R.I. Gen. Laws § 35-3-19: Availability of funds on failure of general assembly to pass appropriation bill.

In an emergency caused by a failure of the general assembly to pass the annual appropriation bill, the same amounts appropriated in the previous fiscal year shall be available for each department and division thereof, subject to monthly or quarterly allotments, in accordance with seasonal requirements, as determined by the budget officer; provided, that expenditures for payment of bonded indebtedness of the state and interest thereon shall be in such amounts as may be required, regardless of whether or not an annual appropriation bill is passed by the general assembly.