R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-5.1-15: State financial assistance.

State agencies disbursing financial assistance, including, but not limited to, loans and grants, shall require recipient organizations and agencies to undertake affirmative action programs designed to eliminate patterns and practices of discrimination. At the request of the state equal opportunity office, state agencies disbursing assistance shall develop, in conjunction with the state equal opportunity office, regulations and procedures necessary to implement the goals of nondiscrimination and affirmative action and shall be reviewed for compliance according to state policy.