reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-26 - State Disbursement Unit for the Collection and Distribution of Child Support › Section 15-26-3. - Timing of disbursement.

§ 15-26-3. Timing of disbursement.
(a)
The department of administration, division of taxation, child support enforcement or its designee shall distribute all amounts payable within two (2) business days after receipt from the employer or other source of periodic income if sufficient information identifying the payee is provided. “Business day” is defined as a day on which state offices are open for regular business.
(b)
The department of administration, division of taxation, child support enforcement or its designee may delay the distribution of collections toward disputed arrearages until the resolution of those disputed arrearages in a timely hearing before the Rhode Island family court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1997, ch. 170, § 18.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-26 - State Disbursement Unit for the Collection and Distribution of Child Support › Section 15-26-4. - Change in payee.

§ 15-26-4. Change in payee.
In cases in which support is assigned to the state pursuant to § 40-6-9 and where there is an existing child support order made payable to the obligee, after notice to the obligor and obligee, the state collection and disbursement unit and/or any other state or federal agency taking action to establish or enforce a child support or medical order shall direct the obligor or other payer through a wage withholding order to change the payee to the appropriate instate or interstate government entity without the necessity of a court order or a hearing relative to the child support order.
History of Section.
P.L. 1997, ch. 170, § 18; P.L. 2001, ch. 155, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-28 - Recognition and Enforcement of Interstate Authority › Section 15-28-1. - Purpose.

§ 15-28-1. Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to ensure that any and all administrative procedures available to the department of administration, division of taxation, child support enforcement under title 15, including, but not limited to, the ability to order genetic testing as provided in chapter 8, the ability to administratively subpoena records and to have access to information as provided in chapter 22, the ability to change the payee to the appropriate government entity as provided in § 15-26-4, to order income withholding under title 15, to obtain administrative liens as provided in chapter 21, and to intercept insurance payment pursuant to chapter 57, shall be available to any and all state or federal agencies conducting activities to establish paternity, establish or modify child support and/or medical orders, enforce child support and/or medical orders or to locate individuals for the above purposes.
History of Section.
P.L. 1997, ch. 170, § 21.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-28 - Recognition and Enforcement of Interstate Authority › Section 15-28-2. - Penalty.

§ 15-28-2. Penalty.
Any entity or individual who, without reasonable cause, fails to reply to a request pursuant to this chapter or who, without reasonable cause, fails to comply with a request within twenty (20) days of receipt shall be liable for a civil penalty of one hundred dollars ($100) for each violation, to be assessed by the department or by the family court and the individual or entity shall be required to provide this information and/or comply with this request.
History of Section.
P.L. 1997, ch. 170, § 21.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-29 - Medical Support › Section 15-29-1. - Purpose.

§ 15-29-1. Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to set forth procedures to enforce health care coverage provisions obtained pursuant to § 15-5-16.2(d)(2) through the use of the National Medical Support Notice, subsequently referred to as the “medical notice.” However, the medical notice is not to be issued when the court orders an individual to contribute a weekly cash amount towards the health care coverage provided by the custodial parent or the state of Rhode Island.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 314, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-29 - Medical Support › Section 15-29-2. - Effective date.

§ 15-29-2. Effective date.
For purposes of this chapter, with respect to all medical orders issued, enforced or modified in title IV-D of the Social Security Act, cases on or after October 1, 2002, in accordance with § 15-5-16.2.5 (repealed effective October 1, 2002), the medical notice, which is a qualified medical support order, shall be issued to the employer in every case by regular mail or electronic notice.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 314, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-29 - Medical Support › Section 15-29-3. - Duty of employer to respond to medical notices.

§ 15-29-3. Duty of employer to respond to medical notices.
(a)
The medical notice shall instruct the employer into which health care plans the children shall be enrolled and include all identifying information of the child support case. The medical notice shall comply in all respects with federal requirements.
(b)
The employer must respond, within twenty (20) business days after the date of the medical notice, or sooner, if reasonable, indicating:
(1)
That the employer does not maintain or contribute to plans providing dependant or family care coverage;
(2)
That the employee is among a class of employees that are not eligible for family health care coverage under any group health plan maintained by the employee;
(3)
That health care is not available because the employee is no longer employed; or
(4)
That state or federal withholding limitations and/or prioritization prevent the withholding from the employee’s income of the amount required to obtain coverage.
(c)
If family health care coverage is available, the employer is required to transfer the appropriate part of the medical notice to the plan administrator of each appropriate group health plan for which the children may be eligible.
(d)
Upon notification from the plan administrator that the children are enrolled, the employer must either:
(1)
Withhold from the employees income any contributions required within the limitations outlined in § 15-29-4 and transfer the contribution to the plan administrator; or
(2)
Complete the appropriate employee response portion of the notice and advise the child support agency that enrollment cannot be completed because of prioritization or limitations on additional withholding of income.
(e)
If there is a waiting period for enrollment based upon number of hours worked or passage of time, the employer must notify the plan administrator when the condition is met.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 314, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-29 - Medical Support › Section 15-29-4. - Limitations on withholding.

§ 15-29-4. Limitations on withholding.
(a)
The employer may not withhold more under the medical notice than the lesser of:
(1)
The amounts allowed by the Federal Consumer Credit Protection Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1673(b);
(2)
The amounts allowed by the state of the employee’s principal place of employment; or
(3)
The amount allowed for health care coverage premiums by the child support order. The federal limit applies to the aggregate disposal weekly earnings (ADWE). ADWE is the net income left after making mandatory deductions such as state, federal and local taxes, social security taxes, and Medicare taxes.
(b) Priority of Withholding.
If withholding is required for employee contributions to one or more health care coverage plans under the medical notice and for a support obligation under a separate notice, and available funds are insufficient for withholding for both cash and medical support contributions, the employer must withhold amounts for purposes of cash support and medical support contributions in accordance with the law, if any, of the state of the employee’s principal place of employment requiring prioritization between cash and medical support. If the principal place of employment is Rhode Island, cash support shall be a priority followed by medical support contributions.
(c) Duration of withholding.
Coverage of a dependent child shall continue until the child is no longer a dependent. The continuation coverage provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, of 1974, 29 U.S.C. § 1001 et seq., may entitle the child to continuation coverage under the plan. The employer must continue to withhold employee contributions and may not discontinue or eliminate health care coverage for the children unless the employer is provided satisfactory evidence that:
(1)
The court or administrative child support order referred to above is no longer in effect; or
(2)
The children are or will be enrolled in comparable health care coverage which will take effect no longer than the effective date of dis-enrollment from the plan; or
(3)
The employer eliminates family health care coverage for all of its employees.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 314, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-29 - Medical Support › Section 15-29-5. - Employer sanctions.

§ 15-29-5. Employer sanctions.
An employer may be subject to a one hundred dollar ($100) fine or other penalties under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, of 1974, 29 U.S.C. § 1001 et seq., for discharging an employee from employment, refusing to employ, or taking disciplinary action against any employee because of medical child support withholding or for failing to withhold income or transmit the withheld amounts to the applicable plan(s) as the medical notice directs.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 314, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-29 - Medical Support › Section 15-29-6. - Notice of termination of employment.

§ 15-29-6. Notice of termination of employment.
In any case in which the above employment terminates, the employer must promptly notify the division of taxation, child support enforcement agency of the termination within ten (10) days.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 314, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-29 - Medical Support › Section 15-29-7. - Employee liability for contribution to the plan.

§ 15-29-7. Employee liability for contribution to the plan.
The employee is liable for any employee contributions that are required under the health care coverage plan for enrollment of the child(ren) and is subject to appropriate enforcement. The employee may contest the withholding under the medical notice based upon a mistake of fact. Should an employee contest the withholding under the medical notice, the employer must proceed to comply with the employer responsibilities in the medical notice until notified by the division of taxation, child support enforcement or other issuing agency to discontinue withholding. To contest the withholding, the employee should contact the division of taxation, child support enforcement or other issuing agency at the address and telephone number listed on the medical notice form.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 314, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-29 - Medical Support › Section 15-29-8. - Plan administrator obligations regarding enrollment.

§ 15-29-8. Plan administrator obligations regarding enrollment.
(a)(1)
The medical notice shall be forwarded by the employer to the plan administrator. The plan administrator is obligated to provide health care coverage of the child(ren) under the group health plan described in the medical notice within forty (40) business days of the date of the notice, or sooner if reasonable.
(2)
The plan administrator must complete the plan administrator response and send it to the issuing agency.
(3)
If there is health care coverage available for the child(ren), the plan administrator shall notify the non-custodial parent of the coverage available and the effective date of the coverage and complete any forms documents or information necessary to effectuate and submit claims for the coverage.
(4)
If there is more than one option available for health care coverage, the plan administrator must provide a detailed summary plan description that describes all available coverages, including a default option coverage plan. The issuing child support agency must, in conjunction with the custodial parent, select one of the available options within twenty (20) days or the child(ren) will be enrolled in a default plan.
(5)
If there has been no response from the issuing agency as to which option is selected, the plan administrator shall enroll the child(ren) in the default option coverage plan.
(b)
The plan administrator shall notify the issuing agency if there is a waiting period for the participant. Upon expiration of the required waiting period for enrollment, the plan administrator shall enroll the child(ren) in the health coverage plan.
(c)
If the plan administrator determines the medical notice does not constitute a qualified medical child support order, the reasons must be specified in the response.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 314, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-29 - Medical Support › Section 15-29-9. - Plan administrator — Unlawful refusal to enroll.

§ 15-29-9. Plan administrator — Unlawful refusal to enroll.
(a)
Enrollment of a child may not be denied for any of the following reasons:
(1)
The child(ren) was born out of wedlock;
(2)
The child is not claimed as a dependant on the participant’s federal income tax return;
(3)
The child does not reside with the participant or in the plan’s service area; or
(4)
The child is receiving benefits or is eligible to receive benefits under a state’s medical plan.
(b)
If the health care coverage plan requires that the participant must be currently enrolled, the plan administrator must enroll both the participant and the child(ren).
(c)
All enrollments are to be made without regard to open season restrictions.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 314, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-29 - Medical Support › Section 15-29-10. - Payment of claims.

§ 15-29-10. Payment of claims.
(a)
The following individuals or entities are eligible to file claims under the health care coverage plan:
(1)
A child covered by the medical order;
(2)
The child’s custodial parent or legal guardian;
(3)
The provider of services to the child(ren); or
(4)
A state agency to which the child(ren) or parents rights have been assigned.
(b)
The plan administrator shall pay for covered benefits or reimbursement directly to the party.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 314, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-30 - Legal Representation in Child Support Cases › Section 15-30-1. - Legal counsel.

§ 15-30-1. Legal counsel.
(a)
Whether acting on its own behalf or on behalf of the obligee, obligor, or child, the department of human services, office of child support services, and its attorneys serve the public interest in ensuring that children are supported by their parents. The department does not represent the interests of any individual person, and its attorneys represent only the department. An attorney-client relationship is not created between department attorneys and any person or entity other than the department of human services, office of child support services, or when acting on behalf of the department of children, youth and families pursuant to § 15-9-3 or the department of human services pursuant to § 15-13-2, or another state child support agency pursuant to § 15-23.1-1 et seq. The obligee, obligor, and child may obtain the services offered by the department but will not be legally represented by the attorneys for the department. Nothing herein shall preclude any party from retaining the services of a private attorney to legally represent their interests. The existence or appearance of a private attorney as counsel of record for the obligee, obligor, or child does not affect the department’s right to act or provide services.
The department is not required to provide a private attorney nor reimburse either the obligee, obligor, guardian or child for the services of private counsel.
(b)
The department has the power of attorney to act in the name of any obligee to endorse and cash any drafts, checks, money orders, or other negotiable instruments received by the department on behalf of a child.
(c)
If the department is providing IV-D services, the department must be afforded notice and an opportunity to participate as an independent party in any proceeding, relating to paternity, to establishment, enforcement or modification of a support or medical obligation, whether initiated by the obligee, the obligor, or the child.
(d)
The notice must reasonably inform the department of the issues to be determined in the proceeding, the names of the parties and the child, and the identity and location of the tribunal in which the issues will be determined. The notice is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for procedures necessary under the Rhode Island rules of civil procedure to establish personal jurisdiction over the parties and department. If the department is not given notice, an agreement, judgment, decree, or order is void as to any interest of the department that is or may be affected by the agreement, judgment, decree, or order.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 372, § 2; P.L. 2006, ch. 455, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-30 - Legal Representation in Child Support Cases › Section 15-30-2. - Department of Human Services — Office of child support services — Powers and duties.

§ 15-30-2. Department of Human Services — Office of child support services — Powers and duties.
The department may take action to establish paternity, establish, enforce and modify child support orders under the provisions of appropriate sections under title 15 and in accordance with title IV-D of the Social Security Act and other appropriate state and federal statutes if the department:
(1)
receives a referral on behalf of a child receiving benefits from the Family Independence Program;
(2)
receives a referral on behalf of a child in the care of the department of children, youth and families pursuant to § 15-9-1;
(3)
receives an interstate referral under the provisions of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act; and
(4)
receives an application for services from a custodial parent, noncustodial parent, guardian of a child, or from the child. Provided, however, that all applicants shall receive a rights and responsibilities statement, a disclosure of representation statement and sign an acknowledgement of nonrepresentation prior to services being rendered. The notice shall inform the individual of his or her right to retain private counsel and of any free legal services that are available.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 372, § 2; P.L. 2006, ch. 455, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-1 - State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-1-1 - — 16-1-4. Repealed.

§ 16-1-1 — 16-1-4. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1951, ch. 2752, §§ 3 — 5, 9; Repealed by P.L. 1988, ch. 84, § 43, effective May 7, 1988.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-1 - State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-1-6, 16-1-7. - Repealed.

§ 16-1-6, 16-1-7. Repealed.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 51, §§ 9, 13; P.L. 1901, ch. 809, § 10; G.L. 1909, ch. 63, §§ 10, 14; G.L. 1923, ch. 65, §§ 7, 14; G.L. 1938, ch. 176, §§ 4, 5; Repealed by P.L. 1988, ch. 84, § 43, effective May 7, 1988.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-1 - State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-1-8. - Visits of commissioner to schools.

§ 16-1-8. Visits of commissioner to schools.
The commissioner of elementary and secondary education shall visit, as often as practicable, every city and town in the state, for the purpose of inspecting the schools, and diffusing as widely as possible, by public addresses and personal communications with school officers, teachers, and parents, a knowledge of the defects, and of any desirable improvements, in the administration of the system and the government and instruction of the schools.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 52, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 64, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 66, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 177, § 4; P.L. 1951, ch. 2752, § 20; G.L. 1956, § 16-1-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-1 - State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-1-9. - Repealed.

§ 16-1-9. Repealed.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 52, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 64, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 66, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 177, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 16-1-9; P.L. 1963, ch. 12, § 3; Repealed by P.L. 1978, ch. 159, § 4. For present provisions see § 16-23-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-1 - State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-1-10. - Assumption of control of city or town schools by department — School lunch program.

§ 16-1-10. Assumption of control of city or town schools by department — School lunch program.
(a)
The school committee of any city or town in which the taxable property is not adequate, at the average rate of taxation for public school support throughout the state, to provide with the money that may be apportioned from the general treasury an amount sufficient to provide and maintain public schools of a high standard, may at a regular meeting held before the first day of July in any year request the department of elementary and secondary education to assume the supervision, control, and management of the public schools of the city or town for the ensuing year; provided that the city or town has appropriated for the support of public schools for the year a sum equivalent to thirty cents (30¢) on each one hundred dollars ($100) of the assessed valuation of the city or town. Upon receiving the request the department, if it is satisfied that the request is warranted and that the best interests of the public schools would be served, may assume supervision, control, and management.
(b)
The department shall make available in its school lunch program low fat fortified milk with a milk fat content of one percent (1%) or less.
History of Section.
P.L. 1913, ch. 947, § 1; P.L. 1922, ch. 2234, § 19; G.L. 1923, ch. 67, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 192, § 10; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2752, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 16-1-10; P.L. 1973, ch. 219, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-1 - State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-1-11. - Powers of department after taking over city or town schools.

§ 16-1-11. Powers of department after taking over city or town schools.
For the purposes of this section and §§ 16-1-10 and 16-5-22, the department of elementary and secondary education shall be subrogated to all the powers and functions of the city or town school committee, including the right to draw orders upon the city or town treasurer for the payment for the support of the public schools of the city or town of any money in the city or town treasury required by law to be accredited to the public school account. The department of elementary and secondary education may also apportion to or expend for the support of the public schools of the city or town any part of the annual appropriation for public schools provided by § 16-4-5 as shall not be apportioned for other purposes, or the whole, or any part of the annual appropriation as the general assembly shall make for the purposes of this section and §§ 16-1-10 and 16-5-22.
History of Section.
P.L. 1913, ch. 947, § 1; P.L. 1922, ch. 2234, § 19; G.L. 1923, ch. 67, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 192, § 10; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2752, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 16-1-11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-1 - State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-1-12, 16-1-13. - Repealed.

§ 16-1-12, 16-1-13. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1951, ch. 2752, §§ 21, 24; Repealed by P.L. 1988, ch. 84, § 43, effective May 7, 1988.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-1 - State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-1-14. - Repealed.

§ 16-1-14. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1993, ch. 308, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 61, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 18, § 3; P.L. 1996, ch. 100, art. 23, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2003, ch. 376, art. 9, § 14, effective July 1, 2003. For present comparable provisions, see § 16-8-10.1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-1 - State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-1-15. - Restricted receipts.

§ 16-1-15. Restricted receipts.
There is hereby created a restricted receipt account with the department of elementary and secondary education for the purpose of receiving and expending monies from any other sources, public or private, limited to gifts, grants, and donations. The department shall deposit any revenues from such sources into the restricted receipt account to be used for the same educational purposes that its state appropriation is used, unless otherwise limited by any agreement to use such funds.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 162, art. 2, § 1, effective July 6, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-1. - Cities included as towns.

§ 16-2-1. Cities included as towns.
Wherever the word “town” is used in this chapter, it shall be construed to mean “city or town.”
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 178, § 36; G.L. 1956, § 16-2-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-3. - Emergency reduction of school year.

§ 16-2-3. Emergency reduction of school year.
In the event of any emergency brought about by the incidence of any epidemic or the threat of an epidemic or any emergency which may endanger the health of children or the physical well being of the community, the school committee of any city or town with the approval of the board of regents for elementary and secondary education may reduce the number of school days to not less than one hundred seventy (170) days; provided, that the compensation of teachers, janitors, clerks, and other employees in the public schools of the city or town shall not be reduced by reason of the shortening of the school year.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 179, § 1; P.L. 1956, ch. 3642, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 16-2-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-4. - Repealed.

§ 16-2-4. Repealed.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 54, § 5; G.L. 1909, ch. 66, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 69, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 179, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 16-2-4; Repealed by P.L. 1996, ch. 404, § 12, effective August 9, 1996.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-5. - Composition of city or town school committees — Election and terms of members — Vacancies.

§ 16-2-5. Composition of city or town school committees — Election and terms of members — Vacancies.
The school committee of each city or town shall consist of three (3) residents of the city or town, or of any number as at the present time constitute the committee. In cities or towns having annual elections of city or town officers the committee shall be divided as equally as may be into three (3) classes whose several terms of office shall expire at the end of three (3) years from the dates of their respective elections. In cities or towns having biennial elections the committee shall be divided as equally as may be into two (2) classes whose several terms of office shall expire at the end of four (4) years from the dates of their respective elections. As the office of each class shall become vacant, the vacancy or vacancies shall be filled by the city or town at its regular city or town meeting for the election of state or city or town officers, or by the city or town council at its next meeting after this. In case of a vacancy by death, resignation, or otherwise than as is provided in this section, the vacancy shall be filled by the city or town council until the next regular city or town meeting for the election of state or city or town officers, when it shall be filled for the unexpired term as is provided in this section. This section shall not apply to the cities of Providence, Central Falls, Woonsocket, or the Town of North Smithfield.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 54, § 7; G.L. 1909, ch. 66, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 69, § 4; P.L. 1925, ch. 680, § 16; P.L. 1926, ch. 889, § 15; G.L. 1938, ch. 179, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 16-2-5; P.L. 1988, ch. 84, § 71; P.L. 2015, ch. 1, § 3; P.L. 2015, ch. 4, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-5.1. - Professional development.

§ 16-2-5.1. Professional development.
(a)
The Rhode Island College in cooperation with the Rhode Island association of school committees shall develop a professional development educational program for Rhode Island school committees, that will include instruction in labor and labor relations, negotiating collective bargaining agreements, employee contract analysis, school finance, school law; duties and responsibilities of the committee, duties and responsibilities of the superintendent, ethics, the requirements of the open meetings law, student achievement, strategic planning, educational standards, student assessment, school accountability, data interpretation and analysis, collaboration building, advocacy, annual performance evaluation of the school superintendent and the local school committee, and any other topics as the Rhode Island association of school committees may deem to be necessary.
(b)
In conformity with § 16-60-4(15), the board of regents for elementary and secondary education shall approve the professional development program and create a process for recognizing school committee members that successfully complete the program in part or in whole.
History of Section.
P.L. 1994, ch. 309, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 317, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 343, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 127, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 476, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 335, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-6. - Chairperson and clerk of city or town committee.

§ 16-2-6. Chairperson and clerk of city or town committee.
The school committee of each city or town shall choose a chairperson and clerk, either of whom may sign any orders or official papers, and may be removed at the pleasure of the committee. The clerk, under the direction of the committee, shall keep a journal of the proceedings of the committee.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 60, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 67, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 70, § 1; P.L. 1927, ch. 982, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 178, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 16-2-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-7. - Distribution of documents and blanks by clerk.

§ 16-2-7. Distribution of documents and blanks by clerk.
The clerk of the school committee, when required by the department of elementary and secondary education, shall distribute any school documents and blanks as shall be sent to the clerk to the persons for whom they are intended.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 54, § 12; G.L. 1909, ch. 66, § 14; P.L. 1922, ch. 2234, § 10; G.L. 1923, ch. 70, § 11; G.L. 1938, ch. 178, § 11; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2752, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 16-2-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-8. - Regular meetings of committee.

§ 16-2-8. Regular meetings of committee.
The school committee of each city or town shall hold at least four (4) regular meetings in every year, at a time and place within the city or town as the committee shall by general order fix and determine.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 60, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 67, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 70, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 178, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 16-2-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-9.1. - Code of basic management principles and ethical school standards.

§ 16-2-9.1. Code of basic management principles and ethical school standards.
(a)
School committees shall adopt the following code of basic management principles and ethical school standards:
The (District) does hereby establish a code of basic principles and ethical standards for school committee members acting individually and collectively as boards of education in the management of the public schools of (City or Town) .
The school committee in accepts the obligation to operate the public schools in accordance with the fundamental principles and standards of school management, which principles include but are not limited to the following:
(1)
Formulate written policy for the administration of schools to be reviewed regularly and revised as necessary.
(2)
Exercise legislative, policy-making, planning and appraising functions and delegate administrative functions in the operation of schools.
(3)
Recognize their critical responsibility for selecting the superintendent, defining his or her responsibilities, and evaluating his or her performance regularly without directly engaging in administrative processes.
(4)
Accept and encourage a variety of opinions from and communication with all parts of the community.
(5)
Make public relevant institutional information in order to promote communication and understanding between the school system and the community.
(6)
Act on legislative and policy-making matters only after examining pertinent facts and considering the superintendent’s recommendations.
(7)
Conduct meetings with planned and published agendas.
(8)
Encourage and promote professional growth of school staff so that quality of instruction and support services may continually be improved.
(9)
Establish and maintain procedural steps for resolving complaints and criticisms of school affairs.
(10)
Act only through public meetings since individual board members have no authority to bind the board.
(11)
Recognize that the first and greatest concern must be the educational welfare of the students attending the public schools.
(12)
Work with other committee members to establish effective board policies and to delegate authority for the administration of the schools to the superintendent.
(13)
Avoid being placed in a position of conflict of interest, and refrain from using the committee position for personal gain.
(14)
Attend all regularly scheduled committee meetings as possible, and become informed concerning the issues to be considered at those meetings.
(b)
Nothing in this section shall be deemed to limit or interfere with the rights of teachers and other school employees to collectively bargain pursuant to chapters 9.3 and 9.4 of title 28 or to allow any school committee or superintendent to abrogate any agreement reached by collective bargaining.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 642, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-9.2. - Joint purchasing agreements.

§ 16-2-9.2. Joint purchasing agreements.
Notwithstanding any other law or rule, any two (2) or more school committees may establish joint purchasing agreements between and among themselves or with the Rhode Island Association of School Committees for the purpose of purchasing goods and services. The Rhode Island Association of School Committees, acting on behalf of any school committees that are members of a joint purchasing agreement may seek the services of the Rhode Island division of purchases, department of administration, in procuring items necessary to the operation of the school district(s) and which items are common in usage to those procured by the state, and the division of purchasers shall, upon request by the Rhode Island Association of School Committees, furnish to its lists of supplies and equipment. The Rhode Island Association of School Committees and any consortia created pursuant to a joint purchase agreement under this chapter shall be entitled to all the rights and benefits set forth in § 37-2-56.
History of Section.
P.L. 2004, ch. 349, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 355, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-9.3. - The advisory council on school finances.

§ 16-2-9.3. The advisory council on school finances.
(a)
The legislature hereby finds and declares that there is a need for an advisory council on school finances to strengthen the fiscal accountability of school districts, regional school districts, state schools and charter schools in Rhode Island. The council shall be composed of five (5) members as follows:
(1)
The auditor general of the state of Rhode Island or his or her designee;
(2)
The executive director of the Rhode Island association of school committees or his or her designee;
(3)
The president of the Rhode Island association of school business officials or his or her designee;
(4)
The commissioner of elementary and secondary education or his or her designee; and
(5)
The director of the department of administration or his or her designee. The auditor general or his or her designee shall serve as chair of the council. By July 1, 2005, the council shall develop recommendations for a uniform system of accounting, including a chart of accounts for all school districts, regional school districts, state schools and charter schools. By July 1, 2009 the council shall develop recommendations for a uniform system of accounting for all educational regional collaboratives identified in chapter 16-3.1. Said recommendations shall be advisory in nature and may be adopted by the office of auditor general and the department of elementary and secondary education in part or in whole.
(b)
The council shall meet no less than annually and recommend changes in accounting procedures to be adopted by school districts, regional school districts, state schools and charter schools as well as apprise school business officials, charter school officials, school committees and school superintendents, school administrators and state school officials about professional development opportunities that promotes sound fiscal practices and a knowledge of current state and federal rules and regulations regarding school finance. The council shall also report, annually, its activities and recommendations to the house committee on education accountability, the senate committee on education and the office of the governor.
History of Section.
P.L. 2004, ch. 595, art. 23, § 8; P.L. 2008, ch. 149, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 192, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 501, § 14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-9.6. - Joint purchasing agreements for technology and IT infrastructure.

§ 16-2-9.6. Joint purchasing agreements for technology and IT infrastructure.
Notwithstanding any other law or rule, any two (2) or more school committees may establish joint purchasing agreements between and among themselves or with the Rhode Island Society of Technology Educators (“RISTE”), a domestic, nonprofit corporation, for the purposes of establishing bids pursuant to chapter 55 of title 45, and jointly purchasing technology-related goods and services. The RISTE, acting on behalf of any school committee(s) that are members of a joint purchasing agreement with RISTE, may establish specifications and bid on behalf of the member school districts. The RISTE shall comply with bidding requirements of chapter 55 of title 45. The RISTE and any consortia created pursuant to a joint purchase agreement under this chapter shall be entitled to all the rights and benefits set forth in § 37-2-56. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this section permits any non-public school or non-public school district access to the master price agreement maintained by the department of administration, division of purchases.
History of Section.
P.L. 2018, ch. 143, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 193, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-10. - Certification of superintendents.

§ 16-2-10. Certification of superintendents.
No person shall be employed as superintendent of schools in any city or town unless the person holds a certificate of qualification issued by or under the authority of the state board of regents for elementary and secondary education.
History of Section.
P.L. 1908, ch. 1560, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 66, § 10; G.L. 1923, ch. 70, § 9; P.L. 1925, ch. 598, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 178, § 9; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2752, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 16-2-10; P.L. 1988, ch. 84, § 71.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-12. - Joint superintendent employed by two or more cities or towns.

§ 16-2-12. Joint superintendent employed by two or more cities or towns.
The school committee of two (2) or more cities or towns, in which the aggregate number of schools shall not be more than sixty (60), may by vote unite for the purpose of the employment of a superintendent of the schools of the several cities or towns.
History of Section.
P.L. 1903, ch. 1101, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 66, § 6; P.L. 1912, ch. 804, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 70, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 178, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 16-2-12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-13. - Joint committee — Annual convention — Superintendent — Dissolution.

§ 16-2-13. Joint committee — Annual convention — Superintendent — Dissolution.
The school committees of the cities or towns voting to unite for the purpose of the employment of a superintendent of the schools as prescribed in § 16-2-12, shall form a joint committee, for the purpose of this chapter; the joint committee shall be the agents of each city or town comprising the union. The school committees shall meet annually in joint convention at a place and time agreed upon by the chairpersons of the several school committees, and shall organize by the choice of a chairperson and secretary. They shall choose by ballot a superintendent of schools, fix his or her salary, and apportion the amount to be paid by each of the cities or towns, approximately according to the next preceding school census in the city or town. The union shall not be dissolved because the number of schools shall have increased beyond the number of sixty (60), nor, for any reason, for the period of three (3) years from the date of the formation of the union, except by concurrent votes of the school committees of a majority of the cities or towns constituting the union.
History of Section.
P.L. 1903, ch. 1101, § 3; P.L. 1904, ch. 1147, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 66, § 7; P.L. 1912, ch. 804, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 70, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 178, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 16-2-13; P.L. 2001, ch. 86, § 26.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-14. - Repealed.

§ 16-2-14. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1903, ch. 1101, § 4; P.L. 1904, ch. 1147, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 66, § 8; P.L. 1919, ch. 1725, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 70, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 178, § 7; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2752, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 16-2-14; Repealed by P.L. 1960, ch. 27, § 12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-2 - School Committees and Superintendents [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-2-15. - Location of schools — Control of property.

§ 16-2-15. Location of schools — Control of property.
(a)
The school committee shall locate all schoolhouses, and shall not abandon, close, or change the location of any without good cause; and, unless provided by law, the school committee of each city or town shall have the care and control of all public school buildings and other public school property of the city or town, including repairs of the buildings and the purchase of furniture and other school equipment.
(b)
The school committee of any city or town may provide public school housing for the city or town by lease of buildings or portions of buildings, furniture, and other school equipment, subject to the following provisions:
(1)
During the period or periods to which the lease applies the property leased shall be public school property of the city or town in all respects to the same effect as any public school building of the city or town;
(2)
The lease shall provide for use and occupancy of periods at least the same as or equivalent to the periods during which public school buildings of the city or town are used and occupied;
(3)
As applied to rooms for instruction the lease shall provide for exclusive use and occupancy during the periods of the lease and may provide for common or concurrent use and occupancy of other areas of the property;
(4)
The use and occupancy under the lease may be for purpose of instruction at particular grade levels or in particular courses of study and may provide for consecutive use and occupancy of specified areas of the property provided that total use and occupancy under this lease complies with the provisions of subsection (b)(2).
(c)
Upon application of the school committee of any city or town, the commissioner of elementary and secondary education may prescribe by regulation standards for the leases in accordance with this chapter and in accordance with the Constitution, laws, and education policies and programs of the state. The expenses of the city or town under the lease shall constitute expenditures to support the basic program pursuant to the provisions of §§ 16-7-15 to 16-7-34.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 60, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 67, § 3; P.L. 1917, ch. 1521, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 70, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 178, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 16-2-15; P.L. 1969, ch. 245, § 1; P.L. 1975, ch. 286, § 1.