Rhode Island § 17-3-5 - General Assembly Members
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 17-3-5 — General Assembly Members, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 17-3-5. General Assembly Members
R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-3-5
§ 17-3-5. Death, refusal, or incapacity of senator or representative elect.
(a) Whenever any person elected a senator or representative in the general assembly, at any time between the day of his or her election and the beginning of his or her term of office, refuses to serve and so declares to the secretary of state, or dies, becomes insane, removes from the state, or is otherwise incapacitated, the secretary of state shall immediately cause a warrant to be issued ordering a new election of senator or representative, as the case may be, to be held in that district at least seventy (70) but not more than ninety (90) days from the occurrence of the refusal or incapacity.
(b) Every person elected pursuant to the provisions of this section shall hold his or her office for the full term or for the remainder of the term, as the case may be, of the office that person is elected to fill, and until that person’s successor is elected and qualified.
History of Section.
P.L. 1905, ch. 1230, § 5; G.L. 1909, ch. 15, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 14, § 5; G.L. 1938,
ch. 321, § 4; P.L. 1954, ch. 3313, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 17-2-5; G.L. 1956, § 17-3-5;
P.L. 1958, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 1966, ch. 116, § 3; P.L. 1991, ch. 194, § 1; P.L. 1991,
ch. 277, § 1.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 17-3-5
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 17-3-5 cover?
Section 17-3-5 ("General Assembly Members") 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 § 17-3-5?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 17-3-5" (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 § 17-3-5 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.