Rhode Island § 37-12-10 - Contractors’ Bonds

Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 37-12-10 — Contractors’ Bonds, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 37-12-10. Contractors’ Bonds

R.I. Gen. Laws § 37-12-10

§ 37-12-10. Retainers relating to contracts for public works, sewer, or water main construction.

(a) Upon substantial completion of the work required by a contract aggregating in amount less than five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) for the construction, reconstruction, alteration, remodeling, repair, or improvement of sewers and water mains, or any public works project defined in § 37-13-1, the awarding authority may deduct from its payment a retention to secure satisfactory performance of the contractual work not exceeding five percent (5%) of the contract price.

(b) There shall also be deducted and retained from the contract price an additional sum sufficient to pay the estimated cost of municipal police traffic control on any public works project. Municipalities shall directly pay the officers working traffic details and shall bill and be reimbursed by the withholding authority for which the contract is being performed every thirty (30) days until the project is complete.

(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to projects located within the town of Warren, the withholding authority shall hold an amount from the contract price that shall be reasonably sufficient to pay the estimated cost of municipal police traffic control. The withholding authority shall pay to the town of Warren within seventy-two (72) hours of written demand the actual costs of police traffic control associated with said project on an ongoing basis.

(d) The director of the department of administration shall establish, by rule and regulation adopted in accordance with chapter 35 of title 42 (“administrative procedures”), methods for the interim release of retainage of state of Rhode Island office of minority business enterprises (MBEs).

History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 377, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 368, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 378, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 22, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 276, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 288, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 170, § 2; P.L. 2024, ch. 228, § 1, effective June 24, 2024; P.L. 2024, ch. 229, § 1, effective June 24, 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 37-12-10

What does Rhode Island General Laws § 37-12-10 cover?

Section 37-12-10 ("Contractors’ Bonds") 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 § 37-12-10?

A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 37-12-10" (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 § 37-12-10 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.