R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-28.11-8: Nonresident.

No permit shall be issued under the provisions of this chapter to a nonresident person to conduct a display fireworks and aerial consumer fireworks and/or pyrotechnics display in this state, until that person shall have appointed in writing a member of the Rhode Island bar association to be his or her attorney upon whom all processes in any action or proceeding against the person may be served.