R.I. Gen. Laws § 36-4-36: Disciplinary suspensions.

An appointing authority may, for disciplinary purposes, suspend a classified employee without pay for a period or periods not exceeding a total of thirty (30) days in any twelve (12) month period. In every case the appointing authority shall on or before the effective date of the suspension, give written notice of his or her action to the employee and shall notify the personnel administrator not later than three (3) days after the effective date.