reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 44 - Taxation › Chapter 44-70 - Cannabis Tax › Section 44-70-2. - State cannabis excise tax — Rate — Payment.

§ 44-70-2. State cannabis excise tax — Rate — Payment.
(a)
Except for a sale in compliance with the provisions of chapter 28.6 of title 21, a state cannabis excise tax is hereby imposed upon the sale of cannabis or cannabis products by a cannabis retailer to anyone other than a cannabis establishment at a rate of ten percent (10%) of the total sales price received by the cannabis retailer as consideration for the sale of cannabis or cannabis products. The state cannabis excise tax shall be levied in addition to any state sales and use tax imposed upon the sale of property or services as provided in chapter 18 of title 44 and shall be paid by a cannabis retailer to the administrator at the time provided for filing the return required by chapters 18 and 19 of title 44.
(b)
The assessment, collection and enforcement of the state cannabis excise tax shall be pursuant to the provisions of chapters 18 and 19 of title 44 and paid to the administrator by the retailer at the time and in the manner prescribed for sales tax in § 44-19-10. The retailer shall add the tax imposed by this section to the sales price or charge, and when added, the tax constitutes a part of the price or charge, is a debt from the consumer or user to the state and is recoverable at law in the same manner as other debts.
(c)
Failure to pay the state cannabis excise tax to the state, or any amount of tax required to be collected and paid to the state, shall result in interest at the annual rate provided by § 44-1-7 from the date on which the tax or amount of the tax required to be collected became due and payable to the state until date of payment.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 31, § 4, effective May 25, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 32, § 4, effective May 25, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 44 - Taxation › Chapter 44-70 - Cannabis Tax › Section 44-70-3. - Local cannabis excise tax.

§ 44-70-3. Local cannabis excise tax.
(a)
Except for a sale in compliance with the provisions of chapter 28.6 of title 21, there is hereby levied and imposed a local cannabis excise tax upon the sale or transfer of cannabis or cannabis products by a cannabis retailer to anyone other than a cannabis establishment at a rate of three percent (3%) of the total sales price received by the cannabis retailer as consideration for the sale of cannabis or cannabis products.
(b)
The assessment, collection and enforcement of the local cannabis excise tax shall be pursuant to the provisions of chapters 18 and 19 of title 44 and paid to the administrator by the retailer at the time and in the manner prescribed for sales tax in § 44-19-10. The retailer shall add the tax imposed by this section to the sales price or charge, and when added, the tax constitutes a part of the price or charge, is a debt from the consumer or user to the state, and is recoverable at law in the same manner as other debts.
(c)
All sums received by the division of taxation under this section as local cannabis excise tax or associated amounts as penalties, forfeitures, interest, costs of suit, and fines for failure to properly pay taxes due pursuant to the provisions of this section, shall be distributed at least quarterly and credited and paid by the state treasurer to the city or town where the cannabis is delivered.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 31, § 4, effective May 25, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 32, § 4, effective May 25, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 44 - Taxation › Chapter 44-70 - Cannabis Tax › Section 44-70-4. - Exemptions.

§ 44-70-4. Exemptions.
The state cannabis excise tax and the local cannabis excise tax provided by this chapter shall not apply to the sale of cannabis or cannabis products by a medical marijuana treatment center as defined in § 21-28.11-3 to a primary caregiver, to a qualifying patient as defined in § 21-28.6-3, cardholder, compassion center cardholder, or authorized purchaser pursuant to chapter 28.6 of title 21.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 31, § 4, effective May 25, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 32, § 4, effective May 25, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 44 - Taxation › Chapter 44-70 - Cannabis Tax › Section 44-70-5. - Application of tax revenue.

§ 44-70-5. Application of tax revenue.
The administrator shall deposit revenue collected pursuant to this chapter from the state cannabis excise tax or associated amounts as penalties, forfeitures, interest, costs of suit, and fines for failure to timely report or pay the state cannabis excise tax into the marijuana trust fund pursuant to § 21-28.11-13(d) and revenue from the sales tax into the general fund.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 31, § 4, effective May 25, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 32, § 4, effective May 25, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 44 - Taxation › Chapter 44-70 - Cannabis Tax › Section 44-70-6. - Rates of taxation.

§ 44-70-6. Rates of taxation.
The general assembly may adjust the rates of taxation provided for in this chapter at any time. The cannabis control commission may make such recommendations to the general assembly, as the commission deems appropriate, in regard to the rate of taxation set forth in this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 31, § 4, effective May 25, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 32, § 4, effective May 25, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 44 - Taxation › Chapter 44-70 - Cannabis Tax › Section 44-70-7. - Returns.

§ 44-70-7. Returns.
(a)
Every licensed adult use cannabis retailer shall, on or before the twentieth day of the month following the sale of cannabis products, make a return to the tax administrator for taxes due under §§ 44-70-2 and 44-70-3. Adult use cannabis retailers shall file their returns on a form as prescribed by the tax administrator.
(b)
If for any reason an adult use cannabis retailer fails to collect the tax imposed by §§ 44-70-2 and 44-70-3 from the purchaser, the purchaser shall file a return and pay the tax directly to the state, on or before the date required by subsection (a) of this section.
(c)
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the cannabis control commission and tax administrator may, on a periodic basis, prepare and publish for public distribution a list of entities and their active licenses administered under this chapter. Each list may contain the license type, name of the licensee, and the amount of tax paid under this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 31, § 4, effective May 25, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 32, § 4, effective May 25, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 44 - Taxation › Chapter 44-70 - Cannabis Tax › Section 44-70-8. - Sale of contraband products prohibited.

§ 44-70-8. Sale of contraband products prohibited.
(a)
No person shall sell, offer for sale, display for sale, or possess with intent to sell any contraband cannabis, or cannabis products.
(b)
Any cannabis or cannabis products exchanged in which one of the two (2) entities does not have a license or exchanged between a non-licensed entity and a consumer shall be considered contraband.
(c)
Any cannabis or cannabis products for which applicable taxes have not been paid as specified in this title shall be considered contraband.
(d)
Failure to comply with the provisions of this chapter may result in the imposition of the applicable civil penalties in § 44-70-13; however, the possession of cannabis or cannabis products as described in this chapter do not constitute contraband for purposes of imposing a criminal penalty under chapter 28 of title 21.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 31, § 4, effective May 25, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 32, § 4, effective May 25, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 44 - Taxation › Chapter 44-70 - Cannabis Tax › Section 44-70-9. - Recordkeeping.

§ 44-70-9. Recordkeeping.
(a)
Each licensee shall maintain copies of invoices or equivalent documentation for, or itemized for, each transaction involving the sale or transfer of cannabis or cannabis products. All records and invoices required under this section must be safely preserved for three (3) years in a manner to insure permanency and accessibility for inspection by the administrator or his or her authorized agents.
(b)
Records required under this section shall be preserved on the premises described in the relevant license in such a manner as to ensure permanency and accessibility for inspection at reasonable hours by authorized personnel of the administrator.
(c)
Any person who fails to submit the reports required in this chapter or by the tax administrator under this chapter, or who makes any incomplete, false, or fraudulent report, or who refuses to permit the tax administrator or his or her authorized agent to examine any books, records, papers, or stocks of cannabis or cannabis products as provided in this chapter, or who refuses to supply the tax administrator with any other information which the tax administrator requests for the reasonable and proper enforcement of the provisions of this chapter, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment up to one (1) year, or a fine of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), or both, for the first offense, and for each subsequent offense, shall be fined not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or be imprisoned not more than five (5) years, or both.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 31, § 4, effective May 25, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 32, § 4, effective May 25, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 44 - Taxation › Chapter 44-70 - Cannabis Tax › Section 44-70-10. - Inspections and investigations.

§ 44-70-10. Inspections and investigations.
(a)
The tax administrator or his or her duly authorized agent shall have authority to enter and inspect, without a warrant during normal business hours, and with a warrant during nonbusiness hours, the facilities and records of any licensee.
(b)
In any case where the administrator or his or her duly authorized agent, or any police officer of this state, has knowledge or reasonable grounds to believe that any vehicle is transporting cannabis or cannabis products in violation of this chapter, the administrator, such agent, or such police officer, is authorized to stop such vehicle and to inspect the same for contraband cannabis or cannabis products.
(c)
For the purpose of determining the correctness of any return, determining the amount of tax that should have been paid, determining whether or not the licensee should have made a return or paid taxes, or collecting any taxes under this chapter, the tax administrator may examine, or cause to be examined, any books, papers, records, or memoranda, that may be relevant to making those determinations, whether the books, papers, records, or memoranda, are the property of or in the possession of the licensee or another person. The tax administrator may require the attendance of any person having knowledge or information that may be relevant, compel the production of books, papers, records, or memoranda by persons required to attend, take testimony on matters material to the determination, and administer oaths or affirmations. Upon demand of the tax administrator or any examiner or investigator, any court shall issue a subpoena for the attendance of a witness or the production of books, papers, records, and memoranda. Disobedience of subpoenas issued under this chapter is punishable by the superior court of the district in which the subpoena is issued.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 31, § 4, effective May 25, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 32, § 4, effective May 25, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 44 - Taxation › Chapter 44-70 - Cannabis Tax › Section 44-70-11. - Suspension or revocation of license.

§ 44-70-11. Suspension or revocation of license.
The tax administrator shall inform the commission and upon the receipt of such information the commission shall be authorized to suspend or revoke any license under this chapter for failure of the licensee to comply with any provision of this chapter or with any provision of any other law or ordinance relative to the sale or transfer of cannabis or cannabis products.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 31, § 4, effective May 25, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 32, § 4, effective May 25, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 44 - Taxation › Chapter 44-70 - Cannabis Tax › Section 44-70-12. - Seizure and destruction.

§ 44-70-12. Seizure and destruction.
Any cannabis or cannabis products found in violation of this chapter shall be declared to be contraband goods and may be seized by the tax administrator, his or her agents, or employees, or by any deputy sheriff, or police officer when directed by the tax administrator to do so, without a warrant. For the purposes of seizing and destroying contraband cannabis, employees of the commission or cannabis office may act as agents of the tax administrator. The seizure and/or destruction of any cannabis or cannabis products under the provisions of this section does not relieve any person from a fine or other penalty for violation of this chapter. The commission, in conjunction with the tax administrator and the department of public safety, may promulgate rules and regulations for the destruction of contraband goods pursuant to this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 31, § 4, effective May 25, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 32, § 4, effective May 25, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 44 - Taxation › Chapter 44-70 - Cannabis Tax › Section 44-70-14. - Claim for refund.

§ 44-70-14. Claim for refund.
Whenever the tax administrator determines that any person is entitled to a refund of any monies paid by a person under the provisions of this chapter, or whenever a court of competent jurisdiction orders a refund of any monies paid, the general treasurer shall, upon certification by the tax administrator and with the approval of the director of revenue, pay the refund from any monies in the treasury not appropriated without any further act or resolution making appropriation for the refund. No refund is allowed unless a claim is filed with the tax administrator within three (3) years from the fifteenth day after the close of the month for which the overpayment was made.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 31, § 4, effective May 25, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 32, § 4, effective May 25, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 44 - Taxation › Chapter 44-70 - Cannabis Tax › Section 44-70-15. - Hearings and appeals.

§ 44-70-15. Hearings and appeals.
(a)
Any person aggrieved by any action under this chapter of the tax administrator or his or her authorized agent for which a hearing is not elsewhere provided may apply to the tax administrator, in writing, within thirty (30) days of the action for a hearing, stating the reasons why the hearing should be granted and the manner of relief sought. The tax administrator shall notify the applicant of the time and place fixed for the hearing. After the hearing, the tax administrator may make the order in the premises as may appear to the tax administrator just and lawful and shall furnish a copy of the order to the applicant. The tax administrator may, by notice in writing, at any time, order a hearing on his or her own initiative and require the licensee or any other individual whom the tax administrator believes to be in possession of information concerning any growing, processing, distribution, sales, or transfer of cannabis products to appear before the tax administrator or his or her authorized agent with any specific books of account, papers, or other documents, for examination relative to the hearing.
(b)
Appeals from administrative orders or decisions made pursuant to any provisions of this chapter shall be to the sixth division district court pursuant to chapter 8 of title 8. The taxpayer’s right to appeal under this section shall be expressly made conditional upon prepayment of all taxes, interest, and penalties, unless the taxpayer moves for and is granted an exemption from the prepayment requirement pursuant to § 8-8-26.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 31, § 4, effective May 25, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 32, § 4, effective May 25, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 44 - Taxation › Chapter 44-70 - Cannabis Tax › Section 44-70-16. - Disclosure of confidential information.

§ 44-70-16. Disclosure of confidential information.
(a)
It shall be unlawful, except in proceedings before a court of competent jurisdiction or to collect the taxes or enforce the penalties provided by this chapter, for the tax administrator or any person having an administrative duty under those chapters to make known in any manner whatever the business affairs, operations, or information obtained by an investigation of records and equipment of any cannabis retailer or any other person visited or examined in the discharge of official duty, or the amount or source of income, profits, losses, expenditures, or any particular, stated or disclosed in any return, or to permit any return or copy or any book containing any abstract or particulars to be seen or examined by any person. The tax administrator may authorize examination of his or her records and the returns filed with the administrator by the tax authorities of another state or of the federal government if a reciprocal arrangement exists.
(b)
Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the disclosure or publication of statistical or other information where the identity of individual taxpayers is not made known.
(c)
Notwithstanding subsection (a) or (b) of this section or any other provision of law, the tax administrator shall make available to an authorized agent of the commission or the office of cannabis, any information that the administrator may consider proper contained in tax reports or returns or any audit or the report of any investigation made with respect to them, filed pursuant to the tax laws of this state, to whom disclosure is necessary for the purpose of ensuring compliance with state law and regulations.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 31, § 4, effective May 25, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 32, § 4, effective May 25, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 44 - Taxation › Chapter 44-70 - Cannabis Tax › Section 44-70-17. - Transfer of revenue.

§ 44-70-17. Transfer of revenue.
The division of taxation shall transfer all collections remitted by adult use marijuana retailers pursuant to this chapter due to the net revenue of marijuana products. The tax administrator may base this transfer on an estimate of the net revenue of marijuana products derived from any other tax data collected under this title or data shared by the commission or cannabis office.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 31, § 4, effective May 25, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 32, § 4, effective May 25, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 44 - Taxation › Chapter 44-70 - Cannabis Tax › Section 44-70-18. - Rules and regulations.

§ 44-70-18. Rules and regulations.
The tax administrator is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to carry out the provisions, policies, and purposes of this chapter. The provisions of this chapter shall be liberally construed to foster the enforcement of and compliance with all provisions herein related to taxation.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 31, § 4, effective May 25, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 32, § 4, effective May 25, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 44 - Taxation › Chapter 44-70 - Cannabis Tax › Section 44-70-19. - Severability.

§ 44-70-19. Severability.
If any provision of this chapter or the application of this chapter to any person or circumstances is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the chapter that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this chapter are declared to be severable.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 31, § 4, effective May 25, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 32, § 4, effective May 25, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-1 - Boundaries › Section 45-1-1. - Boundaries remain as established.

§ 45-1-1. Boundaries remain as established.
The extent and boundaries of the several cities and towns shall remain as now established by law.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 4, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 4, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 4, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 4, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 45-1-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-1. - Charters and special acts.

§ 45-2-1. Charters and special acts.
Every town, city, and district has all the existing powers and privileges, and is subject to all existing duties and liabilities, conferred or imposed upon it by its charter, or by the several acts of the general assembly specially relating to it, until the charter or acts expire by their own limitation, or are revoked or repealed.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 36, § 9; G.L. 1909, ch. 46, § 9; G.L. 1923, ch. 47, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 329, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 45-2-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-1.1. - Authorization of every town, city and district to postpone their budgets and financial town meetings for Fiscal Year 2010-2011.

§ 45-2-1.1. Authorization of every town, city and district to postpone their budgets and financial town meetings for Fiscal Year 2010-2011.
(a)
Notwithstanding any general or public law or rule or local charter or ordinance to the contrary, every city or town council in the State of Rhode Island is hereby authorized to postpone their FY 2010-2011 budget decisions, including their financial town meetings for up to ninety (90) days.
(b)
For FY 2010-2011 only, every state or local statute, regulation, ordinance or other rule that requires related action (for example, the certifying of a tax roll) shall be extended for ninety (90) days from the date the statute, regulation, ordinance or other rule otherwise requires.
History of Section.
P.L. 2010, ch. 8, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-2. - Power to tax property.

§ 45-2-2. Power to tax property.
Towns and cities may raise by a tax on real or personal estate, or on both, any money necessary to pay town or city debts, or to defray the charges and expenses of the town or city as described in this chapter; and may include the town’s or city’s proportion of any state tax which may be assessed, in the assessment of the town or city tax, and pay the tax out of the town or city treasury; provided, that the tax is voted on at a legal meeting of the electors of the town or city.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 36, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 46, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 47, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 329, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 45-2-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-2.1. - Tax compacts between municipalities.

§ 45-2-2.1. Tax compacts between municipalities.
Cities and towns or their agencies owning ratable property devoted to a public use which is located within any other city or town, and such other city or town where such property is located, respectively, are hereby authorized and empowered to enter into agreements from time to time establishing the amount of taxes on such property and the manner or method for determining said amount for a period of time not exceeding ten (10) years at any one time. Such agreements shall be in writing, shall be approved by the city and/or town council, and shall be signed by the mayor, or like officer, on behalf of cities, and by the president of the town council, on behalf of towns, respectively, and such written agreements, when so made and executed pursuant to this act or pursuant to Chapter 1443 of Public Laws of 1929 as amended by Chapter 1779 of the Public Laws of 1931, shall be valid and binding upon the parties.
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 335, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 382, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-3. - Power to appropriate money.

§ 45-2-3. Power to appropriate money.
Towns or cities may, at any legal meeting, grant and vote sums of money that they judge necessary:
(1)
For the purchase of sites for, and for the erection and repair of, town and city houses and other public buildings;
(2)
For the support of schools, and purchase of sites for and the building and repair of schoolhouses; and for the establishing and maintaining of school libraries;
(3)
For the use of hospitals, to be expended and paid under limitations and conditions prescribed from time to time by the town or city council;
(4)
For the support and maintenance of the poor, and the purchase, erection, and repair of proper buildings for the accommodation of the poor, as well as for the purchase of proper sites for these buildings, and, if they judge expedient, of farms or farm lands, for the employment and support of paupers and others chargeable to them;
(5)
For the purchase of proper sites for, houses of correction and reform schools for juvenile offenders, and the purchase, erection, and repair of proper buildings, fixtures, and apparatus for these sites, and the purchase of lands for the employment and support of the inmates of these sites;
(6)
For the laying out, making, repairing, and amending of highways;
(7)
For the building, repairing, and amending of bridges;
(8)
For the improvement, in any manner they may deem fit, of any property belonging to the town or city;
(9)
For all necessary charges and expenses arising within the town or city, whether incidental or not to the items enumerated within this section; and
(10)
For the allocation of donated monies to specific purpose or purposes as designated by a donor.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 36, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 46, § 4; P.L. 1918, ch. 1629, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 47, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 329, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 45-2-3; P.L. 1992, ch. 208, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-3.1. - Powers of certain towns.

§ 45-2-3.1. Powers of certain towns.
(a)
The towns of Hopkinton, West Greenwich, Richmond, and Charlestown may, at any legal meeting, grant and vote sums of money that they judge necessary:
(1)
For the purchase of sites for, and for the erection and repair of, town houses and other public buildings;
(2)
For the support of schools, and purchase of sites for and the building and repair of schoolhouses; and for the establishing and maintaining of school libraries;
(3)
For the use of hospitals, to be expended and paid under limitations and conditions prescribed from time to time by the town council;
(4)
For the support and maintenance of the poor, and the purchase, erection, and repair of proper buildings for the accommodation of the poor, as well as for the purchase of proper sites for these buildings, and, if they judge expedient, of farms or farm lands, for the employment and support of paupers and others chargeable to them;
(5)
For the purchase of proper sites for houses of correction and reform schools for juvenile offenders, and the purchase, erection, and repair of proper buildings, fixtures, and apparatus for these sites, and the purchase of lands for the employment and support of the inmates of these sites;
(6)
For the laying out, making, repairing, and amending of highways;
(7)
For the building, repairing, and amending of bridges;
(8)
For the improvement, in any manner they may deem fit, of any property belonging to the town;
(9)
For the public health, welfare, recreation, sanitation and landfill, public safety, fire protection, awards and ceremonies, transportation for any of its citizens, university of Rhode Island cooperative extension, mental health, child services, job development and training programs, energy conservation programs, medical and health clinics and services, athletics, and parks and libraries, including the granting and voting of sums to be paid to profit and non-profit corporations which may, in the opinion of those voting, provide any of these services to the town or towns;
(10)
For any other services, expenses, or charges deemed to be in the best interests of the town or towns by a majority of those voting; the grant and vote by a majority of those voting is prima facie evidence that the expenditure and appropriation is permitted under this section; and
(11)
For all necessary charges and expenses arising within the town, whether incidental or not to the items enumerated in this section.
(b)
It shall be the duty of the appropriate elected and appointed officials of any town to carry into effect any and all authorized appropriations.
(c)
Any grant, vote, or appropriation of sums already made for any of the above charges, expenses, and services by any of the towns are hereby ratified in every respect.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 366, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 35, § 2; P.L. 1985, ch. 206, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-3.3. - Background checks.

§ 45-2-3.3. Background checks.
Notwithstanding any provision of the general or public laws to the contrary, any person seeking to work or volunteer for a municipal recreation department, or any municipal recreation department having the written authorization of a person seeking to work or volunteer for the municipal recreation department, may request a Rhode Island criminal history background check from their local police department for that person. The Rhode Island criminal history background check shall be a certified true copy of the criminal record report and shall bear indicia of authenticity including being printed on local police department letterhead with a raised seal and bearing the signature of a duly appointed local police officer.
Further, notwithstanding any provision of the general or public laws to the contrary, any person seeking to work or volunteer for a fire department or fire district located in the town of Burrillville, or any fire department or fire district having the written authorization of a person seeking to work or volunteer for the fire department or fire district located in the town of Burrillville, may request a Rhode Island criminal history background check from the Burrillville Police Department for that person. The Rhode Island criminal history background check shall be a certified true copy of the criminal record report and shall bear indicia of authenticity including being printed on Burrillville Police Department letterhead with a raised seal and bearing the signature of a duly appointed Burrillville Police Officer.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 354, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 362, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 274, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 332, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-3.4. - Background checks.

§ 45-2-3.4. Background checks.
(a)
Any person seeking employment as a firefighter with any city or town in Rhode Island shall undergo a national and state criminal background check to be initiated prior to, or within one week of, employment after receiving a conditional offer of employment.
(b)
The applicant shall apply to the bureau of criminal identification (BCI), department of attorney general, state police, or the local police department where he or she resides, for a national and state criminal records check. Fingerprinting shall be required. The applicant shall be responsible for the cost of conducting the national and state criminal records check.
(c)
At the completion of the criminal background check required by this section, the attorney general, state police, or the local police department shall promptly destroy the fingerprint record of the applicant.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 425, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 452, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-4. - Power to own property and make contracts.

§ 45-2-4. Power to own property and make contracts.
Cities and towns may take, purchase, and hold real and personal property, and alienate and convey the property; and may also take, hold, and manage the property in trust for any charitable, other than religious, uses, and may make all contracts, including lease or lease-purchase agreements of real and personal property, necessary and convenient for the transaction of the business of the city or town.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 36, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 46, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 47, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 329, § 2; P.L. 1970, ch. 265, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-5. - Power to use, lease, or dispose of property no longer needed.

§ 45-2-5. Power to use, lease, or dispose of property no longer needed.
In addition to the powers previously granted by charter or the public laws of the state with respect to the purchase and sale of land, the city council of any city and the town council of any town, if it sees fit so to do, is hereby authorized, from time to time, to sell, lease, convey, or use for any other public or municipal purpose or purposes, or for any purpose whatsoever, any lands or properties owned by the city or town, which have been purchased, acquired, used, or dedicated in any manner for municipal or other public purposes, whenever, in the opinion of the city council or town council, the lands or properties have become unsuitable or have ceased to be used for those purposes.
History of Section.
P.L. 1946, ch. 1798, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 45-2-5; P.L. 1959, ch. 45, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-5.1. - Westerly municipal land trust.

§ 45-2-5.1. Westerly municipal land trust.
The town council of the town of Westerly is hereby authorized and permitted to exercise its discretion to transfer and convey certain real estate to the Westerly Municipal Land Trust, without monetary consideration, provided that such real estate shall be of such character and condition as shall be appropriate of the purposes of said Land Trust, and provided further that such real estate shall be conveyed to said Land Trust with the express restriction that the same shall not be further transferred or conveyed to any other person or entity for value or otherwise, without the express approval of said town council, and, in the event of a sale, all procedures for the sale of municipal real estate shall be applied and the proceeds thereof shall be deemed the property of the town of Westerly.
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 325, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 428, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-5.2. - Prudence Island school foundation.

§ 45-2-5.2. Prudence Island school foundation.
Notwithstanding any provision of the general laws to the contrary, including, but not limited to, the provisions of § 45-2-6, the town council of the town of Portsmouth is hereby authorized and permitted to exercise its discretion to give, grant, bargain, sell, transfer and/or convey to the Prudence Island School Foundation, all of its right, title, and interest in and to those certain lots or parcels of land, including and together with all buildings and improvements located thereon, situated on Prudence Island in the town of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, within the plat entitled “Plat of Prudence Park” and numbered as Lots 824, 825, 826 and 827 as recorded in the office of the Portsmouth Land Evidence Records in Plan Book 1 on pages 2 and 3 and on pages 6 and 7 (the “property”) to the Prudence Island School Foundation, a Rhode Island nonprofit corporation, subject to those rights of reversion set forth in the deed recorded on July 2, 1896, in Book 20 on Page 403 and the deed recorded on November 26, 1997, in Book 516 on Page 114 of the Portsmouth Land Evidence Records, if the property shall cease to be used for educational purposes.
History of Section.
P.L. 2020, ch. 30, § 1; P.L. 2020, ch. 32, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-6. - Lands given for specific use not subject to disposal.

§ 45-2-6. Lands given for specific use not subject to disposal.
Nothing in § 45-2-5 shall be construed to authorize the sale, lease, or conveyance of lands or improvements acquired by gift or devise for the public use, whether or not the gift or devise is subject to a condition subsequent or reverter; and no property held by any city or town as part of a charitable trust shall be considered to come within the provisions of § 45-2-5.
History of Section.
P.L. 1946, ch. 1798, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 45-2-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-7. - Providence school land unaffected.

§ 45-2-7. Providence school land unaffected.
Nothing in §§ 45-2-5 and 45-2-6 shall be construed to amend the provisions of § 15 of chapter 680 of the Public Laws of 1925, entitled “An Act Relative to the Management and Support of the Public Schools of the City of Providence”.
History of Section.
P.L. 1946, ch. 1798, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 45-2-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-8. - Ratification of prior conveyances.

§ 45-2-8. Ratification of prior conveyances.
All sales, conveyances, leases, or other dispositions of any lands or properties purchased, acquired, used, or dedicated in any manner by a city or town for municipal or other public purposes, purporting to have been made on behalf of the city or town for a valuable consideration prior to April 25, 1946, are hereby ratified, confirmed, and validated as of the date when made; provided, that this section shall not be construed to include any lands or properties acquired by gift or devise for the public use, whether or not the gift or devise is subject to a condition subsequent or reverter, or to property held by any city or town as part of a charitable trust.
History of Section.
P.L. 1952, ch. 2920, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 45-2-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-9. - Continuation in force of town and city laws.

§ 45-2-9. Continuation in force of town and city laws.
The acts, laws, and orders of towns and cities shall continue in force until altered or annulled by vote of the town or city, or by law.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 36, § 10; G.L. 1909, ch. 46, § 10; G.L. 1923, ch. 47, § 11; G.L. 1938, ch. 329, § 12; G.L. 1956, § 45-2-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-10. - Election and appointment of officers and agents.

§ 45-2-10. Election and appointment of officers and agents.
Towns and cities may and shall elect all town and city officers as are, or may be, required by law, and may appoint any other officers as empowered by law, and any special agents for the transaction of any town or city business, not required by law to be performed by any officer known to the law, as they may deem expedient.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 36, § 11; G.L. 1909, ch. 46, § 11; G.L. 1923, ch. 47, § 12; G.L. 1938, ch. 329, § 13; G.L. 1956, § 45-2-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-11. - Medical services for employees.

§ 45-2-11. Medical services for employees.
Each city and town is hereby authorized and empowered, through its respective legislative body, to enact ordinances for the purpose of providing hospital, medical, surgical, nursing, dental, and other health care and services for the protection of the health of any or all of the employees of the city or town and/or their dependents, and/or of any or all of the employees presently retired or who may retire and/or their dependents, as the legislative body may deem desirable, under any nonprofit plan or plans established, maintained, and operated by a nonprofit hospital service corporation, and/or by a nonprofit medical service corporation, organized under the laws of this state, and to appropriate from time to time, in the manner provided by law for appropriations and expenditures by the city or town, any sums necessary for the purpose of providing that care and service.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 329, § 38; P.L. 1947, ch. 1968, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 45-2-11; P.L. 1962, ch. 152, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-12. - Town of New Shoreham may establish police court.

§ 45-2-12. Town of New Shoreham may establish police court.
(a)
The town of New Shoreham, by vote of any regular or special financial town meeting, may establish a police court and confer upon the court original jurisdiction to hear and determine criminal causes involving the violation of any ordinance of the town council of the town; provided, that due notice of the proposition is contained in the call of any meeting voting the proposition; and provided further, that any defendant found guilty of any offense within the jurisdiction of the town by the court may within seven (7) days of conviction file an appeal from the conviction to the superior court and be entitled in the latter court to a trial de novo.
(b)
Upon the passage of the vote for the establishment of a police court, the town council of the town of New Shoreham is authorized and empowered to appoint a judge of the court, to enact ordinances governing the procedure to be followed in the court, the appointment of personnel, and the duties and qualifications of personnel, to establish a schedule of fees and costs, and to otherwise provide for the operation and management of the court.
(c)
The police court may impose a sentence not to exceed thirty (30) days in jail and impose a fine not in excess of five hundred dollars ($500), or both. The court shall be empowered to administer oaths, compel the attendance of witnesses, and punish persons for contempt.
History of Section.
P.L. 1965, ch. 19, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 90, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-14. - City of Central Falls — Police court.

§ 45-2-14. City of Central Falls — Police court.
(a)
The city council of the city of Central Falls may by ordinance confer upon the police court of the city of Pawtucket original jurisdiction to hear and determine criminal causes involving the violation of any ordinance of the city of Central Falls; provided, that any defendant found guilty of any offense within the jurisdiction by the court may within seven (7) days of the conviction file an appeal from the conviction to the superior court and be entitled in the latter court to a trial de novo.
(b)
The city council of the city of Central Falls is authorized and empowered to enact ordinances governing the procedure to be followed in the court, the appointment of personnel, and the duties and qualifications of personnel, to establish a schedule of fees and costs, and to otherwise provide for the operation and management of the court not inconsistent with Pawtucket ordinances governing court management.
(c)
The police court may impose a sentence not to exceed thirty (30) days in jail and impose a fine not in excess of two hundred dollars ($200), or both. The court is empowered to administer oaths, compel the attendance of witnesses, and punish persons for contempt. The court is to be held in the city of Pawtucket.
History of Section.
P.L. 1974, ch. 182, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-15.1. - Police officers and firefighters — Residency within municipality or state not required.

§ 45-2-15.1. Police officers and firefighters — Residency within municipality or state not required.
Notwithstanding any prior ratification and validation by the general assembly of any home rule charter provision requiring that police officers and firefighters reside within the employing city, town, or state of Rhode Island, no home rule charter provision shall require that a police officer or firefighter reside within the city, town, or state of Rhode Island as a condition of appointment or continued employment. Any prior ratification and validation by the general assembly of a home rule charter provision requiring residency within a city, town, or the state of Rhode Island as a condition for employment of a police officer or firefighter is hereby expressly repealed by the general assembly; further, no city or town council shall make or ordain any ordinance requiring a police officer or firefighter to reside within the employing city, town, or state of Rhode Island as a condition of appointment or continued employment. Any existing ordinance requiring a police officer or firefighter to reside within the employing city, town, or state of Rhode Island as a condition of appointment or continued employment is hereby considered contrary to the laws of this state and is thus void as being in violation of state law.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 294, § 2; P.L. 2005, ch. 311, § 2; P.L. 2017, ch. 121, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 139, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-15.2. - Municipal employees — Residency within municipality not required.

§ 45-2-15.2. Municipal employees — Residency within municipality not required.
Notwithstanding any prior ratification and validation by the general assembly of any home rule charter provision requiring that municipal employees reside within the employing city or town, no home rule charter provision shall require that a municipal employee reside within the city or town as a condition of appointment or continued employment. Any prior ratification and validation by the general assembly of a home rule charter provision requiring residency within a city or town as a condition for employment of a municipal employee is hereby expressly repealed by the general assembly; provided, further, no city or town council shall make or ordain any ordinance requiring a municipal employee to reside within the employing city or town as a condition of appointment of continued employment. Any existing ordinance requiring a municipal employee to reside within the employing city or town as a condition of appointment or continued employment is hereby considered contrary to the laws of this state and is thus void as being in violation of state law. Nothing in this chapter shall preclude any city or town from offering employment incentives to its employees.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no city or town with a municipal charter shall be precluded from entering into employment contracts which contain residency requirements with their appointed town or city manager(s) and/or town or city administrator(s).
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 294, § 3; P.L. 2005, ch. 311, § 3; P.L. 2006, ch. 629, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-2 - General Powers › Section 45-2-16. - Naming of city or town constructions.

§ 45-2-16. Naming of city or town constructions.
Every city or town has the exclusive right, power, and authority to name any and all city or town sponsored projects, including, but not limited to, buildings, bridges, edifices, and any and all other construction or erection sponsored by the town or city and also including all projects constructed or erected pursuant to authority extended to municipal committees of city or town government, including, but not limited to, school committees or housing authorities. Each city and town may select committees through their representative councils for the purpose of determining the name to be selected.
History of Section.
P.L. 1975, ch. 295, § 1.