Rhode Island § 42-9-19 - Department of Attorney General
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 42-9-19 — Department of Attorney General, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 42-9-19. Department of Attorney General
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-9-19
§ 42-9-19. Acceptance of settlements — Multi-state initiatives — Attorney general settlement restricted account.
(a) The attorney general is hereby authorized and empowered to accept in the name of the state any settlement resulting from a multi-state initiative. The attorney general is additionally authorized and empowered to recover attorney’s fees and costs that shall be considered settlement proceeds for purposes of this chapter.
(b) The settlement proceeds shall be transferred to the general treasurer for deposit in the general fund. The general treasurer shall transfer proceeds, up to seven hundred fifty thousand dollars ($750,000) in any fiscal year, to the “attorney general multi-state initiative restricted receipt account.” Any balance in excess of seven hundred fifty thousand dollars ($750,000) remaining in the account at the end of the fiscal year shall be transferred back to the state general fund. The restricted receipt account shall be used to pay for staff, operational, and litigation costs associated with multi-state initiatives.
(c) Expenditure of all settlement proceeds accepted by the attorney general as part of the terms of the relevant master settlement agreement shall be subject to the annual appropriation process and approval by the general assembly.
History of Section.
P.L. 2003, ch. 376, art. 39, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 88, art. 2, § 11; P.L. 2021, ch.
162, art. 3, § 10, effective July 6, 2021; P.L. 2023, ch. 79, art. 2, § 9, effective
June 16, 2023.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 42-9-19
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 42-9-19 cover?
Section 42-9-19 ("Department of Attorney General") 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 § 42-9-19?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 42-9-19" (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 § 42-9-19 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.