R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-43-7: Unlawful exercise of functions of state office.

Every person, except as duly elected according to the laws of this state, who shall assume or exercise any of the legislative, executive, or ministerial functions of the office of governor, lieutenant-governor, senator, member of the house of representatives, secretary of state, attorney general, or general treasurer of this state, within the territorial limits of the state, as they are now actually had and enjoyed, either separately or with others, or shall assemble with others, for the purpose of exercising any of those functions, shall be imprisoned during life.