reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-7.4 - The Healthcare Services Funding Plan Act › Section 42-7.4-12. - Rules and regulations.

§ 42-7.4-12. Rules and regulations.
The secretary is authorized to make and promulgate rules, regulations, and procedures not inconsistent with state law and fiscal procedures as he or she deems necessary for the proper administration of this healthcare services funding plan act and to carry out the provisions, policies, and purposes of this chapter including, but not limited to, data it must collect from insurers for the correct computation of the healthcare services funding contribution, collaboration with other state agencies for collecting necessary information, and the form of the return and the data that it must contain for the correct computation of the healthcare services funding contribution.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 145, art. 16, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-7.4 - The Healthcare Services Funding Plan Act › Section 42-7.4-13. - Excluded coverage from the healthcare services funding plan act.

§ 42-7.4-13. Excluded coverage from the healthcare services funding plan act.
(a)
In addition to any exclusion and exemption contained elsewhere in this chapter, this chapter shall not apply to insurance coverage providing benefits for, nor shall an individual be deemed a contribution enrollee solely by virtue of receiving benefits for the following:
(1)
Hospital confinement indemnity;
(2)
Disability income;
(3)
Accident only;
(4)
Long-term care;
(5)
Medicare supplement;
(6)
Limited benefit health;
(7)
Specified disease indemnity;
(8)
Sickness or bodily injury or death by accident or both; and
(9)
Other limited benefit policies.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 145, art. 16, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-7.4 - The Healthcare Services Funding Plan Act › Section 42-7.4-14. - Impact on health insurance rates.

§ 42-7.4-14. Impact on health insurance rates.
(a) Allocation.
An insurer required to make a healthcare services funding contribution may pass on the cost of that contribution in the cost of its services, such as its premium rates (for insurers), without being required to specifically allocate those costs to individuals or populations that actually incurred the contribution. The costs are to be fairly allocated among the market segments incurring such costs.
(b) Oversight.
The health insurance commissioner shall ensure, through the rate review and approval process, that the rates filed for fully insured groups and individuals, pursuant to chapter 18.5, 18.6 or 50 of title 27, reflect the transition to the funding method described in this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 145, art. 16, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-7.4 - The Healthcare Services Funding Plan Act › Section 42-7.4-15. - Study on expansion of healthcare services funding program.

§ 42-7.4-15. Study on expansion of healthcare services funding program.
Recognizing the value of the immunization programs to municipal employees, police, fire, and other public safety officers, and to teachers and other school district employees, the director of the department of health or his or her designee shall meet with representatives and agencies of local governments, including but not limited to the league of cities and towns, the division of municipal finance, the association of police chiefs, the association of fire chiefs, and the association of school committees, to obtain and share information regarding the effectiveness of the program and the manner and timing under which municipalities shall become included in the funding method described in this section. The department shall also seek clarification from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regarding the extent to which Medicare, Medicare managed care organizations, and Medicare supplement plans could become included in the funding method described in this section. The department shall report its findings to the chairpersons of the house finance committee and senate finance committee not later than April 1, 2015.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 145, art. 16, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8 - Department of State › Section 42-8-1. - Head of department — Duties.

§ 42-8-1. Head of department — Duties.
There shall be a department of state. The head of the department of state shall be the secretary of state. The secretary of state shall perform the duties required by this chapter and by chapter 2 of title 6; chapters 1 to 4, inclusive, of title 7; chapters 16, 19, and 20 of title 17; chapters 3 and 10 of title 22; chapters 1 to 3 and 4, of title 29; chapter 1 of title 36; chapter 7 of title 37; chapter 30 of this title; chapters 1 and 2 of title 43; chapter 6 of title 44; and any and all other provisions of the general laws and public laws insofar as such powers and duties relate to the secretary of state and the department of state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 30; G.L. 1956, § 42-8-1; P.L. 1988, ch. 84, § 81.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8 - Department of State › Section 42-8-2. - Keeper of the seal.

§ 42-8-2. Keeper of the seal.
The secretary of state shall be the keeper of the seal of the state.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 16, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 22, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 21, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 9, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 42-8-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8 - Department of State › Section 42-8-3. - Documents of general assembly.

§ 42-8-3. Documents of general assembly.
The secretary of state shall keep and preserve in his or her office all acts and resolves passed by the general assembly, and all original papers relating to assembly proceedings.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 16, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 22, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 21, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 9, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 42-8-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8 - Department of State › Section 42-8-4. - Affixing seal — Authenticated copies of papers.

§ 42-8-4. Affixing seal — Authenticated copies of papers.
The secretary of state shall affix the seal of this state to acts, commissions, certificates and other papers in his or her office, in all cases required by law; and shall give copies duly authenticated, of any official paper, whenever required and paid therefor.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 16, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 22, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 21, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 9, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 42-8-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8 - Department of State › Section 42-8-5. - Bonds executed before commissions issued.

§ 42-8-5. Bonds executed before commissions issued.
The secretary of state shall not issue a commission to the director of administration, the clerk of any court, the sheriff of any county, or to any other officer holding or controlling the public moneys, until the bond required by law of such officer has been executed, approved and lodged with the officer required to receive the commission, the certificate of the officer, other than the secretary of state him or herself, being evidence of the fact.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 16, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 22, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 21, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 9, § 4; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2727, art. 1, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 42-8-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8 - Department of State › Section 42-8-6. - Authentication of printed legislative records.

§ 42-8-6. Authentication of printed legislative records.
The secretary of state shall, immediately after the acts, resolves, and other proceedings of each session of the general assembly are printed as required by law, carefully examine at least six (6) printed copies thereof, and shall certify and authenticate the copies under his or her hand and the seal of the state; and when so certified and authenticated, the copies shall be the record of the acts, resolves and proceedings of the session, and he or she shall keep and preserve the copies in his or her office, and shall from time to time cause the copies to be bound, for more convenient use.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 16, § 5; G.L. 1909, ch. 22, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 21, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 9, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 42-8-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8 - Department of State › Section 42-8-7. - Correspondence records.

§ 42-8-7. Correspondence records.
The secretary of state shall keep a copy of every official letter sent by him or her, and shall preserve all public letters received by him or her.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 16, § 6; G.L. 1909, ch. 22, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 21, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 9, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 42-8-7; P.L. 1989, ch. 155, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8 - Department of State › Section 42-8-8. - Transmission of appropriation laws and enactments.

§ 42-8-8. Transmission of appropriation laws and enactments.
The secretary of state shall, immediately after the passage of any act or resolution making an appropriation out of the state treasury, transmit a copy of the act or resolution to the director of administration.
The secretary of state shall, immediately after the passage of any act or resolution, transmit the act or resolution, to the law revision director for processing.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 16, § 8; G.L. 1909, ch. 22, § 8; G.L. 1923, ch. 21, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 9, § 7; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2727, art. 1, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 42-8-8; P.L. 1996, ch. 404, § 41.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8 - Department of State › Section 42-8-9. - Election forms.

§ 42-8-9. Election forms.
The secretary of state shall, at least ten (10) days previous to the day of election of general officers, senator and representatives in congress, or electors of president and vice-president of the United States, furnish each town or ward clerk with printed forms of returns, certificates and directions, together with any advice he or she may deem necessary to secure proper returns.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 16, § 9; G.L. 1923, ch. 22, § 9; G.L. 1923, ch. 21, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 9, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 42-8-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8 - Department of State › Section 42-8-10. - Defaults in election returns.

§ 42-8-10. Defaults in election returns.
The secretary of state shall, within thirty (30) days after any default in the return of voting machines and election returns, certify the default to the attorney general, and his or her certificate shall be prima facie evidence of the default, and the attorney general shall prosecute every person guilty thereof.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 16, § 10; G.L. 1909, ch. 22, § 10; G.L. 1923, ch. 21, § 9; G.L. 1938, ch. 9, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 42-8-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8 - Department of State › Section 42-8-12. - Distribution of state publications to libraries.

§ 42-8-12. Distribution of state publications to libraries.
The secretary of state is hereby authorized and empowered to distribute to public and reference libraries within the state copies of any books published by state aid which are in his or her custody and which in his or her judgment are available for distribution. He or she may also distribute in like manner to libraries outside of the state which have deposited in the state library publications of a similar character.
History of Section.
P.L. 1907, ch. 1440, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 22, § 12; G.L. 1923, ch. 21, § 11; G.L. 1938, ch. 9, § 11; G.L. 1956, § 42-8-12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8 - Department of State › Section 42-8-13. - Sale of surplus publications.

§ 42-8-13. Sale of surplus publications.
The secretary of state is hereby authorized and empowered to sell or dispose of all duplicate books, pamphlets or other surplus supplies which in his or her judgment are not available for use by the state. All sums received from the sales shall be deposited into the “secretary of state preservation/conservation account.”
History of Section.
P.L. 1913, ch. 921, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 21, § 12; G.L. 1938, ch. 9, § 12; G.L. 1956, § 42-8-13; P.L. 1988, ch. 374, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8 - Department of State › Section 42-8-13.1. - Secretary of state preservation/conservation account.

§ 42-8-13.1. Secretary of state preservation/conservation account.
(a)
There is hereby established within the general treasury of the state a restricted receipt account to be known as the “secretary of state preservation/conservation account”. There shall be deposited into such account all funds generated pursuant to §§ 42-8-13 and 29-1-6.
(b)
Funds collected within the account shall be appropriated by the general assembly for the specific purpose of document preservation and conservation at the state library and state archives.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 374, § 3; P.L. 1989, ch. 390, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8 - Department of State › Section 42-8-15. - Deputies and employees.

§ 42-8-15. Deputies and employees.
The secretary of state shall appoint a first deputy secretary of state, a second deputy secretary of state, an assistant in charge of archives, and other necessary employees. These employees shall perform the duties required by this chapter and those other duties that may be specified by the secretary of state; provided, however, that the secretary of state is hereby authorized to appoint, in cases of emergency, an acting deputy to act for the period of such emergency only, who shall have the power and authority as provided above.
History of Section.
P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 33; P.L. 1945, ch. 1542, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 42-8-15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8 - Department of State › Section 42-8-17. - Payment of employees.

§ 42-8-17. Payment of employees.
The general assembly shall annually appropriate such sum as it may deem necessary for the purposes of § 42-8-15, and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of that sum, or so much thereof as may from time to time be required, upon receipt by him or her of proper vouchers approved by the secretary of state.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 16, § 13; G.L. 1909, ch. 22, § 13; P.L. 1913, ch. 929, § 1; P.L. 1916, ch. 1343, § 1; P.L. 1919, ch. 1745, § 1; P.L. 1920, ch. 1872, § 1; P.L. 1921, ch. 2049, § 1; P.L. 1922, ch. 2171, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 21, § 13; P.L. 1925, ch. 624, § 1; P.L. 1929, ch. 1314, § 1; P.L. 1935, ch. 2250, § 149; G.L. 1938, ch. 9, § 13; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 65; G.L. 1956, § 42-8-17; P.L. 1988, ch. 84, § 81.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8 - Department of State › Section 42-8-18. - Powers of deputies.

§ 42-8-18. Powers of deputies.
The first deputy shall, in the absence of the secretary of state, do all things by law required of the secretary of state, as fully as the secretary him or herself might or could do; the second deputy shall, in the absence of the secretary of state and the first deputy, do all things by law required of the secretary of state or first deputy, as fully as the secretary of state or the deputy might or could do; and the secretary of state shall be liable for any misconduct, neglect or default of the first deputy or second deputy; provided, however, that the secretary of state is hereby authorized to appoint, in cases of emergency, an acting deputy to act for the period of an emergency only who shall have the power and authority as provided above.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 16, § 14; G.L. 1909, ch. 22, § 15; G.L. 1923, ch. 21, § 15; P.L. 1923, ch. 458, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 9, § 14; P.L. 1945, ch. 1542, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 42-8-18.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8 - Department of State › Section 42-8-19. - Care of archives.

§ 42-8-19. Care of archives.
The secretary of state, having charge of the archives of the state, may employ a suitable person to restore, preserve, classify, and assemble the state archives under his or her direction. The person shall be trained in the care and preservation of archives and the general assembly shall annually appropriate such sum as it may deem necessary for the annual salary of the employee; and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of the sum as may be appropriated, or so much thereof as may be from time to time required, upon receipt by him or her of properly authenticated vouchers. There shall also be appropriated for the repair and restoration of the archives and for the necessary supplies therefor, such sums of money as the general assembly shall deem necessary.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 21, § 17; P.L. 1930, ch. 1610, § 1; P.L. 1935, ch. 2250, § 149; G.L. 1938, ch. 9, § 16; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 65; G.L. 1956, § 42-8-19.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8 - Department of State › Section 42-8-20. - Fees and charges of secretary.

§ 42-8-20. Fees and charges of secretary.
To the secretary of state there shall be allowed:
(1)
For every private petition to the general assembly received in either house which shall be continued with order of notice, to be paid to the secretary for the use of the state, by the applicant on continuance of the same, and to be accounted for by the secretary of the state ......................................... five dollars ($5.00).
(2)
For making a certificate and affixing the seal of the state where the state is not a party, to be paid to the secretary for the use of the state, and to be accounted for by him or her to the state ......................................... two dollars ($2.00).
(3)
For making a copy of any document on file in the office of the secretary of state ......................................... fifty cents ($.50) per page.
(4)
For every publication distributed by the secretary of state, a charge of not less than the actual cost and/or delivery thereof.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 295, § 24; G.L. 1909, ch. 364, § 20; G.L. 1923, ch. 417, § 20; G.L. 1938, ch. 633, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 42-8-20; P.L. 1971, ch. 160, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 65, art. 43, § 10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8 - Department of State › Section 42-8-21. - Microfilming of records.

§ 42-8-21. Microfilming of records.
The secretary of state may photograph, micro-photograph, film, or otherwise reproduce all or any part of the records kept by him or her in a manner and on film or paper that complies with the minimum standards of quality approved for reproducing records by the American National Standards Institute, and all these photographs, micro-photographs, films, or other reproductions shall be placed in conveniently accessible files and provisions made for examining and using them. The original records, from which such photographs, micro-photographs, non-erasable optical disks, films, or other reproductions have been made, or any part thereof, may be put in storage anywhere in this state for safe keeping, and any photograph, micro-photograph, optical disk or photo copy or other reproduction thereof shall be admissible as evidence, the same as the original is now; provided, that such copies meet the standards established pursuant to § 38-3-5.1.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 42-8-21; P.L. 1960, ch. 5, § 2; P.L. 1988, ch. 446, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 203, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8 - Department of State › Section 42-8-23. - Visitor Center and gift shop.

§ 42-8-23. Visitor Center and gift shop.
(a)
The secretary of state, in conjunction with the office of the governor, may establish and operate a visitor center and gift shop within the state house.
(b)
The visitor center and gift shop shall be managed by a committee consisting of one member selected by the governor and four (4) members selected by the secretary of state. In making their selections, the governor and the secretary of state shall give due consideration to demonstrated and acknowledged expertise in a diverse range of historical, preservation, community planning, and retail-oriented endeavors. Committee members shall serve for a term of three (3) years. The committee shall file an annual report of operations and fiscal activities with the governor, secretary of state, senate president and house speaker at the end of each fiscal year.
(c)
The director of the department of administration may allocate and make available within the state house appropriate space for the visitor center and gift shop and appropriate storage space for inventory, fixtures and supplies necessary for the operation of the visitor center and gift shop.
(d)
There is hereby established in the office of the secretary of state a restricted receipt revolving fund which shall be kept separate and distinct from all other funds. All revenue generated by the visitor center and gift shop shall be deposited into this restricted receipt revolving fund and used to purchase inventory, fixtures and supplies for the visitor center and gift shop and to defray the cost of staffing the visitor center.
(e)
The operation of the visitor center and gift shop shall be such as not to conflict with any operation pursuant to the provisions of § 40-9-11.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 204, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 302, § 1; P.L 1995, ch. 370, art. 40, § 128; P.L. 2012, ch. 362, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 386, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8 - Department of State › Section 42-8-24. - Permanent commission on government information.

§ 42-8-24. Permanent commission on government information.
(a) Creation.
There is hereby created a permanent state commission on government information.
(b) Composition.
The commission shall consist of ten (10) members: one of whom shall be the governor, or designee; one of whom shall be the secretary of state, or designee; one of whom shall be from the house of representatives, to be appointed by the speaker; one to be appointed jointly by the minority leaders of the house and senate; one of whom shall be from the senate, to be appointed by the president of the senate; one of whom shall be the Director of State Library Services, or designee; four (4) of whom shall be public members, one to be appointed by the governor, one to be appointed by the secretary of state, one to be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, and one to be appointed by the president of the senate.
(c) Purpose.
The purpose of said commission shall be to develop and recommend to the general assembly and the secretary of state the implementation of government information systems that are readily accessible to the public, coordinate information exchanges between state agencies and develop training programs for state employees in the use of new technologies.
(d) Election of chairperson.
The commission will elect a chairperson from its members.
(e) Compensation.
The members shall receive no compensation for their service.
(f) Facilitation of purposes.
All departments and agencies of the state shall provide any advice, information, documentation and records as the commission deems necessary to facilitate the purposes of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 29, § 2; P.L. 2001, ch. 180, § 93; P.L. 2004, ch. 6, § 38.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8.1 - State Archives › Section 42-8.1-3. - State archives created.

§ 42-8.1-3. State archives created.
(a)
There shall be an establishment known as “the archives of the state of Rhode Island”, also referred to in this chapter as “the state archives” or “the division”.
(b)
The state archives shall be a division of the department of state, as mandated by § 42-8-19.
(c)
Except as provided by §§ 42-10-9 and 38-3-6, the division shall be the official custodian and trustee for the state of all permanent records, regardless of physical form or characteristics, that are transferred to it from any public office of the state or any political subdivision thereof.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 341, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 127, § 1, effective June 21, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 128, § 1, effective June 21, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8.1 - State Archives › Section 42-8.1-4. - Officers.

§ 42-8.1-4. Officers.
(a)
The chief administrative officer of the division shall be the state archivist.
(b)
The state archivist shall be appointed by the secretary of state: The state archivist shall be appointed based upon the professional qualifications required to perform the duties and responsibilities of the office of state archivist. The state archivist shall serve at the pleasure of the secretary of state.
(c)
There shall be in the division a deputy state archivist who shall be appointed by the secretary of state and who shall serve at the pleasure of the secretary of state. The deputy state archivist shall perform such functions as the state archivist shall designate. During any absence or disability of the state archivist, the deputy state archivist shall act as state archivist. In the event of a vacancy in the office of the state archivist, the deputy state archivist shall act as state archivist until a state archivist is appointed under subsection (b) of this section.
(d)
The state archivist and deputy state archivist shall be compensated at a salary to be determined by the secretary of state, which salary shall be reviewed and approved by the department of administration.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 341, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 127, § 1, effective June 21, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 128, § 1, effective June 21, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8.1 - State Archives › Section 42-8.1-6. - Personnel and services.

§ 42-8.1-6. Personnel and services.
(a)
The secretary of state is authorized to select, appoint, and employ unclassified officers and employees, as are necessary to perform the functions of the state archivist and the division.
(b)
The secretary of state is authorized to obtain the services of experts and consultants as necessary for the performance of the functions of the state archivist and the division.
(c)
The state archivist, in carrying out the functions of the state archivist or the division, is authorized to utilize the services of officials, officers, and other personnel in other agencies of the state and its political subdivisions, with the consent of the head of the agency concerned.
(d)
The state archivist is authorized to accept and utilize voluntary and uncompensated services.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 341, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 127, § 1, effective June 21, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 128, § 1, effective June 21, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8.1 - State Archives › Section 42-8.1-8. - Protection of records.

§ 42-8.1-8. Protection of records.
The division of state archives and every other custodian of public records shall carefully protect and preserve them from deterioration, mutilation, loss, or destruction and, whenever advisable, shall cause them to be properly repaired and restored.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 341, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8.1 - State Archives › Section 42-8.1-9. - Access to public records.

§ 42-8.1-9. Access to public records.
The state archivist, in person or through a deputy, shall have the right of reasonable access to all public records in the state, or any public offices or general officers of the state or any city, municipality, district, or political subdivision thereof, and research, with a view to securing their safety and determining the measures necessary to secure their preservation and conservation.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 341, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 127, § 1, effective June 21, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 128, § 1, effective June 21, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8.1 - State Archives › Section 42-8.1-10. - Determination of value.

§ 42-8.1-10. Determination of value.
Every public officer who has public records in his or her custody shall consult periodically with the state archivist together with the state auditor, and the attorney general, and those officers shall determine whether the records in question are permanent records. Those records unanimously determined not to be permanent records shall be disposed of by the method as specified by § 38-3-6. A list of all records so disposed of, together with a certification of records destruction certifying compliance with § 38-3-6, signed by the state archivist, shall be filed and preserved in the office from which the records were drawn. Public records in the custody of the state archivist with the approval of the secretary of state, or designee, may be disposed of based upon approved records control schedules.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 341, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 127, § 1, effective June 21, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 128, § 1, effective June 21, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8.1 - State Archives › Section 42-8.1-11. - Transfer of records to archives.

§ 42-8.1-11. Transfer of records to archives.
(a)
Those records deemed by the public officer having custody thereof to be unnecessary for the transaction of the business of his or her office and yet deemed by the public records administrator, attorney general, or the auditor general and the state archivist to be permanent records shall be transferred, with the consent of the state archivist, to the custody of the division of state archives. A list of all records so transferred, together with a statement certifying compliance with the provisions of this chapter signed by the state archivist, shall be preserved in the files of the office from which the records were drawn and in the files of the division.
(b)
Those records created or received by general officers, immediate staff, or a unit or individual of the executive office whose function is to advise and assist general officers, in the course of conducting activities that relate to or have an effect upon the carrying out of the constitutional, statutory, or other official duties carried out on behalf of the state shall be transferred at the end of the official’s final term within thirty (30) days of leaving the office.
(c)
Items in the care, custody, and trusteeship of the state archivist that are not records as defined by chapter 2 of title 38 and items that are not records that are proposed for disposition but determined to be of historical or museum interest or value by the state archivist may be transferred to the custody of the Rhode Island historical society or other local historical societies.
(d)
Qualified researchers, scholars, and students and other appropriate persons performing qualified research shall have the right of reasonable access to all records in the custody of the state archivist for purposes of historical reference, research, and information, subject to the provisions of chapter 2 of title 38. Copies of records, having historical, or museum interest or value shall be furnished by the state archivist upon request of any person, society, state agency, or political subdivision, subject to restraints of standard archival practices.
(e)
In the event of disagreement as to the custody of any records as defined in § 38-3-6, the archivist with the advice of the attorney general and auditor general shall make final and conclusive determination, and order and direct custody accordingly per § 38-3-6.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 341, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 127, § 1, effective June 21, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 128, § 1, effective June 21, 2022; P.L. 2023, ch. 395, art. 2, § 12, effective June 27, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8.1 - State Archives › Section 42-8.1-12. - Violations.

§ 42-8.1-12. Violations.
(a)
[Deleted by P.L. 2022, ch. 127, § 1 and P.L. 2022, ch. 128, § 1.]
(b)
The attorney general, on behalf of the state and the division of state archives, may replevin any public records that were formerly part of the state of Rhode Island’s records.
(c)
The administrator is hereby empowered to bring an action in the superior court for restraining orders and injunctive relief to restrain and enjoin violations or threatened violations of any provision of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 341, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 55, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 127, § 1, effective June 21, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 128, § 1, effective June 21, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8.1 - State Archives › Section 42-8.1-13. - Legal status of reproductions.

§ 42-8.1-13. Legal status of reproductions.
(a)
When any copy or reproduction, furnished under the terms hereof, is authenticated by the official seal and certified by the state archivist, the copy or reproduction shall be admitted in evidence equally with the original from which it was made.
(b)
The state archivist or any other public officer of the state or any city, municipality, district, or legal subdivision thereof may cause any or all public records, papers, or documents kept by him or her to be photographed, microphotographed, or reproduced on film or non-erasable optical disc or through other processes that accurately reproduce or form a durable medium for reproducing and preserving the original records. These reproduction processes shall comply with the standards approved for the reproduction of permanent records under § 38-3-5.1. These photographs, microphotographs, photographic films, optical discs, or other reproductions shall be deemed to be original records for all purposes including introduction in evidence in all courts or administrative agencies. A transcript, exemplification, or certified copy thereof, for all purposes recited in this section, shall be deemed to be a transcript, exemplification, or certified copy of the original.
(c)
Whenever these photographs, microphotographs, or reproductions on film or non-erasable optical discs, or other reproductions properly certified, are placed in conveniently accessible files and provisions made for preserving, examining, and using the same, any public officer may cause the original records from which the reproductions have been made, or any part thereof, to be disposed of according to methods prescribed by §§ 38-1-10 and 38-3-6. These copies shall be certified by their custodian as true copies of the originals before the originals are destroyed or lost, and the copies so certified shall have the same force and effect as the originals, provided the copies meet the standards established under § 42-8-4. Copies of public records transferred from the office of their origin to the division, when certified by the state archivist or the deputy state archivist, shall have the same legal force and effect as if certified by the original custodian of the records.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 341, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 127, § 1, effective June 21, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 128, § 1, effective June 21, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8.1 - State Archives › Section 42-8.1-14. - Limitation on liability.

§ 42-8.1-14. Limitation on liability.
With respect to letters and other intellectual productions (exclusive of material copyrighted or patented) after they come into the custody or possession of the state archivist, neither the division, the state, nor its agents shall be liable for any infringement of literary priority rights or analogous rights arising thereafter out of use of the materials for display, inspection, research, reproduction, or other purposes.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 341, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8.1 - State Archives › Section 42-8.1-15. - Copying and authenticating charges.

§ 42-8.1-15. Copying and authenticating charges.
The state archivist may charge a fee set to recover the costs for making or authenticating copies or reproductions of materials transferred to his or her custody. This fee shall be fixed by the secretary of state, at a level which will recover, so far as practicable, all elements of the above costs, and may include increments for the estimated replacement cost of equipment.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 341, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 127, § 1, effective June 21, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 128, § 1, effective June 21, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8.1 - State Archives › Section 42-8.1-16. - Annual report — Disaster preparedness plan.

§ 42-8.1-16. Annual report — Disaster preparedness plan.
(a)
The secretary of state shall submit to the governor, the general assembly, and the state publications clearinghouse an annual report concerning the administration of functions of the state archivist and the division. The report may include a yearly preservation plan for addressing the preservation needs and objectives for the division to be accomplished during the coming year. This report shall include a review of past preservation initiatives within the department as well as the projected cost(s) for new initiatives.
(b)
The secretary of state shall submit a disaster preparedness plan for the state archives. The plan will be placed on file in a secure location with the secretary of state, the office of library and information services, the Rhode Island emergency management agency, and the division of capital asset management and maintenance and will be updated periodically.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 341, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 127, § 1, effective June 21, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 128, § 1, effective June 21, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8.1 - State Archives › Section 42-8.1-17. - Duties of agencies.

§ 42-8.1-17. Duties of agencies.
It shall be the duty of each agency of the state and political subdivision thereof to:
(1)
Assist in the creation of record control schedules containing adequate and proper documentation of the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, and essential transactions of the agency and designed to furnish the information necessary to protect public records created or received by the agency until they have met retention requirements;
(2)
Cooperate fully with the division in complying with the provisions of this chapter;
(3)
Establish and maintain an active and continuing program for the preservation of permanent records and assist the division to implement the provisions of this chapter. Agencies that do not transfer permanent records to the state archives shall submit an annual preservation report to the state archives; and
(4)
Establish necessary safeguards against the removal or loss of records. These safeguards shall include notification to all officials and employees of the agency that no records in the custody of the agency are to be alienated or destroyed except in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, §§ 38-1-10 and 38-3-6.
(5)
[Deleted by P.L. 2022, ch. 127, § 1 and P.L. 2022, ch. 128, § 1.]
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 341, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 127, § 1, effective June 21, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 128, § 1, effective June 21, 2022; P.L. 2023, ch. 395, art. 2, § 12, effective June 27, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8.1 - State Archives › Section 42-8.1-18. - Penalties.

§ 42-8.1-18. Penalties.
Any officer or employee who violates the provisions of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000) or by imprisonment for not more than one year.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 341, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8.1 - State Archives › Section 42-8.1-19. - Severability.

§ 42-8.1-19. Severability.
The invalidity of any section or part or portion of this chapter shall not affect the validity of the remaining sections or parts thereof.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 341, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8.1 - State Archives › Section 42-8.1-20. - Rhode Island Historical Records Trust established.

§ 42-8.1-20. Rhode Island Historical Records Trust established.
(a)
There is hereby established a special fund to be known as the Rhode Island Historical Records Trust (hereinafter called Trust).
(b)
There is hereby imposed an additional assessment of four dollars ($4.00) for every instrument filed for recording pursuant to §§ 33-22-21 and 34-13-7.
(c)
On the first of every month, the municipal clerk shall transmit to the state archives three dollars ($3.00) of the additional assessment collected under subsection (b) of this section for deposit in the Rhode Island Historical Records Trust. The remaining one dollar ($1.00) of each such additional assessment shall remain with the local government and be deposited in a local Historical Records Trust.
(d)
All monies retained by a local government shall be placed in a Historical Records Trust Fund maintained by the local government. The expenditure of these monies shall be restricted solely to the preservation of public records of historical value maintained by the municipal clerk or by a municipal archives.
(e)
Use of these funds by the state archives shall be for the development and ongoing maintenance of a full-time local government records management program component, pursuant to § 38-3-4, and the state archives and records program. Such program shall be responsible for providing aid, advice, and assistance to all local governments of this state concerning the proper management and preservation of the public records in their custody or care, as required by other provisions of statute. Funds shall be expended to support administrative and other costs associated with the provision of consultative and technical services including, but not limited to, educational programming, micrographics services, and ongoing storage and preservation of local government records.
(f)
All monies received by the general treasurer and other moneys appropriated or received for the purposes stated in subsection (b) above shall be deposited in a restricted account which shall be administered by the state archives.
(g)
Each year the state archives shall review and make recommendations on a proposed operational and expenditure plan for the Rhode Island Historical Records Trust.
History of Section.
P.L. 1993, ch. 385, § 3; P.L. 1993, ch. 417, § 3; P.L. 2003, ch. 376, art. 31, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 73, art. 36, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 508, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 127, § 1, effective June 21, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 128, § 1, effective June 21, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8.2 - State Register › Section 42-8.2-1. - Definitions.

§ 42-8.2-1. Definitions.
For the purpose of this chapter, the following words shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section:
(1) “Document”
means a gubernatorial proclamation or executive order and an order, regulation, rule, certificate, license or similar instrument, issued, prescribed or promulgated by a state agency, or any proposed administrative rule or regulation;
(2) “Office”
means the office of the secretary of state;
(3) “Person”
means an individual, partnership, association or corporation;
(4) “State agency”
means an executive department, independent board, bureau, agency, institution, commission or separate office of the executive or legislative branch of government but not the judicial branch of government.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 264, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8.2 - State Register › Section 42-8.2-2. - Custody and printing of state agency documents.

§ 42-8.2-2. Custody and printing of state agency documents.
The secretary of state is charged with the custody and with the prompt and uniform printing and distribution of the documents required or authorized to be published by this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 264, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8.2 - State Register › Section 42-8.2-3. - Filing documents with secretary of state.

§ 42-8.2-3. Filing documents with secretary of state.
The original and one certified copy of a document required to be published pursuant to § 42-8.2-5 hereof shall be filed with the secretary of state, who, upon receipt of said document, shall record thereon the date and time of said filing. Upon filing, at least one copy shall be immediately available for public inspection in the office. The office shall immediately transmit to the administrative committee of the state register for printing one duplicate original or certified copy of each document required or authorized to be published pursuant to § 43-8.2-5.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 264, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8.2 - State Register › Section 42-8.2-4. - State register, printing, contents, distribution.

§ 42-8.2-4. State register, printing, contents, distribution.
Documents required or authorized to be published by § 42-8.2-5 hereof shall be printed and distributed immediately by the office in a serial publication designated the “state register”. The contents of the daily issues shall be indexed and shall comprise all documents, required or authorized to be published, filed with the office of the secretary of state up to the time of the day immediately preceding the day of distribution fixed by regulation established by said office. Distribution shall be made by delivery or by deposit at a post office box at a time in the morning of the day of distribution fixed by regulations prescribed by the secretary of state. The prices to be charged for the state register may be fixed by the secretary of state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 264, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 20, § 7; P.L. 2005, ch. 27, § 7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 42 - State Affairs and Government › Chapter 42-8.2 - State Register › Section 42-8.2-5. - Documents to be published in state register.

§ 42-8.2-5. Documents to be published in state register.
There shall be published in the state register:
(1)
Gubernatorial proclamations and executive orders, except those not having general applicability and legal effect or effective only against state agencies or persons in their capacities as officers, agents, or employees thereof;
(2)
Documents or classes of documents that the governor may determine from time to time to have general applicability and legal effect;
(3)
Titles and legal explanations of all bills introduced into the general assembly and the names of the committees to which each is referred, committee schedules and agenda, and all bills enacted into law. However, failure to publish any publication after the event shall not invalidate general assembly action on the bill or resolution; and
(4)
Other documents or classes of documents authorized to be published by regulations prescribed under this chapter with the approval of the governor or by resolution of the general assembly, but comments or news items of any character may not be published in the state register.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 264, § 1.