Rhode Island § 42-2-1 - Federal Lands

Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 42-2-1 — Federal Lands, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 42-2-1. Federal Lands

R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-2-1

§ 42-2-1. Consent to acquisition of land.

The consent of the state of Rhode Island is given to the purchase by the government of the United States, or under the authority of the government of the United States, of any tract, piece, or parcel of land from any person within the limits of the state for the purpose of erecting thereon post offices, lighthouses, beacon lights, range lights, lifesaving stations, and light keepers’ dwellings, and other needful public buildings or for the location, construction, or prosecution of forts, fortifications, coast defenses, and appurtenances thereto, or for the location and maintenance of any cable lines, landing places, terminal stations, and other needful buildings connected therewith for weather bureau purposes, or for the establishment of naval stations or coal depots, or the erection of buildings, piers, wharves, or other structures for naval uses, or for the establishment of fish or lobster cultural stations or hatcheries, or the erection or construction of other needful buildings connected therewith or for the erection or construction of piers, wharves, dams, or other structures for use in connection with the fish or lobster cultural stations or hatcheries; and all deeds, conveyances, or title papers for the purchases shall be recorded, as in other cases, upon the land records of the town in which the land so conveyed may lie; the consent herein given being in accordance with U.S. Const., Art. I, § 8, cl. 17, and with the acts of Congress in such cases made and provided.

History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 2, § 1; P.L. 1896, ch. 330, § 1; P.L. 1903, ch. 1091, § 1; P.L. 1903, ch. 1099, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 2, § 1; P.L. 1918, ch. 1608, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 2, § 1; P.L. 1926, ch. 805, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 2, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 42-2-1.

Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 42-2-1

What does Rhode Island General Laws § 42-2-1 cover?

Section 42-2-1 ("Federal Lands") 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 § 42-2-1?

A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 42-2-1" (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 § 42-2-1 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.