R.I. Gen. Laws § 36-4-49: Recovery of unlawful payments.

Any payment violating the provisions of the pay plan or the rules pertaining thereto, made to a person appointed or established in his or her position in a manner contrary to the provisions of this chapter, may be recovered from the appointing authority, or any officer or person making the payment, whoever is culpable, or from the sureties on the official bond of that officer or person. Action for the recovery may be maintained by the director, any officer, or employee of the state service, or any citizen of the state. All money recovered under this section shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the general fund.