carrying out of the purposes of any and all acts of Congress for the benefit of library and information services within this state. The office is hereby designated as the agency for the administration of any plan, or plans, heretofore or hereafter formulated, in conformity with any act, or acts, of Congress and is authorized to administer any such plan, or plans, and to enter into such agreements with the Institute of Museum and Library Services of the United States of America as may be, from time to time, required under this chapter or any acts, or act, of Congress, and, from time to time, amend any plan or plans, except any plan, or plans, or agreements, formulated or entered into or to be administered by the board of regents, board of governors, or the secretary of state.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 29-3.1-1; P.L. 1964, ch. 233, § 1; P.L. 1967, ch. 227, § 1; P.L. 1972, ch. 144, § 2; P.L. 1990, ch. 342, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 100, art. 29, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 191, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 211, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 142, art. 4, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-3.1 - Office of Library and Information Services › Section 29-3.1-1.1. - Definitions.

§ 29-3.1-1.1. Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter, unless otherwise indicated by the context, the following words and terms shall have the following meanings:
(1)
“Interlibrary cooperation” means two (2) or more independent libraries working together to achieve a common purpose;
(2)
“Public library” means a library in a city or town that has been designated by the city or town council or town financial meeting as a library to provide library services to all individuals residing in the city or town;
(3)
“Public library development” means the activities undertaken to strengthen, improve, or initiate library services that are provided by a public library; and
(4)
“Resource sharing” means the sharing of library materials, the creation and maintenance of a statewide library catalog, providing statewide access to databases and/or staff expertise between two (2) or more libraries.
History of Section.
P.L. 1990, ch. 342, § 2; P.L. 2007, ch. 264, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 290, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-3.1 - Office of Library and Information Services › Section 29-3.1-2. - Repealed.

§ 29-3.1-2. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1964, ch. 233, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 1996, ch. 100, art. 29, § 2, effective July 1, 1996.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-3.1 - Office of Library and Information Services › Section 29-3.1-2.2. - Library board of Rhode Island established.

§ 29-3.1-2.2. Library board of Rhode Island established.
(a)
There is hereby created the library board of Rhode Island, sometimes hereinafter referred to as the “library board”. The library board shall be protected from sudden changes in membership and reversal of policy by having staggered terms for its public members, and is hereby made successor to all powers, rights, duties, and privileges pertaining to public library services and interlibrary cooperation and resource sharing.
(b)
The library board shall consist of fifteen (15) members appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the senate, five (5) of whom shall be representative of general library users. The remainder of the governor’s appointments shall be representative of the following:
(1)
Users of the Talking Books Library, the economically disadvantaged, and corporate or special librarians; school library media specialists;
(2)
Librarians serving people who are institutionalized;
(3)
Public library trustees and statewide library advocacy group; and
(4)
Librarians from small public libraries, librarians from large or medium public libraries, and academic librarians.
(c)
The commissioner for elementary and secondary education, or a designee, and the commissioner for higher education, or a designee, shall serve as nonvoting ex officio members.
(d)
The governor shall appoint from the library board’s public members a chairperson. The board may elect from among its members such other officers as it deems necessary.
(e)
Board members shall receive no compensation for their services but shall be allowed travel expenses related to attendance at board meetings.
(f)
No person shall be eligible for appointment to the board unless he or she is a resident of this state.
(g)
Members of the board shall be removable by the governor pursuant to the provisions of § 36-1-7 and for cause only, and removal solely for partisan or personal reasons unrelated to capacity or fitness for the office shall be unlawful.
History of Section.
P.L. 1990, ch. 342, § 2; P.L. 1994, ch. 305, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 375, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 83, § 66; P.L. 1999, ch. 130, § 66; P.L. 2000, ch. 271, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 14, § 2; P.L. 2006, ch. 16, § 2; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 2, § 23; P.L. 2021, ch. 282, § 1, effective July 9, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 283, § 1, effective July 9, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-3.1 - Office of Library and Information Services › Section 29-3.1-3. - Repealed.

§ 29-3.1-3. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1964, ch. 233, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 1996, ch. 100, art. 29, § 2, effective July 1, 1996.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-3.1 - Office of Library and Information Services › Section 29-3.1-3.1. - Appointment of members of the library board.

§ 29-3.1-3.1. Appointment of members of the library board.
(a)
The governor shall, with the advice and consent of the senate, appoint the members of the library board. Appointments shall be made for terms of three (3) years commencing on January 1st in the year of appointment and ending on December 31st in the third year thereafter.
(b)
A member shall serve until a successor is appointed and qualified. Any vacancy among the public members of the board shall be filled by appointment of the governor for the remainder of the unexpired term. Public members shall not be appointed for more than two (2) successive three-year terms.
History of Section.
P.L. 1990, ch. 342, § 2; P.L. 1994, ch. 305, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 375, § 2; P.L. 2006, ch. 14, § 2; P.L. 2006, ch. 16, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-3.1 - Office of Library and Information Services › Section 29-3.1-3.2. - Removal of public members of library board.

§ 29-3.1-3.2. Removal of public members of library board.
Public members of the library board shall be removable by the governor only for cause.
History of Section.
P.L. 1990, ch. 342, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-3.1 - Office of Library and Information Services › Section 29-3.1-4. - Repealed.

§ 29-3.1-4. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1964, ch. 233, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 1996, ch. 100, art. 29, § 2, effective July 1, 1996.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-3.1 - Office of Library and Information Services › Section 29-3.1-4.2. - Meetings of library board.

§ 29-3.1-4.2. Meetings of library board.
The library board shall hold regular meetings at least six (6) times each calendar year. All meetings of the library board of Rhode Island shall be open to the public, provided that executive sessions may be held as subordinate parts of public meetings.
History of Section.
P.L. 1990, ch. 342, § 2; P.L. 1994, ch. 305, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 375, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-3.1 - Office of Library and Information Services › Section 29-3.1-5. - Chief of library services — Appointment and qualifications.

§ 29-3.1-5. Chief of library services — Appointment and qualifications.
The director of administration shall appoint a chief of library services.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 29-3.1-5; P.L. 1964, ch. 233, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 342, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 100, art. 29, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 55, art. 26, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 191, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 211, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-3.1 - Office of Library and Information Services › Section 29-3.1-6. - Compensation of chief of library services.

§ 29-3.1-6. Compensation of chief of library services.
The chief of library services shall be in the classified service and his or her salary shall be established in accordance with the terms of the pay plan for classified employees.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 29-3.1-6; P.L. 1964, ch. 233, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 100, art. 29, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 191, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 211, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-3.1 - Office of Library and Information Services › Section 29-3.1-8. - Gifts, donations, and funds.

§ 29-3.1-8. Gifts, donations, and funds.
The chief of library services may accept donations of funds or property, real or personal, for the office of library and information services and, in his or her discretion, with the approval of the library board, shall hold the donations in the form in which they were given for the purposes of the office of library and information services, or dispose of them, with any financial benefits accruing to the office of library and information services. The chief of library services shall be the authorized agent to accept, receive, and administer, with the approval of the library board, any and all funds, moneys, or library materials granted, furnished, provided, appropriated, and/or dedicated or made available by the United States of America or any of its departments, commissions, boards, bureaus, or agencies for library services in the state of Rhode Island other than funds, moneys, or library materials granted, furnished, provided, appropriated, and/or dedicated or made available directly to any agency or institution. The chief of library services shall turn over to the general treasurer, for proper custody and safekeeping, all the funds paid to the state from the federal treasury or other donating agency, and the general treasurer shall disburse these funds solely for the purpose provided by the original grantor upon orders drawn by the state controller upon his or her receipt of duly authenticated vouchers. Any funds lost or diverted from the purposes for which paid by the United States of America shall be repaid by the state to the United States of America.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 29-3.1-8; P.L. 1964, ch. 233, § 1; P.L. 1967, ch. 227, § 3; P.L. 1990, ch. 342, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 40, § 99; P.L. 1996, ch. 100, art. 29, § 8; P.L. 1996, ch. 249, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 191, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 211, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-3.1 - Office of Library and Information Services › Section 29-3.1-13. - Transfer of responsibilities.

§ 29-3.1-13. Transfer of responsibilities.
Whenever, in any general or public law, there shall appear the words “department of state library services” or “state library services,” such words shall be deemed to refer to and to mean the “office of library and information services.” Whenever, in any general or public law, there shall appear the words “director of library services,” such words shall be deemed to refer to and to mean the “chief of library services.”
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 100, art. 29, § 3; P.L. 2010, ch. 191, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 211, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-4 - Free Public Libraries › Section 29-4-1. - Founding by town or city.

§ 29-4-1. Founding by town or city.
The electors in any town, qualified to vote upon any proposition to impose a tax or for the expenditure of money in the town, voting at any financial town meeting, or in the case of any city, the city council, may appropriate such sum or sums as they shall deem proper for the foundation therein of a free public library, with or without branches, for all the inhabitants thereof, and to provide suitable rooms, land, buildings, and capital improvements for the library.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 36, § 5; G.L. 1909, ch. 46, § 5; P.L. 1914, ch. 1036, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 47, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 329, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 29-4-1; P.L. 1964, ch. 233, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-4 - Free Public Libraries › Section 29-4-2. - Annual appropriations — Acceptance and management of donations.

§ 29-4-2. Annual appropriations — Acceptance and management of donations.
Any town or city having established a free public library therein, in the manner described in § 29-4-1, may annually, by the majority vote of the electors of the town qualified to vote and voting on the proposition, or by vote of the city council of the city, appropriate such sum or sums as it shall deem proper for the maintenance and increase of the library, and may take, receive, hold, and manage any devise, bequest, or donation for the establishment, maintenance, or increase of a public library therein. Any town or city may annually, in like manner, appropriate for the maintenance and increase of any free public library therein such sum or sums as may be deemed proper for the maintenance and increase of the free public library and for land, buildings, and capital improvements for such free public library.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 36, § 6; G.L. 1909, ch. 46, § 6; P.L. 1920, ch. 1838, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 47, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 329, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 29-4-2; P.L. 1958, ch. 105, § 1; P.L. 1963, ch. 116, § 1; P.L. 1964, ch. 233, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-4 - Free Public Libraries › Section 29-4-3. - City or town appropriations.

§ 29-4-3. City or town appropriations.
Any town or city not owning a free public library may annually, by the majority vote of the electors of the town qualified to vote and voting on the proposition, or by vote of the city council of the city, appropriate such sum or sums as it shall deem proper for the maintenance and increase of any free public library therein and for land, buildings, and capital improvements for any free public library.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 36, § 7; G.L. 1909, ch. 46, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 47, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 329, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 29-4-3; P.L. 1958, ch. 105, § 1; P.L. 1963, ch. 116, § 1; P.L. 1964; ch. 233, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-4 - Free Public Libraries › Section 29-4-4. - Gifts.

§ 29-4-4. Gifts.
In case any library, or funds for the establishment thereof, may be offered to any city or town on the condition that the library shall be maintained as a free public library, the city council of any city, or town council of any town, is hereby authorized to accept this gift in behalf of the city or town.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 43, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 53, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 54, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 339, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 29-4-4; P.L. 1964, ch. 233, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-4 - Free Public Libraries › Section 29-4-5. - Appointment of board of trustees.

§ 29-4-5. Appointment of board of trustees.
Whenever any city or town shall establish a free public library, or shall become possessed, as provided in this chapter, of any free public library, the city council or town council, as the case may be, shall proceed to elect a board of trustees, to consist of not less than three (3) members nor more than seven (7). As soon as possible after the election of the first board, the members thereof shall meet and be divided by lot into three (3) groups or classes, the terms of office of one group expiring in one year from the date of their election, those of another group in two (2) years, and those of the remaining group in three (3) years. With the expiration of the term of office of any member, the vacancy shall be filled by the city council or town council, as the case may be, for the term of three (3) years. Vacancies occurring by resignation, removal, death, or otherwise, shall be filled as above for the unexpired term thereof.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 43, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 53, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 54, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 339, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 29-4-5; P.L. 1964, ch. 233, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-4 - Free Public Libraries › Section 29-4-6. - Powers and duties of trustees.

§ 29-4-6. Powers and duties of trustees.
The trustees shall take possession of the library, and shall, thereafter, be the legal guardians and custodians of the library. They shall provide suitable rooms for the library, arrange for the proper care of the library, choose one or more competent persons as librarians and fix their compensation, and make all needful rules and regulations for the government of the library and the use of the books; provided, that no fee for the use of the books shall ever be exacted.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 43, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 53, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 54, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 339, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 29-4-6; P.L. 1964, ch. 233, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-4 - Free Public Libraries › Section 29-4-7. - Library funds.

§ 29-4-7. Library funds.
All appropriations from the city or town and state, and the income of all funds belonging to the library, shall be subject to the exclusive control of the trustees, and the several city and town treasurers shall pay, within the limits of the appropriations and other library funds in their hands, all bills properly certified by the trustees.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 43, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 53, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 54, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 339, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 29-4-7; P.L. 1964, ch. 233, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-4 - Free Public Libraries › Section 29-4-8. - Acceptance of gifts by trustees.

§ 29-4-8. Acceptance of gifts by trustees.
In case of any bequest, legacy, or gift to, or in favor of, a public library, the trustees thereof are hereby authorized and empowered to accept the bequest, legacy, or gift on behalf of, and for the use of, the library, and their receipt shall be a full and sufficient discharge and release to any executor, administrator, or other person authorized to make the payment thereof.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 43, § 5; G.L. 1909, ch. 53, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 54, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 339, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 29-4-8; P.L. 1964, ch. 233, § 2; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 2, § 24.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-4 - Free Public Libraries › Section 29-4-9. - Naming of libraries in East Providence.

§ 29-4-9. Naming of libraries in East Providence.
Notwithstanding the provisions of chapter 7.4 of title 22, the city council of the city of East Providence shall be authorized to name all libraries within the city.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 490, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-5 - Interstate Library Compact › Section 29-5-2. - Compliance with local laws.

§ 29-5-2. Compliance with local laws.
No city, town, or library district of this state, hereinafter to be created, shall be party to a library agreement that provides for the construction or maintenance of a library pursuant to article III(c)7 of § 29-5-1, nor pledge its credit in support of that library, or contribute to the capital financing thereof, except after compliance with any laws applicable to the cities, towns, or library districts hereinafter to be created relating to or governing capital outlays and the pledging of credit.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 29-5-2; P.L. 1963, ch. 22, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 2, § 25.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-5 - Interstate Library Compact › Section 29-5-3. - “State library agency” defined.

§ 29-5-3. “State library agency” defined.
As used in § 29-5-1, “state library agency”, with reference to this state, means the chief of library services or his or her designated agent.
History of Section.
P.L. 1963, ch. 22, § 1; P.L. 1972, ch. 144, § 4; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 2, § 25.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-5 - Interstate Library Compact › Section 29-5-4. - Appropriations.

§ 29-5-4. Appropriations.
An interstate library district lying partly within this state may claim and be entitled to receive state aid in support of any of its functions to the same extent and in the same manner as these functions are eligible for support when carried on by entities wholly within this state. For the purposes of computing and apportioning state aid to interstate library districts hereinafter to be created, this state will consider that portion of the area that lies within this state as an independent entity for the performance of the aided function or functions and compute and apportion the aid accordingly. Subject to any applicable laws of this state, the district also may apply for and be entitled to receive any federal aid for which it may be eligible.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 29-5-4; P.L. 1963, ch. 22, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 2, § 25.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-5 - Interstate Library Compact › Section 29-5-5. - Compact administrator.

§ 29-5-5. Compact administrator.
The chief of library services shall be the compact administrator pursuant to article X of § 29-5-1.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 29-5-5; P.L. 1963, ch. 22, § 1; P.L. 1965, ch. 51, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 2, § 25.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 29 - Libraries › Chapter 29-5 - Interstate Library Compact › Section 29-5-6. - Notices of withdrawal.

§ 29-5-6. Notices of withdrawal.
In the event of withdrawal from the compact, the chief of library services shall send and receive any notices required by article XI(b) of § 29-5-1.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 29-5-6; P.L. 1963, ch. 22, § 1; P.L. 1972, ch. 144, § 4; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 2, § 25.