R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-5.1-1: Declaration of policy.

(a)(1) Equal opportunity and affirmative action toward its achievement is the policy of all units of Rhode Island state government, including all public and quasi-public agencies, commissions, boards, and authorities, and in the classified, unclassified, and nonclassified services of state employment. This policy applies in all areas where the state dollar is spent, in employment, public service, grants and financial assistance, and in state licensing and regulation.

(2) All policies, programs, and activities of state government shall be periodically reviewed and revised to assure their fidelity to this policy.

(3) Each department head shall make a report to the governor and the general assembly not later than September 30 of each year on the statistical results of the implementation of this chapter and to the state equal opportunity office; provided, that the mandatory provisions of this section do not apply to the legislative branch of state government.

(b) The provisions of this chapter shall in no way impair any contract or collective bargaining agreement currently in effect. Any contract or collective bargaining agreements entered into or renewed after July 6, 1994, shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter.