R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-18.11-3: Prohibited practices.

No retail establishment located and doing business within the state shall sell or convey goods, food, or goods which have been the subject matter of the rendering of personal services thereon, directly to the ultimate consumers within the state in plastic bags, unless the retailer makes available to each consumer a paper bag as an option at no greater charge than the plastic bag. The retailer must advertise clearly the availability of this option. Any retailer who chooses to transfer purchases in paper bags only, need not make other optional bags available.