R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-32-15: Assumption of defaulted obligations — Lien on property.

Whenever default is made on the part of a society in the payment of loans guaranteed under the provisions of § 16-32-12, or any part of them, the board of trustees is authorized to assume the obligation and to make required payments on principal and interest from any of the appropriations available for the university of Rhode Island. In the event of a default, in cases where that board assumes the obligation of a society, the state shall have a lien subject to any mortgages or encumbrances existing at the time on any and all property of the society. The lien may be released after the reimbursement to the state of all payments made on behalf of the society, plus accrued interest.