reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-65 - Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board › Section 5-65-9. - Registration fee — Report.

§ 5-65-9. Registration fee — Report.
(a)
Each applicant shall pay to the board for original registration or renewal of registration, a fee of one hundred and fifty dollars ($150).
(b)
All fees and fines collected by the board shall be deposited into a restricted-receipt account for the exclusive use of supporting programs established by this chapter.
(c)
On or before January 15, 2018, and annually thereafter, the board shall file a report with the speaker of the house and the president of the senate, with copies to the chairpersons of the house and senate finance committees, detailing:
(1)
The total number of fines issued, broken down by category, including the number of fines issued for a first violation and the number of fines issued for a subsequent violation;
(2)
The total dollar amount of fines levied;
(3)
The total amount of fees, fines, and penalties collected and deposited for the most recently completed fiscal year; and
(4)
The account balance as of the date of the report.
(d)
Each year, the department of business regulation shall prepare a proposed budget to support the programs approved by the board. The proposed budget shall be submitted to the board for its review. A final budget request shall be submitted to the legislature as part of the department of business regulation’s annual request.
(e)
New or renewal registrations may be filed online or with a third party approved by the board, with the additional cost incurred to be borne by the registrant.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 222, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 381, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 350, § 2; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 40, § 34; P.L. 1996, ch. 322, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 282, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 648, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 73, art. 32, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 228, § 2; P.L. 2017, ch. 302, art. 7, § 14; P.L. 2018, ch. 47, art. 3, § 1; P.L. 2021, ch. 162, art. 6, § 1, effective July 1, 2021; P.L. 2022, ch. 251, § 1, effective June 28, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 252, § 1, effective June 28, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-65 - Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board › Section 5-65-11. - Submission of complaints.

§ 5-65-11. Submission of complaints.
(a)
The board and office shall accept and consider complaints for purposes of determining whether registered contractors or other persons who are required to be registered have violated the provisions of this chapter or the regulations promulgated thereunder. This includes complaints that contain the following types of claims:
(1)
Claims against a contractor by the owner of a residential dwelling unit asserting the following in performing any work subject to this chapter:
(i)
Negligent work;
(ii)
Improper work;
(iii)
Breach of contract; or
(iv)
Contract disputes.
(2)
Claims against a contractor by the owner of a structure to discharge or to recoup funds expended in discharging a lien established under chapter 28 of title 34.
(3)
Claims against a registered contractor by a registered contractor asserting the following in performing any work subject to this chapter:
(i)
Negligent work;
(ii)
Improper work;
(iii)
Breach of contract;
(iv)
Furnishing labor or material or renting or supplying equipment to a contractor; or
(v)
Contract dispute.
(4)
Claims by an employee of a registered contractor.
(5)
[Deleted by P.L. 2022, ch. 251, § 1 and P.L. 2022, ch. 252, § 1.]
(6)
[Deleted by P.L. 2022, ch. 251, § 1 and P.L. 2022, ch. 252, § 1.]
(b)
While the board and office will accept complaints for purposes of determining violations and taking enforcement action against registrants and other persons pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, the board and office will not adjudicate any complainant claims, causes of action, or rights or remedies, contractual or otherwise, or order payment of monetary damages, other monetary relief, specific performance, or other contractual or equitable remedies or relief to or for a complainant.
(c)
Nothing in this section shall alter or impair the ability of a registrant or other person who violates the provisions of this chapter from entering into a consensual agreement or order with the board or office that includes performance of work and/or restitution to a complainant in consideration and as a condition of such consensual resolution of proceedings.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 222, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 350, § 2; P.L. 2001, ch. 323, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 282, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 648, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 251, § 1, effective June 28, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 252, § 1, effective June 28, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-65 - Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board › Section 5-65-12.1. - Alternate procedure for making claims against a contractor — Private right of action.

§ 5-65-12.1. Alternate procedure for making claims against a contractor — Private right of action.
(a)
Any person having a claim against a contractor of the type referred to in § 5-65-11, may, in addition to any other common law action or administrative remedy, bring an action under the rules of civil procedure in the superior court of the county in which the complainant resides, or the county where the person against whom the civil complaint is filed resides or has their principal place of business. A civil action filed in court under this section may be instituted in lieu of, or as a supplement to, the contractors’ registration board’s administrative proceedings and penalties only to the extent that the board’s final orders are insufficient to satisfy the claimant’s damages.
(b)
In an action filed under this section in which the plaintiff prevails, the court may, in addition to any judgment awarded to the plaintiff, require treble damages, reasonable attorney’s fees, and the costs of the action to be paid by the defendant.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 648, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-65 - Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board › Section 5-65-13. - Nonlawyer may represent corporation before board.

§ 5-65-13. Nonlawyer may represent corporation before board.
A corporation or limited liability company that is registered or required to be registered as a contractor under this chapter and that is a party in any proceeding before the board or office may appear or be represented in the proceeding by an officer of the corporation who is not a member of the state bar; provided such officer provides satisfactory documentation and attestation to the board confirming that such officer is the sole owner, officer, director, manager, member of the corporation or limited liability company.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 222, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 350, § 2; P.L. 2022, ch. 251, § 1, effective June 28, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 252, § 1, effective June 28, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-65 - Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board › Section 5-65-14. - Contractors’ registration and licensing board — Members — Terms — Confirmation — Vacancies — Qualification.

§ 5-65-14. Contractors’ registration and licensing board — Members — Terms — Confirmation — Vacancies — Qualification.
(a)
The board shall consist of seventeen (17) members appointed by the governor, at least ten (10) of whom shall be registered contractors. Of the seventeen (17) members, two (2) shall be licensed roofers; one shall be a current member of the building codes standards committee pursuant to § 23-27.3-100.1.4; one shall be a representative of the general public; one shall be a licensed and practicing architect; two (2) shall be licensed home inspectors; one shall be the president of the Rhode Island Builders Association or designee; one shall be the executive director of the Utility Contractors Association of Rhode Island, or designee; one shall be the executive director of the Rhode Island Independent Contractors and Associates, or designee; and one shall be the executive director of the Rhode Island Association of General Contractors, or designee. The building code standards committee member shall be designated by the state building commissioner, and shall be appointed as provided in subsection (b) of this section.
(b)
The commissioner’s designee and the other members appointed by the governor shall each serve a term of three (3) years. Before the expiration of the term of a member, the governor shall either reappoint the member or appoint a successor. If there is a vacancy for any cause, the governor shall make an appointment immediately effective for the unexpired term. At the expiration of their terms, members shall remain and shall continue in their official capacity until a new member is appointed and confirmed.
(c)
In order to be eligible for board membership, the ten (10) contractor members of the board must be registered and/or licensed under this chapter and maintain their registrations and/or licenses in good standing during their term of office.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 222, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 381, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 350, § 2; P.L. 2000, ch. 140, § 2; P.L. 2001, ch. 257, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 327, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 212, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 228, § 2; P.L. 2014, ch. 194, § 3; P.L. 2014, ch. 212, § 3; P.L. 2022, ch. 251, § 1, effective June 28, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 252, § 1, effective June 28, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-65 - Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board › Section 5-65-15. - Officers — Quorum — Compensation and expenses.

§ 5-65-15. Officers — Quorum — Compensation and expenses.
(a)
The board shall select from among its members a chairperson, a vice chairperson, and any other officers for the terms and with the duties and powers necessary for the performance of their duties that the board determines.
(b)
A majority of the members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
(c)
The board shall have a member of staff who shall attend all meetings and shall direct the conduct of any investigation that may be necessary in the preparation of any hearing.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 222, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 381, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 350, § 2; P.L. 2019, ch. 88, art. 4, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-65 - Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board › Section 5-65-15.1. - Staff.

§ 5-65-15.1. Staff.
(a)
The office shall provide the board with appropriate staff, who shall perform their duties under the administrative supervision of the director of the department of business regulation or the director’s designee.
(b)
The board may delegate the powers, functions, and duties to the provided staff.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 322, § 2; P.L. 2019, ch. 88, art. 4, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-65 - Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board › Section 5-65-16. - Powers and duties of the board — Investigatory powers of board — Use of city or county inspectors — Conduct of hearings.

§ 5-65-16. Powers and duties of the board — Investigatory powers of board — Use of city or county inspectors — Conduct of hearings.
(a)
The board may investigate the activities of any person engaged in the building and construction industry to determine compliance with this chapter.
(b)
The board may conduct investigations with the assistance of the local building officials.
(c)
The board has the power to administer oaths; issue notices and subpoenas in the name of the board; compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of evidence; hold hearings; and perform any other acts that are reasonably necessary to carry out its duties under this chapter.
(d)
If any person fails to comply with a subpoena issued under subsection (c) or refuses to testify on matters on which the person may be lawfully interrogated, such person shall be considered in contempt and the board or director may compel compliance and/or punish any contempt of the authority in like manner as may be punished in either the supreme or the superior court.
(e)
The board shall have the authority to hire private investigators or constables to carry out the duties of this chapter. The costs and expenses incurred by the hiring of private investigators may be borne by the contractor or nonprevailing party.
(f)
In addition to all powers granted to the board and office under this chapter, the board and office, and their designees, shall have the power and authority to:
(1)
Assess fines as provided by this chapter;
(2)
[Deleted by P.L. 2022, ch. 251, § 1 and P.L. 2022, ch. 252, § 1.]
(3)
Provide any other relief and/or remedy provided by this chapter and the board’s rules and regulations.
(g)
The board may, at its discretion, require any contractor who has had action taken against his/her registration to obtain a bond in such amount as determined by the board.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 222, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 323, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 364, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 310, § 42; P.L. 2022, ch. 251, § 1, effective June 28, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 252, § 1, effective June 28, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-65 - Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board › Section 5-65-17. - Rulemaking authority.

§ 5-65-17. Rulemaking authority.
The board shall promulgate rules and fines to carry out the provisions of this chapter in accordance with the administrative procedures act, chapter 35 of title 42.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 222, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 381, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-65 - Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board › Section 5-65-18. - Mechanics’ lien notice.

§ 5-65-18. Mechanics’ lien notice.
As applicable to and in accordance with § 5-65-1 et seq., all written contracts entered into between a contractor under this chapter and a property owner must contain a statement that the contractor, subcontractors, or materialpersons may file a lien in accordance with the Rhode Island mechanics’ lien law, chapter 28 of title 34. In the event that mechanics’ liens are filed and there is no serious dispute, but merely a failure to pay, then the board may impose a suspension of the registration until such time as the liens are satisfied, either by payment, deposit of the funds in the registry of the court, or with the board.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 328, § 4; P.L. 2006, ch. 648, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-65 - Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board › Section 5-65-19. - Penalty for operating without a registration — Failure to comply with a final order or decision — Repeat offenses.

§ 5-65-19. Penalty for operating without a registration — Failure to comply with a final order or decision — Repeat offenses.
In addition to any other penalties provided under this chapter:
(1)
Any person who fails to register as a contractor as adjudged in a final order issued by the board, upon proper written notification, is deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be imprisoned for a term not exceeding one year, fined not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both, for a first or second offense. A third or subsequent violation of this chapter by a person for failure to register as a contractor is deemed a felony and, upon conviction, the violator shall be imprisoned for a term not exceeding two (2) years, fined not more than two thousand dollars ($2,000), or both.
(2)
Any person who violates a final order of the board where the monetary total of the order is not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), upon proper written notification, is deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction, shall be imprisoned for a term not exceeding one year, fined not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both.
(3)
Any person who violates a final order of the board where the monetary total of the order is five thousand dollars ($5,000) or more, upon written notification, is deemed guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, shall be imprisoned for a term not exceeding ten (10) years, fined not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or both.
(4)
In addition to any sentence or fine imposed by the court under subsections (1), (2), and (3), the court shall order a defendant to comply with any outstanding final order or decision of the board or office, including payment of any outstanding fine or fines previously imposed by the board or office pursuant to this chapter.
(5)
If by final orders or decisions of the board or office a contractor is found to have committed violations of this chapter with respect to three (3) or more separate contracts with three (3) separate individuals/aggrieved parties and the violations occurred within a twenty-four-month (24) period, the violations shall be deemed and prosecuted as a felony and upon conviction the violator shall be subject to imprisonment for a term not to exceed ten (10) years or fined not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000).
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 381, § 2; P.L. 1994, ch. 350, § 2; P.L. 1996, ch. 322, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 322, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 648, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 364, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 64, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 69, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 251, § 1, effective June 28, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 252, § 1, effective June 28, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-65 - Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board › Section 5-65-20. - Administrative hearings.

§ 5-65-20. Administrative hearings.
(a)
Contested cases, contested enforcement proceedings, and contested administrative fines shall be heard, in accordance with the administrative procedures act, chapter 35 of title 42, and the administrative regulations promulgated by the board, by the hearings officer(s) assigned by the director of the department of business regulation or the director’s designee.
(b)
The board has jurisdiction to hear appeals from decisions of the hearing officer(s), and may by regulation impose a filing fee, not to exceed twenty dollars ($20.00), for any appeal.
(c)
Notwithstanding the preceding, the director of the department of business regulation, the director’s designee, and the office is authorized to resolve complaints and contested enforcement proceedings through informal disposition pursuant to regulations promulgated by the board.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 322, § 2; P.L. 2019, ch. 88, art. 4, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 251, § 1, effective June 28, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 252, § 1, effective June 28, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-65 - Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board › Section 5-65-21. - Severability.

§ 5-65-21. Severability.
The provisions of this chapter are severable. If any provisions of this chapter or the application of this chapter to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of this chapter that can be given effect without regard to the invalid provisions or application.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 322, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-65 - Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board › Section 5-65-22. - Display of certificate of registration.

§ 5-65-22. Display of certificate of registration.
All contractors subject to the provisions of this chapter must include their certificate of registration number on all advertising proposals, contracts, and invoices displayed in a conspicuous manner.
History of Section.
P.L. 1998, ch. 272, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-65 - Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board › Section 5-65-23. - Registration required as part of bidding process.

§ 5-65-23. Registration required as part of bidding process.
Whenever any bid is solicited by the state or any municipality or private party in the state of Rhode Island, the registration and/or license number of any bidder who is a contractor required to be registered and/or licensed under the laws of the state of Rhode Island shall be provided by the bidder. A space on the bid form, quotation, proposal, or other document shall indicate the bid price to perform the particular work involved and shall also indicate the registration and/or license number of the contractor, as issued by the state of Rhode Island, to perform that work.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 504, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 251, § 1, effective June 28, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 252, § 1, effective June 28, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-65 - Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board › Section 5-65-24. - Limited applicability of chapter to nonresidential contractors.

§ 5-65-24. Limited applicability of chapter to nonresidential contractors.
(a)
Notwithstanding anything set forth in this chapter to the contrary, the provisions of the following sections of this chapter shall not apply to any contractor who does not regularly, in the course of his or her or its business as a contractor, engage in construction activities as contemplated under this chapter on residential structures:
(1)
§ 5-65-3(p);
(2)
§ 5-65-3(k);
(3)
§ 5-65-4;
(4)
§ 5-65-11;
(5)
§ 5-65-12;
(6)
§ 5-65-18; and
(7)
§ 5-65-5(f).
(b)
Notwithstanding anything set forth in this chapter to the contrary, the provisions of the following sections of this chapter shall have only the limited applicability set forth below respecting any contractor who does not regularly in the course of his or her or its business as a contractor engage in construction activities as contemplated under this chapter on residential structures:
(1)
The provisions of § 5-65-3(a) concerning the joint and several liability of applicable corporations or partnerships and their respective designees for the payment of the registration fee as requested in this chapter and for violations of any provisions of this chapter shall apply; and
(2)
The provisions of § 5-65-10(a)(4) concerning violation of a rule or order of the board shall only apply to the extent that any such rule or order does not relate to or is not derived from one of the inapplicable provisions referenced in this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 2001, ch. 322, § 2; P.L. 2006, ch. 648, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 73, art. 32, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 228, § 2; P.L. 2007, ch. 324, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 310, § 42.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-65 - Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board › Section 5-65-25. - Violations — Notice.

§ 5-65-25. Violations — Notice.
The board shall provide, by way of the contractors’ registration and licensing board website, by request, or by any other means approved by the board, a posting of all final decisions and orders issued by the board. Provided, however, that all claims and violations adjudicated in favor of the contractor shall be removed from the website or publications as soon as practicable.
Provided however, this shall not prevent the board from expunging a contractor’s record pursuant to established rules and regulations.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 648, § 2; P.L. 2007, ch. 228, § 2; P.L. 2022, ch. 251, § 1, effective June 28, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 252, § 1, effective June 28, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-65 - Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board › Section 5-65-26. - Notice of final order — Service of process.

§ 5-65-26. Notice of final order — Service of process.
In any final order or decision of the board or office determining that a contractor has violated the provisions of this chapter or the regulations promulgated thereunder, the board or office is hereby authorized to assess against the contractor the costs of service of process up to but not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). The assessment shall be limited to the actual cost of the service of process or one thousand dollars ($1,000), whichever is less. The board shall provide the contractor with proof of costs evidencing the expense for the service of process upon request.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 648, § 2; P.L. 2007, ch. 228, § 2; P.L. 2022, ch. 251, § 1, effective June 28, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 252, § 1, effective June 28, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-65 - Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board › Section 5-65-27. - Elderly person in-home solicitation — Right to cancel.

§ 5-65-27. Elderly person in-home solicitation — Right to cancel.
(a)
Definitions.
For purposes of this section:
(1)
“Consumer” means an individual who contracts with a person offering to undertake or submit a bid to do work as a contractor.
(2)
“Elderly person” is defined in § 42-66-4.1.
(3)
“Emergency” means an urgent and immediate need for services, assistance, or repairs that must be addressed without delay to avoid substantial harm to persons or property.
(4)
“In-home solicitation” means any transaction made at the consumer’s primary residence, including telephonic or online, except those transactions initiated by the consumer. A consumer response to an advertisement is not an in-home solicitation.
(5)
“Person” means an individual, partnership, corporation, limited-liability company, association, or other group, however organized.
(6)
“Services” means work, labor, and services as a contractor pursuant to this chapter, as well as other disciplines governed by the board pursuant to statutory law.
(b)
In addition to all other methods of consumer protection provided by federal or state law, any contract that originates from an in-home solicitation of an elderly person for the purposes of performing work as a contractor pursuant to this chapter, as well as other disciplines governed by the board pursuant to statutory law, shall provide that any consumer who is an elderly person shall, in the absence of an emergency as defined herein, have three (3) days within which to cancel the in-home solicitation contract for contractor services.
(c)
The contractor shall, at the time of the agreement in accordance with § 5-65-3, give notice to the elderly person of all the rights that substantially comply with this section. The notice must:
(1)
Appear in the agreement under the conspicuous caption: “Notice of Cancellation”; and
(2)
Read as follows:
. . . (date of transaction) “You may cancel this agreement, without any penalty or obligation, within three (3) business days from the above date. If you cancel, your cancellation notice must state that you do not wish to be bound by the agreement and mailed by registered or certified mail not later than midnight three (3) days following the consumer’s signing the agreement, excluding Sunday and any holiday on which regular mail deliveries are not made. All cancellations must be mailed to:
(insert name and address of the seller).”
(d)
Whenever the agreement fails to conform to the provisions of this section and the consumer or his or her agent has notified the seller of the consumer’s intent to cancel the agreement by registered mail, return receipt requested, the contractor shall, within twenty (20) days, return any deposit made by the consumer. Failure to return any deposit shall enable the consumer to recover from the contractor double damages in any subsequent legal proceeding.
History of Section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 398, § 2; P.L. 2017, ch. 425, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-65.1 - Home Inspectors › Section 5-65.1-1. - Short title.

§ 5-65.1-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Rhode Island Home Inspector Licensing Law.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 140, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-65.1 - Home Inspectors › Section 5-65.1-2. - Definitions.

§ 5-65.1-2. Definitions.
When used in this chapter:
(1)
“Associate home inspector” means a person who is employed by a licensed home inspector to conduct a home inspection of a residential building on behalf of a client for a fee under the direct supervision of the licensed home inspector and is licensed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
(2)
“Board” means the contractors’ registration and licensing board.
(3)
“Client” means any person who engages, or seeks to engage, the services of a home inspector for the purpose of obtaining an inspection of, and written report upon, the condition of a residential building.
(4)
“Home inspection” means an inspection and a written evaluation of the following readily visible and accessible components of a residential building: heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical systems, structural components, foundation, roof, masonry structure, exterior and interior components, and any other related residential housing components, unless the scope of the inspection is otherwise clearly limited, in writing, in the inspection report. Unless otherwise expressly agreed to, in writing, a home inspection shall be based solely on observation of the readily visible and apparent condition of the foregoing components of a residential building as they exist on the date of the inspection, and it is not the purpose of the inspection to identify violations of, or noncompliance with, governmental codes or regulation. A home inspection shall, at a minimum, conform to any standards of practice promulgated by the board.
(5)
“Home inspector” means any person licensed as a home inspector to conduct a home inspection of a residential building on behalf of a client for a fee pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
(6)
“Public body” or “agency” means any executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory, or administrative body of the state or any political subdivision thereof, including, but not limited to: public officials elected or appointed; any department, division, agency, commission, board, office, bureau, authority; any school, fire, or water district; or other agency or quasi-public agency of state or local government that exercises governmental functions.
(7)
“Residential building” means a structure consisting of one or more residences and their appurtenances.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 140, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 228, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-65.1 - Home Inspectors › Section 5-65.1-3. - Board — Powers and duties.

§ 5-65.1-3. Board — Powers and duties.
(a)
The board shall have the following powers and duties:
(1)
Administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter;
(2)
Issue and renew licenses to home inspectors and associate home inspectors pursuant to the provisions of this chapter;
(3)
Suspend, revoke, or fail to renew the license of a home inspector;
(4)
Sanction or administer qualifying examinations for home inspector and associate home inspector applicants, and establish competency requirements;
(5)
Establish standards for the continuing education of home inspectors;
(6)
Adopt and publish a code of ethics and standards of practice for licensed home inspectors and associate home inspectors;
(7)
Prescribe or change the charges for examinations and other services performed;
(8)
Adopt rules and regulations pursuant to the administrative procedures act, chapter 35 of title 42, necessary to effectuate the purposes of this chapter; and
(9)
Hear contested claims or cases; contested enforcement proceedings; and contested administrative fines in accordance with the administrative procedures act and the administrative regulations promulgated by the board.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 140, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-65.1 - Home Inspectors › Section 5-65.1-4. - Eligibility for licensure as home inspector.

§ 5-65.1-4. Eligibility for licensure as home inspector.
(a)
To be eligible for licensure as a home inspector, an applicant shall fulfill the following requirements:
(1)
Be of good moral character;
(2)
Have successfully completed high school or its equivalent;
(3)
Have been engaged as a licensed associate home inspector for no less than one year, and have performed not less than one hundred (100) home inspections for compensation, or have been a registered/licensed contractor in good standing in any state for an aggregate of not less than five (5) years; and
(4)
Have passed an examination approved or administered by the board. The examination may have been passed before the effective date of this chapter.
(b)
After the effective date of this chapter, the board shall issue a license to any person upon application, provided that the applicant meets:
(1)
The requirements of subsections (a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(4), and either:
(i)
Has been engaged in the practice of home inspections for compensation for not less than one year prior to the effective date of this chapter and has performed not less than one hundred (100) home inspections for compensation prior to the effective date of this chapter; or
(ii)
Is a registered/licensed contractor in good standing in any state for an aggregate of not less than five (5) years; or
(2)
The requirements of subsections (a)(1) and (a)(2), and has been engaged in the practice of home inspections for compensation for not less than two (2) years and performed not less than one hundred fifty (150) home inspections for compensation prior to July 1, 2013.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 140, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 282, § 2; P.L. 2007, ch. 228, § 3; P.L. 2013, ch. 305, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 409, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-65.1 - Home Inspectors › Section 5-65.1-5. - Eligibility for licensure as associate home inspector.

§ 5-65.1-5. Eligibility for licensure as associate home inspector.
To be eligible for licensure as an associate home inspector, an applicant shall fulfill the following requirements:
(1)
Be of good moral character;
(2)
Have successfully completed high school or its equivalent;
(3)
Have assisted in not less than fifty (50) home inspections in the presence of a licensed home inspector; and
(4)
Have passed an examination approved or administered by the board. The examination may have been passed before July 1, 2013.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 140, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 305, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 409, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-65.1 - Home Inspectors › Section 5-65.1-6. - Identification cards and mandatory disclosures.

§ 5-65.1-6. Identification cards and mandatory disclosures.
(a)
Upon the issuance of a license by the board, an identification card shall also be issued to each licensed person.
(b)
All licensees subject to the provisions of this chapter must include their license number on all advertising proposals, contracts, inspection reports, and invoices displayed in a conspicuous manner.
(c)
Every written report of a home inspection provided to a client by a licensee must include:
(1)
A notice that any complaints regarding the home inspection or the home inspector or associate home inspector who performed it may be directed to the board, and shall also include the current address and telephone number of the board.
(2)
Where applicable, a disclosure that an inspection was performed by an associate home inspector.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 140, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-65.1 - Home Inspectors › Section 5-65.1-7. - Applicability.

§ 5-65.1-7. Applicability.
(a)
Any person who conducts a home inspection as defined by this chapter shall be licensed pursuant to this chapter and comply with all the requirements of this chapter and any subsequent rules or regulations promulgated by the board.
(b)
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to the following provided the person does not hold himself or herself out as a home inspector or one who performs home inspections as defined in this chapter:
(1)
Any person who is employed by a governmental agency or public body and acting within the scope of that government employment;
(2)
Any person regulated by the state as an architect, professional engineer, electrical contractor, or master plumber who is acting within the scope of practice of his or her profession or occupation;
(3)
Any state-licensed real estate broker, broker-salesperson, or salesperson, who is acting within the scope of his or her profession;
(4)
Any state-licensed real estate appraiser or certified general or residential real estate appraiser, who is acting within the scope of his or her profession;
(5)
Any person regulated by the state as an insurance adjuster who is acting within the scope of his or her profession;
(6)
Any person certified or registered as a pesticide applicator who is acting within the scope of his or her profession;
(7)
Any person performing an inspection under the supervision of a licensed home inspector for the purpose of meeting the requirements of § 5-65.1-5(3) to qualify for licensure as an associate home inspector;
(8)
Any person registered/licensed as a contractor in good standing in any state acting within the scope of his or her occupation and experience; and
(9)
Any person conducting real estate inspections as a part of the insurance underwriting process.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 140, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-65.1 - Home Inspectors › Section 5-65.1-8. - Reciprocity.

§ 5-65.1-8. Reciprocity.
Upon payment to the board of the requisite fee and submission of a completed application approved by the board, the board shall issue a home inspector license to any person who:
(1)
Holds a valid license issued by another state or possession of the United States or the District of Columbia that has standards substantially equivalent to those of this state as determined by the board; or
(2)
Is licensed in this state as a state certified real estate appraiser or to practice architecture or professional engineering, provided the person meets the requirements set forth in § 5-65.1-4(a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(4).
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 140, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-65.1 - Home Inspectors › Section 5-65.1-9. - Fees.

§ 5-65.1-9. Fees.
(a)
The board is empowered and directed to establish a fee schedule for the application, continuing education, examination, and reexamination of applicants for licensing; provided, that the fee for home inspector and associate home inspector licenses, and all subsequent renewals, shall be two hundred dollars ($200). All licenses issued by the board shall be valid for two (2) years.
(b)
Any fees established, prescribed, or changed by the board shall be to the extent necessary to defray all proper expenses incurred by the board and any staff employed to administer this chapter, except that fees shall not be fixed at a level that will raise revenues in excess of the amount estimated to be so required.
(c)
All fees and fines collected by the board shall be deposited as general revenues until June 30, 2008, and shall be allocated to provide sufficient resources to properly administer this program. Beginning July 1, 2008, all fees and fines collected by the board shall be deposited into a restricted-receipt account and shall be allocated to provide sufficient resources to properly administer this program.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 140, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 282, § 2; P.L. 2007, ch. 228, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-65.1 - Home Inspectors › Section 5-65.1-10. - Insurance requirements.

§ 5-65.1-10. Insurance requirements.
(a)
Every licensed home inspector and associate home inspector shall secure, maintain, and file with the board a certificate of insurance for an errors and omissions policy and a certificate of insurance for a general liability policy; both shall be for a minimum amount of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) in the aggregate. These certificates must be valid from the date a license is issued until the license expires. This proof shall be deemed satisfactory if the policy is carried by the corporation, partnership, or franchise for which the home inspector is a contracted employee and the home inspector or associate home inspector is specifically covered by such policy.
(b)
Every proof of an errors and omissions or general liability policy required to be filed with the board shall not be effective unless it provides that the insurance may not be canceled until at least ten (10) days’ notice of intention to cancel or to not renew has been received in writing by the board.
(c)
No contract provided by any licensed home inspector or associate home inspector shall contractually limit the liability of any such inspector to any amount less than the limits of insurance specified in subsection (a). Any such limitation provision in any home inspection contract issued on or after September 1, 2016, shall be void.
(d)
Failure of the licensee or corporation or partnership to maintain this insurance will result in the immediate loss of his or her license.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 140, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 282, § 2; P.L. 2007, ch. 228, § 3; P.L. 2016, ch. 513, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-65.1 - Home Inspectors › Section 5-65.1-12. - Licensing requirement and prohibitions.

§ 5-65.1-12. Licensing requirement and prohibitions.
(a)
Any person who provides, presents, calls, or represents himself or herself as a home inspector for compensation shall be licensed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
(b)
No person, not licensed as a home inspector or associate home inspector, shall advertise or hold himself or herself out as a home inspector, or impersonate a home inspector or associate home inspector.
(c)
No corporation, firm, association, or partnership shall engage in business as a home inspector or represent itself as an inspection company unless a licensed home inspector as provided in this chapter is continuously engaged in the supervision of its inspections.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 140, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 282, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-65.1 - Home Inspectors › Section 5-65.1-13. - Violations — Penalties.

§ 5-65.1-13. Violations — Penalties.
(a)
Any person who operates as a home inspector without a license as adjudged in a final order issued by the board, upon proper written notification, is deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction, shall be imprisoned for a term not exceeding one year, fined not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both, for a first or second offense. A third or subsequent violation of this subsection is to be deemed a felony and, upon conviction, the violator shall be imprisoned for a term not exceeding two (2) years, fined not more than two thousand dollars ($2,000), or both.
(b)
Any person who violates a final order of the board where the monetary total of the order including, but not limited to, the monetary judgment and/or fines, is not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), upon proper written notification, is deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be imprisoned for a term not exceeding one year, fined not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both.
(c)
Any person who violates a final order of the board where the monetary total of the order including, but not limited to, the monetary judgment and/or fines, is five thousand dollars ($5,000) or more, upon proper written notification, is deemed guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, shall be imprisoned for a term not exceeding ten (10) years, fined not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or both.
(d)
A final order shall be considered delivered when served to a defendant or designated agent to accept service. In addition to any sentence or fine imposed by the court under subsections (a), (b), and (c), the court shall order a defendant to comply with any outstanding final order of the board, including any monetary judgment and to pay to the board any outstanding fine or fines previously imposed by the board pursuant to this chapter. A final order of the board may also be enforced in a civil contempt proceeding brought upon complaint in the district court.
(e)
If a home inspector is a repeat offender with violations of three (3) or more final orders of the board with respect to three (3) separate contracts executed by three (3) separate individuals/aggrieved parties and the violations are filed within a twenty-four-month (24) period, the violation shall be prosecuted as a felony and, upon conviction, the violator shall be subject to imprisonment for a term not to exceed ten (10) years or fined not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or both.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 140, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 64, § 2; P.L. 2018, ch. 69, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-65.1 - Home Inspectors › Section 5-65.1-14. - Home inspector appointments to the board.

§ 5-65.1-14. Home inspector appointments to the board.
Notwithstanding any provisions in § 5-65-14 to the contrary, for a period of one year after the effective date of this chapter, the initial two (2) home inspectors appointed to the board shall not be required, at the time of their initial appointment, to be licensed under the provisions of this chapter, provided the appointed home inspectors have been engaged as home inspectors in this state for not less than five (5) years immediately preceding their appointment and have performed not less than one thousand (1,000) home inspections for compensation. Subsequent appointees to the board shall be licensed pursuant to this chapter and shall possess the foregoing minimum qualifications.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 140, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 228, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-65.2 - Rhode Island Well-Drilling, Pump Installers, and Water-Filtration Contractors Licensing Law › Section 5-65.2-1. - Short title and purpose.

§ 5-65.2-1. Short title and purpose.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Rhode Island Well-Drilling, Pump Installers, and Water-Filtration Contractors Licensing Law.” The purpose of this chapter is to establish a licensing program and minimum standards for governing and enforcing the installation, construction, repair, development, and abandonment of wells, well pumps, water-supply systems, water-treatment systems, and water-filtration systems to ensure competency in the field and to safeguard the public health and to provide an adequate supply of clean and uncontaminated water for all persons in the state. Nothing in this chapter should be construed as relieving a public water-supply system of complying with relevant statutes or with the rules and regulations pertaining to the certification of public drinking-water-supply treatment and public-drinking-water supply transmission and distribution operators (R23-65-DWQ).
History of Section.
P.L. 2012, ch. 241, art. 17, § 6; P.L. 2016, ch. 27, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 32, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 5 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 5-65.2 - Rhode Island Well-Drilling, Pump Installers, and Water-Filtration Contractors Licensing Law › Section 5-65.2-4. - Fees.

§ 5-65.2-4. Fees.
All persons seeking a well-drilling professional license shall submit a payment in the amount of two hundred dollars ($200), which shall support the licensing program, representing a license fee. All fines and fees collected pursuant to this chapter shall be deposited into a restricted-receipt account for the exclusive use of supporting programs established by the board.
History of Section.
P.L. 2012, ch. 241, art. 17, § 6.