R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-5-9: Terms of commission members.

The five (5) commissioners appointed before July 12, 1990, shall serve the remainder of their terms. One of the two (2) new commissioners to be appointed after July 12, 1990, shall serve for five (5) years and one of the two (2) new commissioners to be appointed after July 12, 1990, shall serve for four (4) years. Thereafter, the members of the commission shall be appointed for terms of five (5) years each, except that any member chosen to fill a vacancy occurring otherwise than by expiration of term shall only be appointed for the unexpired term of the member whom he or she succeeds.