Rhode Island § 23-3-5 - Vital Records
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 23-3-5 — Vital Records, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 23-3-5. Vital Records
R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-3-5
§ 23-3-5. Duties of state registrar of vital records.
(a) The state registrar of vital records shall:
(1) Administer and enforce this chapter and the rules and regulations issued under this chapter, and issue instructions for the efficient administration of the statewide system of vital records.
(2) Direct and supervise the statewide system of vital records and the division of vital records and be custodian of its records.
(3) Direct, supervise, and control the activities of local registrars and the activities of town and city clerks related to the operation of the vital records system.
(4) Prescribe, with approval of the state director of health, and distribute any forms that are required by this chapter and the rules and regulations issued under this chapter.
(5) Prepare and publish annual reports of vital records of this state and any other reports that may be required by the state director of health.
(6) Electronically transmit to the office of the secretary of state, on a monthly basis, a list of any reported deaths of a person or persons eighteen (18) years of age or older, and maintain a list of those deceased persons.
(7) Provide a copy on alkaline paper or an electronic record of each certificate of birth, death, and marriage to the city or town clerk before the tenth (10th) day of the month after the certificate is received by the division of vital records as authorized by regulations.
(8)(i) Flag birth certificates of missing children and perform all other acts and duties required to be performed by him or her pursuant to chapter 28.8 of title 42.
(ii) Upon receipt of information pursuant to § 42-28.8-3, provide the local registrars of the several cities and towns with that information.
(9) Direct, supervise, and control the transition from a paper-based system to an electronic system.
(b) The state registrar of vital records, with the approval of the director of health, may appoint a deputy state registrar and may delegate any functions and duties vested in him or her to employees of the division of vital records and to local registrars that he or she deems necessary or expedient.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 100, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 121, § 2; P.L. 1915, ch. 1239, § 1; G.L. 1923,
ch. 166, § 2; P.L. 1923, ch. 436, § 1; P.L. 1929, ch. 1432, § 13; P.L. 1935, ch. 2250,
§ 110; G.L. 1938, ch. 268, §§ 2, 25; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, §§ 65, 180; P.L.
1942, ch. 1191, § 1; G.L. 1956, §§ 23-3-38, 23-3-41; G.L. 1956, § 23-3-5; P.L. 1961,
ch. 87, § 1; P.L. 1978, ch. 191, § 2; P.L. 1982, ch. 385, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 252,
§ 3; P.L. 1991, ch. 209, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 132, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 404, § 26; P.L.
2000, ch. 164, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 164, § 2; P.L. 2008, ch. 177, § 2.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 23-3-5
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 23-3-5 cover?
Section 23-3-5 ("Vital Records") 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 § 23-3-5?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 23-3-5" (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 § 23-3-5 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.