R.I. Gen. Laws § 30-25-3: Burial at public expense.

Whenever any person who served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force, or Marine Corps of the United States during any period of war, and was honorably discharged therefrom, shall die within this state without leaving means sufficient to defray necessary funeral expenses, the person shall be buried and the expenses thereof paid in the manner provided in this chapter.