Rhode Island § 40-6-22 - Public Assistance Act
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 40-6-22 — Public Assistance Act, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 40-6-22. Public Assistance Act
R.I. Gen. Laws § 40-6-22
§ 40-6-22. Disclosure of information — Penalty.
(a) For purposes of this section, a “financial institution” means a bank, savings bank, national bank, trust company, building and loan association, loan and investment company, credit union, safe deposit company, any person or corporation registered to sell securities under the provisions of chapter 11 of title 7, or federal savings and loan institution authorized to do business under the laws of this state.
(b) A financial institution, upon written request or upon request made by computer file on magnetic tape, signed or submitted by an authorized employee of the department of human services, shall inform the department of the amount deposited in the financial institution to the credit of a person named in, or otherwise identified in, the request as an applicant for, or recipient of, public assistance under this chapter or chapter 8 of this title. Upon the request, the financial institution shall provide the requested deposit information, in writing or by computer file on magnetic tape, to the department of human services within sixty (60) days from the receipt of the request. The department shall not submit its information request by computer file on magnetic tape to a financial institution that does not maintain deposit information on computer files, and the financial institution shall not be required to provide deposit information by computer file on magnetic tape.
(c) A financial institution shall be subject to a penalty of one hundred dollars ($100) for each willful failure to provide the department with the requested information. The department may recover the penalty by civil action in any court of competent jurisdiction.
(d) The department of human services may disclose information obtained pursuant to this section to an agency or department of another state administering a public assistance program, provided that the department of human services has executed a reciprocal agreement with the agency or department for the reciprocal disclosure of deposit information.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 118, art. 13, § 2.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 40-6-22
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 40-6-22 cover?
Section 40-6-22 ("Public Assistance Act") 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 § 40-6-22?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 40-6-22" (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 § 40-6-22 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.