reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-6 - Departments of State Government › Section 42-6-3. - Appointment of directors.

§ 42-6-3. Appointment of directors.
(a)
At the January session following his or her election to office, the governor shall appoint a director of administration, a director of revenue, a director of public safety, a director of human services, a director of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals, a director of transportation, a director of business regulation, a director of labor and training, a director of environmental management, a director for children, youth and families, and a director of corrections. The governor shall, in all cases of appointment of a director while the senate is in session, notify the senate of his or her appointment and the senate shall, within sixty (60) legislative days after receipt of the notice, act upon the appointment. If the senate shall, within sixty (60) legislative days, vote to disapprove the appointment, it shall so notify the governor, who shall forthwith appoint and notify the senate of the appointment of a different person as director and so on in like manner until the senate shall fail to so vote disapproval of the governor’s appointment. If the senate shall fail, for sixty (60) legislative days next after notice, to act upon any appointment of which it has been notified by the governor, the person so appointed shall be the director. The governor may withdraw any appointment of which he or she has given notice to the senate, at any time within sixty (60) legislative days thereafter and before action has been taken thereon by the senate.
(b)
Except as expressly provided in § 42-6-9, and except that the governor may enter into a contract of employment for a director of the department of children, youth and families for a period of time up to three (3) years, no director of any department shall be appointed or employed pursuant to any contract of employment for a period of time greater than the remainder of the governor’s current term of office. Any contract entered into in violation of this section after July 1, 1994, is hereby declared null and void.
History of Section.
P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 4; P.L. 1941, ch. 1070, § 2; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2727, art. 1, § 3; P.L. 1951, ch. 2752, § 22; G.L. 1956, § 46-6-3; P.L. 1961, ch. 99, § 1; impl. am. P.L. 1964, ch. 233; impl. am. P.L. 1965, ch. 137; impl. am. P.L. 1968, ch. 197; impl. am. P.L. 1970, ch. 111, § 1; Reorg. Plan No. 1, 1970; P.L. 1974, ch. 100, § 3; P.L. 1976, ch. 290, § 10; P.L. 1977, ch. 182, § 15; P.L. 1978, ch. 7, § 1; P.L. 1980, ch. 191, § 2; P.L. 1983, ch. 23, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 181, art. 61, § 13; P.L. 1985, ch. 365, § 2; P.L. 1991, ch. 206, § 12; P.L. 1993, ch. 216, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 422, § 9; P.L. 1994, ch. 14, § 9; P.L. 1994, ch. 111, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 428, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 12, § 5; P.L. 1996, ch. 100, art. 29, § 8; P.L. 1997, ch. 254, § 2; P.L. 2004, ch. 590, § 2; P.L. 2006, ch. 246, art. 38, § 7; P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 9, § 9; P.L. 2019, ch. 88, art. 4, § 12; P.L. 2021, ch. 162, art. 3, § 9, effective July 6, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-6 - Departments of State Government › Section 42-6-4. - Filling of vacancies.

§ 42-6-4. Filling of vacancies.
(a)
In case of a vacancy in any of the offices listed in § 42-6-3 while the senate is in session, the governor shall appoint a director to hold the office until his or her successor is appointed and qualified; provided, however, that no person so appointed shall serve in such position for more than ten (10) days unless that person’s name shall have been submitted to the senate for its approval.
(b)
In case of a vacancy while the senate is not in session, the governor shall appoint a director to hold the office until the next session thereof; provided, however, that no person should serve in such position for more than three (3) legislative days after the senate convenes unless that person’s name shall have been submitted to the senate for its approval.
(c)
In no case shall the governor appoint or designate any person to serve as “interim” or “acting” director of any department in circumvention of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 42-6-4; P.L. 1994, ch. 111, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 428, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-6 - Departments of State Government › Section 42-6-5. - Executive assignment of duties and functions.

§ 42-6-5. Executive assignment of duties and functions.
Whenever the governor shall deem it to be desirable, he or she may designate and define within the limits of any department the agency or the official thereof which shall perform any specific or special function designated by law to be performed within a particular department, and any administrative function of government established by law that may not be specifically enumerated in this title shall be performed by such appropriate department as the governor may designate. Nothing herein shall authorize the governor to transfer any duties or administrative function of government designated by law to be performed within a particular department to any other department.
History of Section.
P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 5; P.L. 1945, ch. 1633, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 42-6-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-6 - Departments of State Government › Section 42-6-6. - Performance of powers and duties.

§ 42-6-6. Performance of powers and duties.
All the powers and duties conferred by law upon and required to be performed by the several state departments, divisions, and other administrative agencies shall hereafter be exercised, performed, and administered by the general officers, the directors of the several departments and the boards, commissions, and agencies specified in this title.
History of Section.
P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 42-6-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-6 - Departments of State Government › Section 42-6-7. - Functions of abolished agencies.

§ 42-6-7. Functions of abolished agencies.
All powers, duties, and functions heretofore exercised by any division, bureau, or other agency abolished by chapter 660 of the Public Laws of 1939, or by the chief of any such division, bureau, or agency, shall be exercised by the head of the department or by the agency to which they are assigned in this title.
History of Section.
P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 42-6-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-6 - Departments of State Government › Section 42-6-8. - Assignment of functions within departments.

§ 42-6-8. Assignment of functions within departments.
The head of any state department, except as otherwise provided by law, may assign the functions vested in his or her department to those subordinate officers and employees as may to him or her seem desirable, including the power to appoint a delegate to serve in the director’s place and stead on any of the various boards or commissions to which a director may be appointed. The delegate shall have the same power and authority that would be afforded the director while serving on the board, including the power to vote, provided that the appointment shall be made in writing and shall be filed with the secretary of state. The director may with the approval of the governor establish within the department those subdivisions or other administrative or organization units which may to the head seem desirable in order to expedite the work of the department in the interests of economy and efficiency, and in accordance with good administrative principles and practices. No person other than the head of a department or of an independent agency may challenge the authority of his or her or its agent to do any act which the department head or independent agency is authorized by law to do.
History of Section.
P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 42-6-8; P.L. 1976, ch. 149, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-6 - Departments of State Government › Section 42-6-9. - Director of health.

§ 42-6-9. Director of health.
There shall be a director of health who shall hold office for the term of five (5) years from the time of his or her appointment and until his or her successor is duly appointed and qualified. The director shall be eligible for reappointment, and shall not engage in any other occupation.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 42-6-9; P.L. 1961, ch. 99, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-6 - Departments of State Government › Section 42-6-10. - Qualifications of director of health.

§ 42-6-10. Qualifications of director of health.
The director of health shall be a physician graduated by an acceptable medical college recognized by one of the medical examining boards of the state and shall have had a minimum of one year of university graduate instruction in public health administration as evidenced by a certificate of graduation or a degree in public health, or board certification in a medical specialty and a minimum of five (5) years full time experience in health administration.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 42-6-10; P.L. 1961, ch. 99, § 2; P.L. 1983, ch. 21, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-6 - Departments of State Government › Section 42-6-11. - Appointment.

§ 42-6-11. Appointment.
The governor shall appoint a director of health and in all cases of appointment of the director of health the governor shall while the senate is in session, notify the senate of his or her appointment and the senate shall, within sixty (60) legislative days after receipt of the notice, act upon the appointment. If the senate shall, within sixty (60) legislative days, vote to disapprove the appointment it shall notify the governor, who shall forthwith appoint and notify the senate of the appointment of a different person as director and so on in like manner until the senate shall fail to vote disapproval of the governor’s appointment. If the senate shall fail, for sixty (60) legislative days next after notice, to act upon any appointment of which it has been notified by the governor, the person appointed shall be the director. The governor may withdraw any appointment of which he or she has given notice to the senate, at any time within sixty (60) legislative days thereafter and before action has been taken thereon by the senate.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 42-6-11; P.L. 1961, ch. 99, § 2; P.L. 1981, ch. 67, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 254, § 2; P.L. 1998, ch. 326, § 2; P.L. 2004, ch. 590, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-6 - Departments of State Government › Section 42-6-12. - Filling of vacancies.

§ 42-6-12. Filling of vacancies.
Any vacancy in the office of director of health shall be filled in the same manner as provided in § 42-6-4.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 42-6-12; P.L. 1961, ch. 99, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-6 - Departments of State Government › Section 42-6-13. - Assignment and performance of powers, duties and functions.

§ 42-6-13. Assignment and performance of powers, duties and functions.
The provisions of §§ 42-6-5 — 42-6-8, shall apply to the department of health and to the director of health.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 42-6-13; P.L. 1961, ch. 99, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-6 - Departments of State Government › Section 42-6-15. - Information technology projects.

§ 42-6-15. Information technology projects.
For all requests for proposals which are issued for information technology projects, a corresponding information technology project manager shall be assigned.
History of Section.
P.L. 2017, ch. 192, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 251, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-6.1 - Governor’s Commerce and Workforce Coordination Cabinet › Section 42-6.1-1. - Creation — Members.

§ 42-6.1-1. Creation — Members.
There is hereby established within the executive branch of state government a commerce and workforce coordination cabinet comprised of officials from state agencies with responsibility and oversight relating to economic and workforce development. The cabinet shall include, but not be limited to, the following members, upon his or her appointment: the secretary of commerce, the director of the commerce corporation, the director of the department of transportation, the director of the department of administration, the director of the department of revenue, the director of the department of human services, the commissioner of higher education, the commissioner of elementary and secondary education, the director of the department of business regulation, the director of the department of environmental management, the director of the department of labor and training, the director of the department of corrections, the chair of the governor’s workforce board, or his or her designee, and the executive director of Rhode Island housing.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 489, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 492, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 500, § 6; P.L. 2014, ch. 551, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-6.1 - Governor’s Commerce and Workforce Coordination Cabinet › Section 42-6.1-2. - Appointment of chair — Meetings.

§ 42-6.1-2. Appointment of chair — Meetings.
(a)
The cabinet shall be co-chaired by the director of the commerce corporation and the director of the department of labor and training until such time that the secretary of commerce is appointed.
(b)
Upon the appointment of a secretary of commerce, the secretary of commerce shall be chair.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 489, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 492, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-6.1 - Governor’s Commerce and Workforce Coordination Cabinet › Section 42-6.1-3. - Purpose of cabinet.

§ 42-6.1-3. Purpose of cabinet.
The governor’s commerce and workforce coordinating cabinet shall provide for the integration and coordination of the activities of the various agencies and departments that are involved in the development of the Rhode Island economy and its workforce and ensure the consistent implementation of the economic development policy and strategic plan developed in accordance with § 42-64.17-1.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 489, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 492, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 56.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-6.2 - 2021 Act on Climate › Section 42-6.2-1. - Climate change coordinating council — Creation — Members.

§ 42-6.2-1. Climate change coordinating council — Creation — Members.
There is hereby established within the executive branch of state government a Rhode Island executive climate change coordinating council (the “council”) comprised of officials from state agencies with responsibility and oversight relating to assessing, integrating, and coordinating climate change efforts. The council shall include, but not be limited to, the following members: the director of the department of environmental management; the executive director of the coastal resources management council; the director of the department of administration; the director of the department of transportation; the director of the department of health; the director of the emergency management agency; the commissioner of the office of energy resources; the director of the division of planning; the executive director of the Rhode Island infrastructure bank; the administrator of the division of public utilities and carriers; the chief executive officer of the Rhode Island public transit authority; the secretary of the executive office of health and human services; and the secretary of the Rhode Island commerce corporation.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 343, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 392, § 1; P.L. 2021, ch. 1, § 2, effective April 10, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 2, § 2, effective April 10, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-6.2 - 2021 Act on Climate › Section 42-6.2-3. - Support for the council.

§ 42-6.2-3. Support for the council.
To support the council’s work, state agencies shall:
(1)
Assist the council in implementing the provisions of this chapter;
(2)
Develop short- and long-term greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies and track the progress of these strategies;
(3)
Lead by example and, to the maximum extent feasible, purchase alternative fuel, hybrid, and electric vehicles that produce lower total emissions of greenhouse gases and develop programs to encourage state employees to reduce their vehicle miles and use sustainable transportation alternatives, including public transit systems;
(4)
Implement programs to achieve energy savings in state and municipal buildings to reduce greenhouse gases, reduce expenditures on energy, and stimulate economic and job development;
(5)
Increase the deployment of in-state generation of renewable energy and energy efficiency;
(6)
Support efforts to expand Rhode Island’s green economy and develop green infrastructure;
(7)
Assess the vulnerability of infrastructure and natural systems, including, but not limited to, roads, bridges, dams, and wastewater and drinking water treatment facilities, and riverine and coastal habitats, to impacts on climate change and implement strategies to relocate or protect and adapt these assets;
(8)
Work with relevant academic institutions and federal agencies to assess the threats of sea level rise, erosion, and storm surge, and communicate these assessments and threats, along with potential tools to address them, to state agencies and affected communities;
(9)
Develop plans, policies, and solutions based on the latest science to ensure the state continues to have a vibrant coastal economy, including protection of critical infrastructure, and a vibrant and resilient food system that can provide affordable access to healthy food for all Rhode Islanders;
(10)
Address recommendations to reduce health impacts associated with climate change and protect the populations most vulnerable to the effects of climate change and at risk of pollution, displacement, energy burden, and cost;
(11)
Encourage municipalities to incorporate climate change adaptation into local hazard mitigation plans and, when feasible, into hazard mitigation projects;
(12)
Take affirmative steps to eliminate and avoid duplication of effort through consistent coordination between agencies and programs, and pooling of resources, so as to make the most cost-efficient use of the state resources and provide the most effective services; and
(13)
Foster public transparency by developing public metrics and an online public dashboard that shall track both emissions reductions and sources of energy consumed by the state. The metrics and the dashboard shall be updated at least annually.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 343, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 392, § 1; P.L. 2021, ch. 1, § 2, effective April 10, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 2, § 2, effective April 10, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-6.2 - 2021 Act on Climate › Section 42-6.2-3.1. - Funding for the council.

§ 42-6.2-3.1. Funding for the council.
There is hereby established a restricted receipt account in the general fund of the state and housed in the budget of the department of administration entitled “RGGI-executive climate change coordinating council projects.” The express purpose of this account is to record receipts and expenditures allocated pursuant to § 23-82-6(a)(7).
The Rhode Island executive climate change coordinating council shall report annually to the governor and general assembly within one hundred twenty (120) days of the end of each calendar year how the funds were used to achieve the statutory objectives of the 2021 Act on Climate.
History of Section.
P.L. 2023, ch. 79, art. 5, § 3, effective June 16, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-6.2 - 2021 Act on Climate › Section 42-6.2-5. - Science and technical advisory board established — Members.

§ 42-6.2-5. Science and technical advisory board established — Members.
(a)
The Rhode Island executive climate change council science and technical advisory board is hereby established. The science and technical advisory board shall have nine (9) members, appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate. Four (4) members shall be from institutions of higher education in the state; two (2) shall be from research laboratories located in the state; and three (3) shall be from state agencies with expertise in, and responsibility for, addressing issues pertaining to climate change.
(b)
The members of the science and technical advisory board shall be appointed for terms of three (3) years; provided, however, that, with regard to the initial appointments, three (3) members shall be appointed for terms of one year; three (3) members shall be appointed for a term of two (2) years; and three (3) members shall be appointed for a term of three (3) years. Members may serve not more than three (3) successive terms and their appointments shall continue until their successors are appointed. A vacancy other than by expiration shall be filled in the manner of the original appointment, but only for the unexpired portion of the term.
(c)
Members of the advisory board shall receive no compensation.
(d)
The governor shall appoint a chairperson; a vice-chairperson and secretary shall be elected annually by the advisory board members. All officers of the advisory board shall serve until their successors have been duly appointed or elected.
(e)
The advisory board shall meet at least quarterly or at the call of the chairperson of the council.
(f)
The advisory board shall have the following purposes and duties:
(1)
Keep the executive climate change council abreast of important developments in scientific and technical information relating to climate change and resiliency;
(2)
Explore and advise the council regarding opportunities to provide timely support for key policy and management decisions by aligning academic research around issues of climate change and resiliency;
(3)
Inventory the scientific and technical work being done by public-and private-sector entities, and evaluate options to coordinate or integrate/consolidate such work in order to achieve greater efficiency, save resources, and provide better services;
(4)
Make recommendations and provide policy advice to the council regarding research needs and priorities, resource allocation, and funding opportunities;
(5)
Assist the council in communicating scientific and technical information to key user groups and the general public; and
(6)
Prepare an annual report, to be included in the annual report of the council, evaluating to what extent the state’s policies and programs aimed at mitigating and adapting to climate change are supported by the best available science and technical information.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 343, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 392, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-6.2 - 2021 Act on Climate › Section 42-6.2-6. - Open government requirements.

§ 42-6.2-6. Open government requirements.
The council and advisory board shall be subject to the provisions of chapter 46 of title 42 (the open meetings act) and chapter 2 of title 38 (the access to public records act). Any rules and regulations, or any amendments to rules and regulations, to carry out the requirements of this chapter shall be adopted in accordance with the provisions of chapter 35 of title 42 (the administrative procedures act).
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 343, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 392, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-6.2 - 2021 Act on Climate › Section 42-6.2-7. - Reporting.

§ 42-6.2-7. Reporting.
No later than May 1, 2015, and annually thereafter, the council shall issue a report of its findings, recommendations, and progress on achieving the purposes and requirements of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 343, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 392, § 1; P.L. 2021, ch. 1, § 2, effective April 10, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 2, § 2, effective April 10, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-6.2 - 2021 Act on Climate › Section 42-6.2-8. - Powers and duties of state agencies — Exercise of existing authority.

§ 42-6.2-8. Powers and duties of state agencies — Exercise of existing authority.
Addressing the impacts on climate change shall be deemed to be within the powers, duties, and obligations of all state departments, agencies, commissions, councils, and instrumentalities, including quasi-public agencies, and each shall exercise among its purposes in the exercise of its existing authority, the purposes set forth in this chapter pertaining to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience in so far as climate change affects its mission, duties, responsibilities, projects, or programs. Each agency shall have the authority to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to meet the greenhouse gas emission reduction mandate established by § 42-6.2-9.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 343, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 392, § 1; P.L. 2021, ch. 1, § 2, effective April 10, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 2, § 2, effective April 10, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-6.2 - 2021 Act on Climate › Section 42-6.2-9. - Statewide greenhouse gas emission reduction mandate.

§ 42-6.2-9. Statewide greenhouse gas emission reduction mandate.
Mandatory targets for emissions reduction:
It is hereby established that the state shall reduce its statewide greenhouse gas emissions to the targets set forth in § 42-6.2-2(a)(2)(i), as those targets may from time to time be revised, and that achieving those targets shall be mandatory under the provisions of this chapter. The targets at the time of the enactment of this act [April 10, 2021] are that greenhouse gas emissions shall be ten percent (10%) below 1990 levels by 2020, shall be forty-five percent (45%) below 1990 levels by 2030; eighty percent (80%) below 1990 levels by 2040, and shall be net-zero emissions by 2050.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 1, § 3, effective April 10, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 2, § 3, effective April 10, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-6.2 - 2021 Act on Climate › Section 42-6.2-10. - Enforcement.

§ 42-6.2-10. Enforcement.
(a)
The provisions of this chapter may be enforced by means of an action in the superior court seeking either injunctive relief, a declaratory judgment, a writ of mandamus, or any combination thereof, for:
(1)
Climate plans required by § 42-6.2-2(a)(2); or
(2)
The greenhouse gas emissions reduction mandate required by § 42-6.2-9.
(b)
No such action may be commenced without the plaintiff providing written notice of the violations of this chapter to defendants at least sixty (60) days prior to filing a legal action in superior court. Where the defendant is a government entity, no costs or fees shall be awarded if a court determines that substantive action was taken during the sixty-day (60) period. No such action shall be brought before 2026.
(c)
Unless otherwise authorized in this chapter, no such action shall be brought prior to 2026.
(d)
Venue for such actions shall be proper in the superior court.
(e)
The Rhode Island attorney general, any Rhode Island resident, and any Rhode Island corporation, company, organization, nonprofit, or other Rhode Island legal entity or organization registered with the Rhode Island secretary of state may bring a civil action to enforce this chapter.
(f)
The court may award costs of litigation (including reasonable attorney and expert witness fees) to any substantially prevailing party. Provided, however, nothing in this section shall restrict any right which any person (or class of persons) may have under any statute or common law.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 1, § 3, effective April 10, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 2, § 3, effective April 10, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-6.2 - 2021 Act on Climate › Section 42-6.2-11. - Liberal construction.

§ 42-6.2-11. Liberal construction.
This chapter, being necessary for the welfare of the state and its inhabitants, shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate its purposes.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 1, § 3, effective April 10, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 2, § 3, effective April 10, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-6.2 - 2021 Act on Climate › Section 42-6.2-12. - Severability.

§ 42-6.2-12. Severability.
If any clause, sentence, paragraph, section, or part of this chapter shall be adjudged by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, that judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder of the chapter but shall be confined in its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph, section, or part directly involved in the controversy in which that judgment shall have been rendered.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 1, § 3, effective April 10, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 2, § 3, effective April 10, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-7 - Executive Department › Section 42-7-1. - Establishment — Powers of governor.

§ 42-7-1. Establishment — Powers of governor.
There shall be an executive department. The head of the executive department shall be the governor. The governor shall have all powers and duties provided by R.I. Const., Art. IX, and by chapter 1 of title 43, and as further prescribed in all general laws and public laws relating to powers and duties of the governor.
History of Section.
P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 42-7-1; P.L. 1988, ch. 84, § 80.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-7 - Executive Department › Section 42-7-2. - Secretary and employees.

§ 42-7-2. Secretary and employees.
There shall be in the executive department an executive secretary and a chief clerk. The governor may appoint such clerical assistants and other employees as he or she may deem necessary.
History of Section.
P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 11; G.L. 1956, § 42-7-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-7 - Executive Department › Section 42-7-3. - Duties of chief clerk.

§ 42-7-3. Duties of chief clerk.
It shall be the duty of the chief clerk to file and keep a record of all official communications, books and documents of a public nature transmitted to the executive department and transfer those communications, books and documents to his or her successor in office in accordance with the provisions of §§ 38-1-1 and 38-1-2.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 20, § 8; P.L. 1926, ch. 773, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 6, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 42-7-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-7 - Executive Department › Section 42-7-4. - Flag and pennant of governor.

§ 42-7-4. Flag and pennant of governor.
The flag and pennant of the governor shall be white, bearing on each side the following: A gold anchor on a shield with a blue field and gold border; above the shield, a gold scroll bearing the words in blue letters “State of Rhode Island”; below the shield, a gold scroll bearing in blue letters the word “Hope”; the shield and scrolls to be surrounded by four (4) blue stars; both the flag and pennant to be edged with yellow fringe.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 5, § 4; P.L. 1931, ch. 1699, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 19, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 42-7-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-7 - Executive Department › Section 42-7-5. - Transfer of functions from the department of community affairs to the governor’s office of energy assistance.

§ 42-7-5. Transfer of functions from the department of community affairs to the governor’s office of energy assistance.
(a)
There is hereby transferred to the governor’s office of energy assistance, or its successor, those functions formerly administered by the department of community affairs relating to:
(1)
Home energy assistance program; and
(2)
Weatherization program.
(b)
In addition to any of its other powers and responsibilities, the department is authorized and empowered to accept any grants made available by the United States government or any agency thereof, and the department, with the approval of the governor, is authorized and empowered to perform those acts and enter into all necessary contracts and agreements with the United States of America or any agency thereof which may be necessary in the manner and degree which shall be deemed to be in the best interests of the state. The proceeds of any grants so received shall be paid to the general treasurer of the state and deposited by him or her in a separate fund and shall be utilized for the purposes of that grant or those grants.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 181, art. 61, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-7 - Executive Department › Section 42-7-6. - Transfer of functions from the department of community affairs to the governor’s office of intergovernmental relations.

§ 42-7-6. Transfer of functions from the department of community affairs to the governor’s office of intergovernmental relations.
(a)
There is hereby transferred to the governor’s office of intergovernmental relations, or its successor, those functions formerly administered by the department of community affairs relating to:
(1)
Administration support to federal grants;
(2)
Community development block grants; and
(3)
Federal housing assistance programs.
(b)
In addition to any of its other powers and responsibilities, the department is authorized and empowered to accept any grants made available by the United States government or any agency thereof, and the department, with the approval of the governor, is authorized and empowered to perform those acts and enter into all necessary contracts and agreements with the United States of America or any agency thereof which may be necessary in the manner and degree which shall be deemed to be in the best interest of the state. The proceeds of any grants so received shall be paid to the general treasurer of the state and deposited by him or her in a separate fund and shall be utilized for the purposes of those grants.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 181, art. 61, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-7 - Executive Department › Section 42-7-6.1. - Drug program established — Use of the fund.

§ 42-7-6.1. Drug program established — Use of the fund.
There is hereby established the drug program account which shall be administered by the general treasurer in accordance with the same laws and fiscal procedures as the general funds of the state. The fund shall consist of such sums collected as a result of the taxpayer check-off as provided for in § 44-30-2.4. The governor is authorized to accept any grant, devise, bequest, donation, gift, or assignment of money, bonds, or other valuable securities for deposit as general revenues.
History of Section.
P.L. 1990, ch. 322, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 418, § 9; P.L. 1993, ch. 216, § 2; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 40, § 127.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-7 - Executive Department › Section 42-7-7. - Transfer of functions from the E-911 uniform emergency telephone system authority to the executive department of public safety.

§ 42-7-7. Transfer of functions from the E-911 uniform emergency telephone system authority to the executive department of public safety.
(a)
There is hereby transferred to the department of public safety all of the powers, authority and duties necessary to operate the E-911 uniform emergency telephone system contained in chapter 21 of title 39.
(b)
The corporate existence of the E-911 uniform emergency telephone system authority is hereby terminated and all its rights and properties are hereby vested in the E-911 uniform emergency telephone system division in the department of public safety of the state of Rhode Island.
(c)
In addition to any of its other powers and responsibilities, the department of public safety is authorized and empowered to accept any grants made available by the United States government or any agency thereof, and the division, with the approval of the governor, is authorized and empowered to perform such acts and enter into all necessary contracts and agreements with the United States of America or any agency thereof as may be necessary in such manner and degree as shall be deemed to be in the best interest of the state. The proceeds of grants so received shall be paid to the general treasurer of the state and by him or her deposited in a separate fund and shall be utilized for the purposes of the grants.
(d)
E-911 uniform emergency telephone system benefits are extremely valuable and this service would be an enhancement to the quality of life throughout our state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 126, art. 36, § 2; P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 9, § 10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-7 - Executive Department › Section 42-7-8. - American Recovery and Reinvestment Act administration expenses.

§ 42-7-8. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act administration expenses.
(a)
There is hereby created restricted receipt accounts, within the office of the governor, for the office of economic recovery and reinvestment, and within the department of administration for the office of internal audit and the division of purchasing, to be known as ARRA administrative expense accounts. Payments from the accounts shall be limited to expenses for administrative oversight of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds. The governor’s office of economic recovery and reinvestment is authorized by OMB memorandum 09-18 to receive up to one-half percent (0.5%) of stimulus funding to cover oversight expenses.
(b)
All amounts deposited in the ARRA administration accounts shall be exempt from the indirect cost recovery provisions of § 35-4-27.
(c)
It is hereby provided, at the end of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act oversight period, balances from the ARRA administrative accounts shall revert to general revenues.
History of Section.
P.L. 2010, ch. 23, art. 8, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-7 - Executive Department › Section 42-7-9. - Cybersecurity incident response group.

§ 42-7-9. Cybersecurity incident response group.
(a)
The governor shall establish a cybersecurity incident response group, which shall include the superintendent of the Rhode Island state police, or designee; the adjutant general of the Rhode Island national guard, or designee; the director of the Rhode Island division of information technology, or designee; the director of the Rhode Island emergency management agency, or designee; the executive director of the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns, or designee; and the secretary of state, or designee.
(b)
The cybersecurity incident response group shall:
(1)
Establish communication protocols in the event of a breach of cybersecurity in any agency or public body. The protocols shall include, but not be limited to:
(i)
A list of potential cybersecurity breaches that would require reporting;
(ii)
State and local entities covered within the communication plan;
(iii)
Mechanisms to communicate a cybersecurity breach in a timely manner to members of the public and other relevant parties who may be affected by the breach; and
(iv)
Primary contact at each agency or public body.
(c)
The cybersecurity incident response group shall also establish long-term policy planning and goals for the state and municipalities regarding evolving cybersecurity threats and how to address them in a coordinated manner.
(d)
The cybersecurity incident response group shall be subject to chapter 46 of this title (open meetings) and chapter 2 of title 38 (access to public records).
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 59, § 3, effective June 15, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 60, § 3, effective June 15, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-7.2 - Office of Health and Human Services › Section 42-7.2-1. - Statement of intent.

§ 42-7.2-1. Statement of intent.
The purpose of this Chapter is to develop a consumer-centered system of publicly-financed state administered health and human services that supports access to high quality services, protects the safety of the state’s most vulnerable citizens, and ensures the efficient use of all available resources by the four (4) departments responsible for the health and human services programs serving all Rhode Islanders and providing direct assistance and support services to more than 250,000 individuals and families: the department of children, youth and families; the department of health; the department of human services; and the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals, collectively referred to within as “departments.” It is recognized that the executive office of health and human services and the departments have undertaken a variety of initiatives to further this goal and that they share a commitment to continue to work in concert to preserve and promote each other’s unique missions while striving to attain better outcomes for all the people and communities they serve. However, recent and expected changes in federal and state policies and funding priorities that affect the financing, organization, and delivery of health and human services programs pose new challenges and opportunities that have created an even greater need for structured and formal interdepartmental cooperation and collaboration. To meet this need while continuing to build on the achievements that have already been made, the interests of all Rhode Islanders will best be served by codifying in the state’s general laws the purposes and responsibilities of the executive office of health and human services and the position of secretary of health and human services.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 246, art. 38, § 19; P.L. 2012, ch. 241, art. 18, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-7.2 - Office of Health and Human Services › Section 42-7.2-2. - Executive office of health and human services.

§ 42-7.2-2. Executive office of health and human services.
There is hereby established within the executive branch of state government an executive office of health and human services to serve as the principal agency of the executive branch of state government for managing the departments of children, youth and families, health, human services, and behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals. In this capacity, the office shall:
(a)
Lead the state’s four (4) health and human services departments in order to:
(1)
Improve the economy, efficiency, coordination, and quality of health and human services policy and planning, budgeting, and financing.
(2)
Design strategies and implement best practices that foster service access, consumer safety, and positive outcomes.
(3)
Maximize and leverage funds from all available public and private sources, including federal financial participation, grants, and awards.
(4)
Increase public confidence by conducting independent reviews of health and human services issues in order to promote accountability and coordination across departments.
(5)
Ensure that state health and human services policies and programs are responsive to changing consumer needs and to the network of community providers that deliver assistive services and supports on their behalf.
(6)
Administer Rhode Island Medicaid in the capacity of the single state agency authorized under title XIX of the U.S. Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1396a et seq., and exercise such single state agency authority for such other federal and state programs as may be designated by the governor. Except as provided for herein, nothing in this chapter shall be construed as transferring to the secretary the powers, duties, or functions conferred upon the departments by Rhode Island general laws for the management and operations of programs or services approved for federal financial participation under the authority of the Medicaid state agency.
(7)
To act in conjunction with the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals as the state’s co-designated agency (42 U.S.C. § 300x-30(a)) for administering federal aid and for the purposes of the calculation of expenditures relative to the substance-abuse block grant and federal funding maintenance of effort.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 246, art. 38, § 19; P.L. 2007, ch. 73, art. 3, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 68, art. 5, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 241, art. 18, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 141, art. 5, § 20; P.L. 2016, ch. 142, art. 4, § 22; P.L. 2017, ch. 302, art. 9, § 8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-7.2 - Office of Health and Human Services › Section 42-7.2-3. - Secretary of health and human services — Appointment.

§ 42-7.2-3. Secretary of health and human services — Appointment.
The executive office of health and human services shall be administered by a secretary of health and human services, hereafter referred to as “secretary”. The position of secretary is hereby created in the unclassified service. The secretary shall be appointed by the governor, and shall be subject to advice and consent of the senate. The secretary shall hold office at the pleasure of the governor and until a successor is appointed and qualified. Before entering upon the discharge of duties, the secretary shall take an oath to faithfully execute the duties of the office.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 246, art. 38, § 19.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-7.2 - Office of Health and Human Services › Section 42-7.2-4. - Responsibilities of the secretary.

§ 42-7.2-4. Responsibilities of the secretary.
(a)
The secretary shall be responsible to the governor for supervising the executive office of health and human services and for managing and providing strategic leadership and direction to the four (4) departments.
(b)
Notwithstanding the provisions set forth in this chapter, the governor shall appoint the directors of the departments within the executive office of health and human services. Directors appointed to those departments shall continue to be subject to the advice and consent of the senate and shall continue to hold office as set forth in §§ 42-6-1 et seq. and 42-72-1(c).
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 246, art. 38, § 19; P.L. 2007, ch. 73, art. 3, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 241, art. 18, § 1.