R.I. Gen. Laws § 36-1-9: Vacancies in general state offices.

In case of a vacancy in the office of secretary of state, attorney general, or general treasurer occurring when the general assembly is not in session, the governor shall appoint some person to fill the vacancy until a successor elected by the general assembly is qualified to act; and in that case, as also whenever a vacancy shall occur in either of those offices during a session of the general assembly, the vacancy shall be filled by the general assembly in grand committee.