reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-29 - Eminent Domain for Housing Authority Projects › Section 45-29-26. - Representation of infants and people who are incompetent.

§ 45-29-26. Representation of infants and people who are incompetent.
When the lands or any interest or estate in them in which any infant or other person not capable in law to act in his or her own behalf, or unascertained or not in being, is interested, are taken by the city under the provisions of §§ 45-29-13 — 45-29-32 the court, before which the proceedings for the taking are pending, may appoint a guardian ad litem or other representative for the infant or other person not in being or unascertained, and the guardian or representative may appear and be heard in behalf of the infant or other person at any stage of the proceedings. The guardian or representative may also, with the advice and consent of the court appointing him or her, release to the city all claims for damages for the lands of the infant or other person or for any interests or estate taken in them.
History of Section.
P.L. 1935, ch. 2256, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 345, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 45-29-26.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-29 - Eminent Domain for Housing Authority Projects › Section 45-29-27. - Deposits to cover disputed title.

§ 45-29-27. Deposits to cover disputed title.
If there is any dispute to the title of any lands or interests or estates in them taken under the provisions of §§ 45-29-13 — 45-29-32 or as to the persons entitled to receive the damages awarded for the taking, or the person entitled to receive the damages is unascertained or not in being, the city may pay the damages into the registry of the court, before which the proceedings are pending, with the same effect as to the title of the city to the lands or interests or estates in them as though the damages had been paid to the person or persons entitled to receive the damages. These sums shall be held in the registry of the court, subject to its further order upon proper application as justice may require.
History of Section.
P.L. 1935, ch. 2256, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 345, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 45-29-27.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-29 - Eminent Domain for Housing Authority Projects › Section 45-29-28. - Consolidation of trial of conflicting claims.

§ 45-29-28. Consolidation of trial of conflicting claims.
In the case of conflicting claims of ownership by two (2) or more claimants, the court may consolidate those claims and order them tried at the same time and by the same jury, and may frame all necessary issues for the trial. By agreement of parties, jury trial may be expressly waived.
History of Section.
P.L. 1935, ch. 2256, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 345, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 45-29-28.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-29 - Eminent Domain for Housing Authority Projects › Section 45-29-29. - Access of city and appraisers to property taken.

§ 45-29-29. Access of city and appraisers to property taken.
After the filing by the city of the surveys and maps mentioned in § 45-29-16, the city, its agents, and servants, may enter upon the premises included in them, for the purpose of making necessary surveys, examinations, estimates, and calculations, but always with the least possible annoyance to, and disturbance of, the owners and occupants thereof and their normal use and enjoyment of the premises, without in any instance being liable for trespass. Likewise, the appraisers, when appointed, their servants, agents, employees, and other persons as may be designated by the court, may enter upon the premises and examine every part of the premises to the extent required for a complete appraisal of the premises, but always with the least possible annoyance to, and disturbance of, the owners and occupants of the premises and their normal use and enjoyment of the premises, without in any instance being liable for trespass.
History of Section.
P.L. 1935, ch. 2256, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 345, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 45-29-29.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-29 - Eminent Domain for Housing Authority Projects › Section 45-29-30. - Conveyance to authority of property condemned by city.

§ 45-29-30. Conveyance to authority of property condemned by city.
The city shall transfer and convey to the authority all real property acquired by the city by condemnation for the authority, upon the authority paying to the city the amount agreed upon by the city and authority, or in the absence of an agreement, then upon paying all sums expended by the city in the acquisition of the property to be conveyed to the authority.
History of Section.
P.L. 1935, ch. 2256, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 345, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 45-29-30.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-29 - Eminent Domain for Housing Authority Projects › Section 45-29-31. - Taking of excess land — Disposition on completion of project.

§ 45-29-31. Taking of excess land — Disposition on completion of project.
Whenever any property is acquired pursuant to the provisions of §§ 45-29-13 — 45-29-32 for any project or projects, a city may acquire, or take in fee, more land and property than is needed for the actual project or projects; provided, that the additional land and property authorized to be acquired or taken, is no more than is reasonably required for the protection and suitable development of the project or projects. The excess land and property shall be included in the description, plat, and statement referred to in § 45-29-19, and shall be taken with the other land included in the description, plat, and statement. After so much of the land and property has been appropriated for the project or projects as is needed, the excess land and property so taken in fee may be held and improved by the authority for any one of its purposes authorized under the housing authorities law, or may be leased, sold, or otherwise disposed of by the authority with or without restrictions. In the case of a lease, sale, or disposition, the person or persons from whom the additional land and property was taken shall have the first right to purchase, lease, or acquire it upon terms and conditions as the city or authority is willing to sell, lease, or dispose of it.
History of Section.
P.L. 1935, ch. 2256, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 345, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 45-29-31.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-29 - Eminent Domain for Housing Authority Projects › Section 45-29-32. - Evidence of value — Expediting proceedings — Increased value — Property devoted to other public use-“Owner” defined.

§ 45-29-32. Evidence of value — Expediting proceedings — Increased value — Property devoted to other public use-“Owner” defined.
In any proceedings for the assessment of compensation and damages for property taken or to be taken by eminent domain for an authority, the following provisions are applicable:
(a)
Evidence of the price and other terms, upon any sale, or the rent reserved and other terms, upon any lease or tenancy, relating to any of the property taken or to be taken, or to any similar property in the vicinity when the sale or leasing occurred or the tenancy existed within a reasonable time of the trial, is admissible on direct examination.
(b)
At any time during the pendency of an action or proceeding, a city or an owner may apply to the court for an order directing an owner or the city, as the case may be, to show cause why further proceedings should not be expedited, and the court may upon that application make an order requiring that the hearings proceed and that any other steps be taken with all possible expedition.
(c)
For the purposes of §§ 45-29-13 — 45-29-32 the award of compensation shall not be increased by reason of any increase in the value of the property caused by the clearance, reconstruction, or proposed clearance or reconstruction under §§ 45-29-13 — 45-29-32 of the property or of the area in which the property is situated. No allowance shall be made for improvements begun on property, after notice to the owner of the property, of the institution of the proceeding to condemn the property.
(d)
The facts may be proved bearing upon the unsanitary, illegal, or substandard condition of the premises notwithstanding that no steps have been taken by the department or offices having jurisdiction with a view to remedying or abating those conditions.
(e)
If any of the property included within the project is devoted to a public use, it may nevertheless be acquired, provided that no property belonging to the city or to any government may be acquired without its consent, and that no property belonging to a public utility corporation may be acquired without the approval of the division of public utilities or other officer or tribunal having regulatory power over the corporation.
(f)
The term “owner”, as used in this section, includes a person having an estate, interest, or easement in the property to be acquired or a lien, charge, or encumbrance on the property.
History of Section.
P.L. 1935, ch. 2256, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 345, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 45-29-32.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-30 - National Defense Housing Projects › Section 45-30-1. - Declaration of purpose.

§ 45-30-1. Declaration of purpose.
It is found and declared that the national defense involves large increases in the military forces and personnel in this state, a great increase in the number of workers in already established industries and activities, and the bringing of a large number of workers and their families to new defense industries and activities in the state; that there exists or impends an acute shortage of safe and sanitary dwellings available to these persons and their families in this state which impedes national defense; that it is imperative that action be taken immediately to assure the availability of safe and sanitary dwellings for these persons to enable the rapid expansion of national defense activities in this state, and to avoid a large labor turnover in defense industries which would seriously hamper their production; that the provisions hereinafter enacted are necessary to assure the availability of safe and sanitary dwellings for persons engaged in national defense activities; and that these provisions are for the public use and purpose of facilitating national defense in this state. It is further declared to be the purpose of this chapter to authorize housing authorities to do any and all things necessary or desirable to secure the financial aid of the federal government, or to cooperate with or act as agents or lessees of the federal government, in the expeditious development or administration of projects to assure the availability, when needed, of safe and sanitary dwellings for persons engaged in national defense activities, and to make projects available to servicemen and returning veterans consistent with national defense.
History of Section.
P.L. 1951, ch. 2763, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 45-30-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-30 - National Defense Housing Projects › Section 45-30-2. - Definitions.

§ 45-30-2. Definitions.
The following terms, wherever used or referred to in this chapter, have the following respective meanings, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:
(1)
“Administration” means any and all undertakings necessary for management, operation, or maintenance, in connection with any project, and includes the leasing of any project (in whole or in part) from the federal government.
(2)
“Development” means any and all undertakings necessary for the planning, land acquisition, demolition, financing,
construction, or equipment in connection with a project (including the negotiation or award of contracts), and includes the acquisition of any project (in whole or in part) from the federal government.
(3)
“Federal government” means the United States of America or any agency or instrumentality, corporate or otherwise, of the United States of America.
(4)
“Housing authority” means any housing authority created or established or hereafter created or established under the provisions of the Housing Authorities Law, chapters 25 — 27 of this title, or under the provisions of §§ 45-30-7 — 45-30-9.
(5)
The development of a project is deemed to be “initiated” if a housing authority has issued any bonds, notes, or other obligations with respect to financing the development of that project of the housing authority, or has contracted with the federal government with respect to the exercise of powers under this chapter in the development of that project of the federal government.
(6)
“National defense period” means the period, as determined by a housing authority (which determination is conclusive in any suit, action, or proceeding), during which there exists or impends in the locality an acute shortage of safe and sanitary dwellings for persons engaged in national defense activities.
(7)
“Persons engaged in national defense activities” include: persons in the military service of the United States; employees of the Department of Defense; and workers engaged or to be engaged in activities connected with and essential to national defense; and the families of those persons who are living with them.
History of Section.
P.L. 1951, ch. 2763, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 45-30-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-30 - National Defense Housing Projects › Section 45-30-3. - Powers of authority in development and administration of defense housing — Law applicable.

§ 45-30-3. Powers of authority in development and administration of defense housing — Law applicable.
Any housing authority may undertake the development or administration of projects to assure the availability of safe and sanitary dwellings for persons engaged in national defense activities; provided, that a housing authority shall not initiate the development of that project pursuant to this chapter except during a national defense period as defined in § 45-30-2; and, provided, further, that a housing authority shall not administer, pursuant to this chapter, any project the construction and equipment of which was completed prior to December 16, 1950, and admission to which as of that date was limited to persons or families of low income. In the ownership, development, or administration of those projects, a housing authority shall have all the rights, powers, privileges, and immunities that the authority has under any provisions of law relating to the ownership, development, or administration of slum clearance and housing projects for persons of low income, in the same manner as though all the provisions of law applicable to slum clearance and housing projects for persons of low income were applicable to projects developed or administered to assure the availability of safe and sanitary dwellings for persons engaged in national defense activities as provided in this chapter, and housing projects developed or administered under this chapter shall constitute “housing projects” under the Housing Authorities Law, chapters 25 — 27 of this title, as that term is used therein; provided, that during the national defense period any project developed or administered by the housing authority (or by any housing authority cooperating with it) in that area, pursuant to this chapter, shall not be subject to the provisions of the Housing Authorities Law or of any other law except provisions enacted expressly referring to this section relating to rentals of, preferences or eligibility for admission to, occupancy of, eviction from, payments in lieu of taxes with respect to, or equivalent elimination of substandard dwellings in connection with the provision of, those dwellings. During the national defense period, a housing authority may make payments, in amounts it finds necessary or desirable, in lieu of taxes, and for any services, facilities, works, privileges, or improvements furnished for or in connection with those projects. During periods other than national defense periods, any projects owned by a housing authority shall be administered in accordance with the provisions of the Housing Authorities Law or other applicable federal or state laws and in accordance with any contracts with the federal government or with state public bodies relating to those projects, and any projects owned by the federal government may be administered in accordance with federal law.
History of Section.
P.L. 1951, ch. 2763, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 45-30-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-30 - National Defense Housing Projects › Section 45-30-4. - Cooperation of state public bodies.

§ 45-30-4. Cooperation of state public bodies.
Any state public body, as defined in the Housing Authorities Law, chapters 25 — 27 of this title has the same rights and powers to cooperate with housing authorities, or with the federal government, with respect to the development or administration of projects to assure the availability of safe and sanitary dwellings for persons engaged in national defense activities, or to provide housing for service personnel and returning veterans and their families, that the state public body has pursuant to that law for the purpose of assisting the development or administration of slum clearance or housing projects for persons of low income.
History of Section.
P.L. 1951, ch. 2763, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 45-30-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-30 - National Defense Housing Projects › Section 45-30-5. - Bonds as legal investments.

§ 45-30-5. Bonds as legal investments.
Bonds or other obligations issued by a housing authority for a project developed or administered pursuant to this chapter are legal investments to the same extent and for the same persons, institutions, associations, corporations, bodies, and officers as bonds or other obligations issued pursuant to the Housing Authorities Law, chapters 25 — 27 of this title, for the development of a slum clearance or housing project for persons of low income.
History of Section.
P.L. 1951, ch. 2763, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 45-30-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-30 - National Defense Housing Projects › Section 45-30-6. - Validation of prior agreements.

§ 45-30-6. Validation of prior agreements.
All bonds, notes, contracts, agreements, and obligations of housing authorities issued or entered into before May 1, 1951, relating to financing or undertaking (including cooperating with or acting as agent of the federal government in) the development or administration of any project to assure the availability of safe and sanitary dwellings for persons engaged in national defense activities, are hereby validated and declared legal in all respects, notwithstanding any defect or irregularity or any want of statutory authority.
History of Section.
P.L. 1951, ch. 2763, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 45-30-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-30 - National Defense Housing Projects › Section 45-30-7. - Independent authorization — Restrictions of other laws inapplicable.

§ 45-30-7. Independent authorization — Restrictions of other laws inapplicable.
This chapter constitutes an independent authorization for a housing authority to undertake the development or administration of projects to assure the availability of safe and sanitary dwellings for persons engaged in national defense activities, as provided in this chapter, and to administer those projects, consistent with national defense needs, to house service personnel and returning veterans and their families. In exercising any powers or carrying out any authorization contained in this chapter, a housing authority is not subject to any limitations, restrictions, or requirements of other laws (except those relating to land acquisition) prescribing the procedure or action to be taken in the development or administration of any public works, including slum clearance and housing projects for persons of low income or undertakings or projects of municipal or public corporations or political subdivisions or agencies of the state, and may in its discretion, comply with any conditions, not inconsistent with the purposes of this chapter, required by the federal government pursuant to federal law in any contract relating to projects developed or administered under this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1951, ch. 2763, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 45-30-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-30 - National Defense Housing Projects › Section 45-30-8. - Cooperation with federal government.

§ 45-30-8. Cooperation with federal government.
A housing authority may exercise any or all of its powers, and may do any and all other things necessary or desirable to cooperate with or secure the financial aid of the federal government in the expeditious development or in the administration of projects to assure the availability of safe and sanitary dwellings for persons engaged in national defense activities and to house servicemen and returning veterans and their families, to act as agent or lessee for the federal government in the development or administration of those projects by the federal government, and to effectuate the purposes of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1951, ch. 2763, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 45-30-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-30 - National Defense Housing Projects › Section 45-30-9. - Determination of housing shortage by council.

§ 45-30-9. Determination of housing shortage by council.
A housing authority may function upon a finding or determination by the governing body (which finding or determination is in lieu of any finding or determination required by the Housing Authorities Law, chapters 25 — 27 of this title, and is conclusive in any suit, action, or proceeding) that there exists or impends in the locality an acute shortage of safe and sanitary dwellings available to persons engaged in national defense activities.
History of Section.
P.L. 1951, ch. 2763, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 45-30-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-30 - National Defense Housing Projects › Section 45-30-10. - Powers supplementary.

§ 45-30-10. Powers supplementary.
The powers conferred by this chapter are in addition and supplemental to the powers conferred by any other law, and nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed as limiting any other powers of a housing authority.
History of Section.
P.L. 1951, ch. 2763, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 45-30-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-30 - National Defense Housing Projects › Section 45-30-11. - Severability.

§ 45-30-11. Severability.
Notwithstanding any other evidence of legislative intent, it is declared to be the controlling legislative intent that if any provision of this chapter, or the application thereof to any persons or circumstances, is held invalid, the remainder of the chapter and the application of that provision to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid, shall not be affected.
History of Section.
P.L. 1951, ch. 2763, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 45-30-11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-31 - Redevelopment Agencies › Section 45-31-1. - Short title.

§ 45-31-1. Short title.
Chapters 31 — 33 of this title shall be known and may be cited as the “Redevelopment Act of 1956”.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3654, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 45-31-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-31 - Redevelopment Agencies › Section 45-31-2. - Finding as to existence of substandard areas.

§ 45-31-2. Finding as to existence of substandard areas.
It is found and declared that there exist in many communities in this state blighted and substandard areas, as defined in § 45-31-8, which constitute community liabilities requiring redevelopment in the interest of the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the communities in which they exist and of the people of this state generally.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3654, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 45-31-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-31 - Redevelopment Agencies › Section 45-31-3. - Findings as to dangers from substandard areas.

§ 45-31-3. Findings as to dangers from substandard areas.
It is further found:
(1)
That the existence of blighted and substandard areas constitutes a serious and growing menace which is injurious and inimical to the public health, safety, morals, and welfare of the people of the communities in which they exist and of the people of the state generally;
(2)
That these areas present difficulties and handicaps which are beyond remedy and control solely by regulatory process in the exercise of the police power;
(3)
That these areas contribute substantially and increasingly to the problems of, and necessitate excessive and disproportionate expenditures for crime prevention, correction, prosecution and punishment, the treatment of juvenile delinquency, the preservation of the public health and safety, and the maintaining of adequate police, fire, and accident protection, and other public services and facilities;
(4)
That this menace is becoming increasingly direct and substantial in its significance and effect;
(5)
That these areas prevent the provision of critically needed standard living and working accommodations;
(6)
That the retardation of housing improvement and other essential community development is a direct and immediate result of these blighted and substandard areas;
(7)
That conditions of blight tend to foster the spread of these conditions to other areas; and
(8)
That the benefits which will result from the remedying of these conditions and the redevelopment of these blighted and substandard areas will accrue to all the inhabitants and property owners of the communities in which they exist and to the inhabitants of this state generally.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3654, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 45-31-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-31 - Redevelopment Agencies › Section 45-31-4. - Finding of obstacles to private redevelopment.

§ 45-31-4. Finding of obstacles to private redevelopment.
It is further found and declared:
(1)
That it is impossible for private enterprise alone to remedy these conditions of blight without the additional aids granted by this chapter;
(2)
That these blighted and substandard conditions tend to further obsolescence, deterioration, and disuse because of the lack of incentive to the individual landowner and his or her inability to improve, modernize, or rehabilitate his or her own particular property while the condition of other neighborhood properties remains unchanged;
(3)
That, as a consequence, the process of deterioration of a blighted and substandard area frequently cannot be halted or corrected except by redevelopment of the entire area, or portions of the area; and
(4)
That in many instances the private assembly of the lands in blighted and substandard areas for the purposes of replanning and redevelopment is so difficult and costly that it is uneconomical and, as a practical matter, impossible for individual owners independently or collectively to undertake to remedy these conditions because of the lack of the legal power necessary for, and the excessive costs involved in, the private assembly and improvement of the real property of the area.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3654, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 45-31-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-31 - Redevelopment Agencies › Section 45-31-5. - Declaration as to methods to be used in redevelopment.

§ 45-31-5. Declaration as to methods to be used in redevelopment.
It is further found and declared that in certain blighted and substandard areas, or portions of these areas, the physical conditions of the area and the area’s relationship to the general plan for the community may be that the total public acquisition, clearance, and disposition of the entire area or an extensive portion of it may be necessary to accomplish the purposes of chapters 31 — 33 of this title; that other blighted and substandard areas, or portions of them, may be susceptible to rehabilitation and improvement to standard conditions, and the purposes of these chapters may be accomplished by the coordinated application of regulatory controls, together with redevelopment measures, short of total or extensive clearance of the entire area or portions of it.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3654, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 45-31-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-31 - Redevelopment Agencies › Section 45-31-6. - Public policy to assist in redevelopment.

§ 45-31-6. Public policy to assist in redevelopment.
It is declared to be the policy of this state to protect and promote the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the people of the state, and particularly of the people of the communities of the state in which blighted and substandard areas exist, by the elimination and prevention of these areas through the utilization of all means appropriate for that purpose, thereby encouraging the provision of healthful homes, a decent living environment, and adequate places for employment of the people of this state and its communities in these areas through redevelopment. Moreover, it is the policy of this state to empower a redevelopment agency in a community of this state to acquire, by purchase or condemnation, properties in violation of the locality’s or city’s minimum housing code and transfer ownership of those properties to a limited equity housing cooperative incorporated in this state for the provision of adequate housing for low and/or moderate income residents. To this end it is declared that the powers conferred by chapters 31 — 33 of this title are necessary to effectuate the purposes of these chapters and are for public uses and purposes for which the power of eminent domain may be exercised, tax moneys and other public funds expended, and public credit pledged.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3654, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 45-31-6; P.L. 1986, ch. 256, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-31 - Redevelopment Agencies › Section 45-31-7. - Purposes of chapters.

§ 45-31-7. Purposes of chapters.
It is declared that the purposes of chapters 31 — 33 of this title are the elimination and prevention of blighted and substandard areas and their replacement through redevelopment by well-planned, integrated, stable, safe, and healthful neighborhoods in the manner and by the means provided in these chapters, thereby carrying out the policy of this state, as declared in § 45-31-6.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3654, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 45-31-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-31 - Redevelopment Agencies › Section 45-31-9. - Agencies created.

§ 45-31-9. Agencies created.
(a)
There is created in each community a redevelopment agency to be known as the redevelopment agency of the community.
(b)
Redevelopment agencies may also be created by public law for the purposes of exercising the powers set forth in chapters 31-33 of this title, provided an ordinance of the legislative body of the community authorizes the exercise of the provisions of the public law for the purposes of these chapters. The provisions of §§ 45-31-12, 45-31-13, 45-31-14, 45-31-15, and 45-31-21 that are inconsistent with such a public law shall be deemed to be superseded by the public law and not applicable to the redevelopment agency thereby created, upon adoption ordinance putting into effect the purposes of the public law. Where authorized by such a special act, the term “blighted area and substandard area” shall be deemed to include areas where the presence of hazardous materials, as defined in § 23-19.14-2, impairs the use, reuse, or redevelopment of impacted sites.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3654, § 28; G.L. 1956, § 45-31-9; P.L. 2003, ch. 344, § 4; P.L. 2003, ch. 345, § 4; P.L. 2009, ch. 310, § 61.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-31 - Redevelopment Agencies › Section 45-31-10. - Resolution of need required for agency to function.

§ 45-31-10. Resolution of need required for agency to function.
The agency of any community shall not transact any business or exercise any powers under chapters 31 — 33 of this title unless and until the legislative body of the community shall, by resolution declare at any time, that there is a need for a redevelopment agency to function in that community.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3654, § 29; G.L. 1956, § 45-31-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-31 - Redevelopment Agencies › Section 45-31-11. - Resolution conclusive as to capacity of agency.

§ 45-31-11. Resolution conclusive as to capacity of agency.
In any suit, action, or proceeding involving the validity or enforcement of, or relating to any contract by or on behalf of an agency, the agency is conclusively deemed to be become established and authorized to transact business and exercise its powers upon proof of the adoption of a resolution by the legislative body declaring the need for the redevelopment agency to function.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3654, § 30; G.L. 1956, § 45-31-11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-31 - Redevelopment Agencies › Section 45-31-12. - Appointment and compensation of agency members.

§ 45-31-12. Appointment and compensation of agency members.
When the legislative body of a community first adopts a resolution as provided for in § 45-31-10, the mayor or the president of the town council shall appoint five (5) resident electors of the community as members of the agency subject to the approval of the legislative body; provided, however, that if authorized by resolution of the legislative body at any time, the mayor or president of the town council shall appoint two (2) additional resident electors of the community as members of the agency, subject to the approval of the legislative body, for a total of seven (7) members. No member of the agency may be an elected officer or an employee of the community. The powers of the agency shall be vested in the members of the agency then in office. Members shall receive their actual and necessary expenses, including travel expenses, and may receive other compensation as the legislative body may prescribe. The redevelopment agency in the city of Providence shall consist of the mayor, ex officio, and seven (7) members. Five (5) of the members shall be resident electors of the city of Providence and appointed by the mayor; and shall serve for the term designated in § 45-31-13; and shall not be an elected officer or employee of the city of Providence. Two (2) members shall be members of the city council elected by that council from its members to serve for a term ending the first Monday in January, 1975; and shall thereafter be elected for a term of four (4) years. The powers of the agency shall be vested in the members then in office. Members shall receive their actual and necessary expenses, including travel expenses, and may receive other compensation as the legislative body may prescribe. Provided, further that the redevelopment agency in the town of Burrillville shall consist of seven (7) members, five (5) members of which shall be regular voting members whose tenure shall be in accordance with this section and two (2) members of which shall serve as alternate members whose term of appointment shall be two (2) years. Provided, further that the redevelopment agency in the town of Bristol shall consist of eight (8) members who are residents of the community, five (5) members of which shall be regular voting members whose tenure shall be in accordance with this section and three (3) members of which shall serve as alternate members whose term of appointment shall be two (2) years. Alternate members shall be designated as first alternate, second alternate, and third alternate and shall be allowed to participate in all agency affairs except that alternate members shall only be allowed to vote in their respective order as first, second, and third alternate in the event a regular voting member is unable to vote for any reason whatsoever.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3654, § 31; G.L. 1956, § 45-31-12; P.L. 1972, ch. 97, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 357, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 369, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 429, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-31 - Redevelopment Agencies › Section 45-31-13. - Tenure of agency members.

§ 45-31-13. Tenure of agency members.
The members who are first appointed shall be designated to serve for terms of one, two (2), three (3), four (4), and five (5) years respectively. If a legislative body adopts a resolution increasing the number of agency members from five (5) to seven (7) resident electors as provided for in § 45-31-12, then the two (2) additional members shall be designated to serve for terms of one and two (2) years respectively. Thereafter members shall be appointed for a term of office of five (5) years, except that all vacancies occurring during a term shall be filled for the unexpired term. A member holds office until his or her successor has been appointed and has qualified.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3654, § 32; G.L. 1956, § 45-31-13; P.L. 2001, ch. 357, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-31 - Redevelopment Agencies › Section 45-31-14. - Officers of agency.

§ 45-31-14. Officers of agency.
The agency shall elect a chairperson and vice chairperson from among its members. The agency shall elect or appoint a secretary who need not be a member of the agency. The term of office of the chairperson, vice chairperson, and secretary, unless otherwise prescribed by the legislative body of the community, shall be for the calendar year, or for that portion remaining after each officer is designated or elected.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3654, § 32; G.L. 1956, § 45-31-14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-31 - Redevelopment Agencies › Section 45-31-15. - Suspension and removal of agency members.

§ 45-31-15. Suspension and removal of agency members.
For inefficiency, neglect of duty, or misconduct in office, a member of an agency may be suspended by the appointing authority. A member of an agency may be removed by the legislative body only after he or she has been given a copy of the charges against him, or her which copy shall be served on him or her at least ten (10) days prior to a public hearing, and after he or she has had an opportunity to be heard in person or by counsel, at the hearing to be held within thirty (30) days after the date of the suspension.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3654, § 33; G.L. 1956, § 45-31-15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-31 - Redevelopment Agencies › Section 45-31-16. - Continuation of agencies created under prior law.

§ 45-31-16. Continuation of agencies created under prior law.
Any redevelopment agency created pursuant to prior law shall be and constitutes the redevelopment agency for the community within the meaning of chapters 31 — 33 of this title, and has all of the rights, powers, duties, and exemptions provided for a redevelopment agency under chapters 31 — 33 of this title, and, notwithstanding any other provision of those chapters, no other redevelopment agency shall be created for the community.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3654, § 90; G.L. 1956, § 45-31-16.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-31 - Redevelopment Agencies › Section 45-31-17. - Validation of prior acts.

§ 45-31-17. Validation of prior acts.
All ordinances, resolutions, official acts, and determinations, and all other actions and proceedings taken or purporting to have been taken before April 2, 1956, under and pursuant to chapter 1802 of the Public Laws of 1946, as amended, and chapter 2574 of the Public Laws of 1950, by any community or redevelopment agency, are ratified, confirmed, and declared legal in all respects, and shall continue in effect under the provisions of chapters 31 — 33 of this title. The creation, establishment, and organization of any redevelopment agency authorized, or purporting to have been authorized, to transact business and exercise powers under chapter 1802 of the Public Laws of 1946, as amended, and chapter 2574 of the Public Laws of 1950, are hereby ratified, confirmed, and declared legal in all respects.
History of Section.
P.L. 1950, ch. 2574, § 87; P.L. 1956, ch. 3654, § 90; G.L. 1956, § 45-31-17.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-31 - Redevelopment Agencies › Section 45-31-18. - Resident attorneys.

§ 45-31-18. Resident attorneys.
Each agency shall appoint, in writing, some competent person or persons resident in this state as its resident attorney or attorneys with authority to accept service of process against that agency in this state, and upon any of whom all process against the agency in this state may be served. The power of attorney shall be filed in the office of the secretary of state and state the name and address of the resident attorney. If the resident attorney dies, resigns, or moves from the state, the agency shall immediately make a new appointment as prescribed and immediately file the power of attorney in the office of the secretary of state. No power of attorney shall be revoked until after a like power has been given to some other competent attorney resident in this state and filed as prescribed. Service of process upon the resident attorney is deemed sufficient service upon the agency.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3654, § 39; G.L. 1956, § 45-31-18.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-31 - Redevelopment Agencies › Section 45-31-19. - Interest of officers and employees in project area properties.

§ 45-31-19. Interest of officers and employees in project area properties.
No officer or employee of the community or of the agency who in the course of his or her duties is required to participate in the formulation of plans or policies for the redevelopment of a project area, or to approve those plans or policies, shall acquire any interest in any property included within a project area within the community. If the officer or employee owns or has any financial interest, direct or indirect, in any property included within a project area, he or she shall immediately disclose, in writing, the interest to the legislative body of the community, and the disclosure shall be entered in the minutes of the agency and of the legislative body. Failure to disclose the interest constitutes misconduct in office. No payment shall be made to any member or officer of an agency for any property or interest in property acquired by the agency from the member or officer, unless the amount of the payment is fixed by court order in eminent domain proceedings, or unless the payment is unanimously approved by the legislative body.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3654, § 34; G.L. 1956, § 45-31-19.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-31 - Redevelopment Agencies › Section 45-31-20. - Administrative appropriations.

§ 45-31-20. Administrative appropriations.
When the agency created for any community becomes authorized to transact business and exercise its powers, the legislative body of the community may at that time, and from time to time thereafter, make an estimate of the amount of money required for the administrative purposes of the agency and may appropriate amounts to the agency as it deems necessary.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3654, § 35; G.L. 1956, § 45-31-20.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-31 - Redevelopment Agencies › Section 45-31-21. - Budgetary control of agencies.

§ 45-31-21. Budgetary control of agencies.
Each agency transacting any business and exercising any powers shall annually submit to the legislative body of the community a proposed budget of its administrative expenses. The budget is subject to changes as the legislative body may prescribe, and its preparation and adoption, and the adoption of any changes in the budget, shall be subject to the same rules which are applicable to other agencies and departments of the community which are subject to budgetary control. No adoption is effective unless it is concurred in by the membership of the legislative body.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3654, § 36; G.L. 1956, § 45-31-21.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-31 - Redevelopment Agencies › Section 45-31-22. - Periodical reports.

§ 45-31-22. Periodical reports.
Each agency transacting any business and exercising any powers shall file with the legislative body a detailed report of all its transactions, including a statement of all revenues and expenditures, at monthly, quarterly, or annual intervals as the legislative body may prescribe.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3654, § 37; G.L. 1956, § 45-31-22.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-31 - Redevelopment Agencies › Section 45-31-23. - Real property exempt from process.

§ 45-31-23. Real property exempt from process.
All real property of an agency is exempt from levy and sale by virtue of an execution, except as provided by §§ 45-32-24 — 45-32-39 and §§ 45-33-5 — 45-33-15 and no execution or other judicial process shall issue against the real property of the agency, nor any judgment against an agency be a charge or lien upon its real property; provided, that the provisions of this section do not apply to or limit the right of obligees to foreclose or otherwise enforce any mortgage, deed of trust, or other encumbrance of an agency or the right of any obligee to pursue any remedies for the enforcement of any pledge or lien given by an agency on its rents, fees, or revenues.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3654, § 85; G.L. 1956, § 45-31-23.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-31 - Redevelopment Agencies › Section 45-31-24. - Deactivation or substitution of agency.

§ 45-31-24. Deactivation or substitution of agency.
At any time after two (2) years after adopting a resolution declaring that there is need for an agency to function in a community, the legislative body of the community, if the agency has not redeveloped or acquired land for, or commenced the redevelopment of a project or entered into any contracts for redevelopment, may by resolution declare that there is no further need for the agency in the community. Thereupon, the offices of the members of the agency shall be vacated and the capacity of the agency to transact business or exercise any power shall be suspended and remain suspended until the legislative body adopts a resolution declaring the need for the agency to function. However, the Narragansett town council may act as that town’s agency during periods when there are no specific projects that are active.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3654, § 28; G.L. 1956, § 45-31-24; P.L. 1986, ch. 100, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-31 - Redevelopment Agencies › Section 45-31-25. - Severability.

§ 45-31-25. Severability.
If any provision of chapters 31 — 33 of this title, or the application of that provision to any person or circumstance, is held invalid, the remainder of the chapters, or the application of that provision to other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3654, § 93; G.L. 1956, § 45-31-25.