Rhode Island § 39-1-38 - Public Utilities Commission
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 39-1-38 — Public Utilities Commission, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 39-1-38. Public Utilities Commission
R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-1-38
§ 39-1-38. Liberal construction — Incidental powers — Severability.
The provisions of this title shall be interpreted and construed liberally in aid of its declared purpose. The commission and the division shall have, in addition to powers specified in this chapter, all additional, implied, and incidental power that may be proper or necessary to effectuate their purposes. No rule, order, act, or regulation of the commission and of the division shall be declared inoperative, illegal, or void for any omission of a technical nature. If any provision of this title, or of any rule or regulation made thereunder, or the application thereof to any company or circumstance, is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of the title, rule, or regulation, and the application of the provision to other companies or circumstances shall not be affected thereby. The invalidity of any section or sections or parts of any section or sections of this title shall not affect the validity of the remainder of the title.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 795, § 58; G.L. 1923, ch. 253, § 56; G.L. 1938, ch. 122, § 53; G.L.
1956, § 39-1-17; G.L. 1956, § 39-1-38; P.L. 1969, ch. 240, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 326,
§ 103; P.L. 2020, ch. 79, art. 1, § 2.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 39-1-38
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 39-1-38 cover?
Section 39-1-38 ("Public Utilities Commission") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 39-1-38?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 39-1-38" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 39-1-38 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.