R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-7-34: Appropriation of funds.

The general assembly shall annually appropriate a sum that it may deem necessary to carry out the purposes of §§ 16-5-31 and 16-7-15 to 16-7-34; and the state controller is authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of this sum, or so much of that sum as may be required from time to time, upon receipt by the controller of properly authenticated vouchers.