Monthly Archives

December 2019

Claims against RIDOT – Important Judicial Decisions in 2019

The Rhode Island Superior Court came down with a few interesting decisions this year concerning Rhode Island General Law Section 37-13.1-1.  That statute deals with actions against the State of Rhode Island on Highway and Public Works contracts.  The statute provides in part:

  • 37-13.1-1. Suits allowed – Jurisdiction – Statute of limitations – Procedure.   (a) Any person, firm, or corporation which is awarded a contract subsequent to July 1, 1977, with the state of Rhode Island, acting through any of its departments, commissions, or other agencies, for the design, construction, repair, or alteration of any state highway, bridge, or public works other than those contracts which are covered by the public works arbitration act may, in the event of any disputed claims under the contract, bring an action against the state of Rhode Island in the superior court for Providence county for the purpose of having the claims determined, provided notice of the general nature of the claims shall have been given

Regulations Alert ! Rhode Island Contractors, Home Inspectors, & More

On December 19, 2019, the Rhode Island Contractors Registration and Licensing Board’s (“CRLB”) revised regulations for contractors and new regulations home inspectors, well drillers/pump installers/water-filtration contractors, and commercial roofers will go live.  Here’s a link to the Regulations.  

For the commercial roofers, home inspectors, and well drillers/pump installers/water-filtration contractors, the new regulations create a licensing regime pursuant the Rhode Island statutes.  See R.I. Gen. Laws 5-65.1- 1 et seq. (home inspectors); R.I. Gen. Laws 5-65.2- 1 et seq. (well drillers et al); R.I. Gen. Laws 5-73-1 et seq (commercial roofers).  Previously the licensing requirements were in place by statute but lacked the necessary procedural and enforcement mechanisms.  Now, the CRLB regulations present application requirements including a licensing examination, certain standards of practice and performance, and continuing education requirements to maintain the license going forward.  Each professional will be required to apply and become licensed with the CRLB by or before April 1, 2020 when the