R.I. Gen. Laws § 10-16-3: Venue of actions — Rules of practice.

The venue of actions under this chapter shall be the same as in ordinary civil actions, except cases wherein the plaintiff is a corporation, in which event the action must be brought in the division of the district court wherein the defendant resides. If the defendant resides outside the state, then the venue shall be the same as in other civil actions. The laws relating to practice in ordinary civil actions in the district court, which are applicable to this procedure, and not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter, shall apply to cases under this procedure.