R.I. Gen. Laws § 21-16-4: Penalties — Prosecution of violations.

A person, firm, or corporation convicted of violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall, for the first offense, be punished by a fine in the sum of not less than ten dollars ($10.00) and not more than three hundred dollars ($300) and for the second and each subsequent offense by a fine of not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500), or by imprisonment not exceeding one year, or by other fine and imprisonment, in the discretion of the court. It shall be the duty of every board of health and the health department of any city or town and the department of health of the state whenever cognizant of any violation of this chapter to prosecute any person, firm, or corporation which it has reason to believe has violated any of the provisions of this chapter, and after deducting the costs of trial and conviction, to retain for the use of the board or department the balance of the fine or fines recovered.