R.I. Gen. Laws § 30-21-14: Preference in private employment.

(a) A private employer may adopt an employment policy that provides a preference in hiring or promotion, or both, to a veteran.

(b) A policy adopted under this section shall:

(1) Be in writing; and

(2) Be uniformly applied to employment decisions regarding hiring and promotion.

(c) A private employer may require that a veteran submit a Department of Defense DD Form 214 or similar documentation of separation from the U.S. Armed Forces to be eligible for a preference in hiring or promotion pursuant to this section.

(d) As used in this section, “veteran” means an individual who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and received an honorable or general discharge.