R.I. Gen. Laws § 36-11-13: Affirmative action provisions.

(a) The director of the department of administration shall direct the associate director of human resources to include proposals for affirmative action provisions as a subject for all collective bargaining negotiations. The proposals shall include, at a minimum but not limited to, the following personnel actions: recruitment; new hires; promotions; transfers; terminations; training and education; layoffs and return from layoff.

(b) The proposals shall also include a provision that all new and vacant positions shall be filled with due consideration to equal opportunity and affirmative action interests, especially when a manifest imbalance exists within a specific job category. Manifest imbalance, as used herein, shall mean the statistical under representation of minorities (as currently defined in federal employment law as Blacks, Hispanics, American Indians, including Alaskan Natives, and Asians, including Pacific Islanders) in specific job categories.