Rhode Island § 45-5-11 - Councils and Governing Bodies
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 45-5-11 — Councils and Governing Bodies, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 45-5-11. Councils and Governing Bodies
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-5-11
§ 45-5-11. Burial lands and funds.
(a) Town councils may take and hold, to them and their successors in office, all lands within their towns, conveyed to them in trust for burial purposes and, in like manner, may receive, hold, and manage all funds conveyed to them for the purpose of ornamenting or keeping in repair these burial lots within their towns, and execute the trusts in accordance with the terms contained in the instruments of conveyance. Funds received, or already received, may be placed in a general burial lot fund and this fund may be invested in securities which are legal for investment of funds of savings banks in this state. The earnings of this fund shall be apportioned to the various individual trusts in the proportion each trust, including any undisbursed earnings, bears in relation to the total of the general burial lot fund. Funds received or already received for the purpose of ornamenting or keeping in repair burial lots in town-owned cemeteries may be placed in a general burial lot fund, and this fund may be invested in securities which are legal for investment of funds of savings banks in this state. The earnings of this fund shall be apportioned to the individual trusts in the proportion that the principal of each trust bears in relation to the total principal in the general burial lot fund.
(b) Effective July 1, 1976, the town of Bristol shall not apportion the earned income of the fund, and it shall be used for maintenance of the entire burial ground.
(c) Effective July 1, 1979, the towns of Tiverton and Richmond shall not apportion the earned income of their respective funds, and it shall be used for maintenance of their entire burial grounds.
(d) Effective July 1, 2013, the town of Middletown shall not apportion the earned income of the fund, and it shall be used for maintenance of the entire burial ground.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 40, § 35; G.L. 1909, ch. 50, § 37; G.L. 1923, ch. 51, § 40; G.L. 1938,
ch. 333, § 40; P.L. 1945, ch. 1662, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 45-5-11; P.L. 1976, ch. 13,
§ 1; P.L. 1979, ch. 34, § 1; P.L. 1979, ch. 114, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 261, § 1; P.L.
2013, ch. 363, § 1.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 45-5-11
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 45-5-11 cover?
Section 45-5-11 ("Councils and Governing Bodies") 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 § 45-5-11?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 45-5-11" (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 § 45-5-11 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.