R.I. Gen. Laws § 36-9-23: Inactive membership.

If a member leaves the service of the state but does not receive a refund of his or her contributions, his or her membership in the system shall continue but his or her status shall be that of an inactive member. In no event shall an inactive member be entitled to an annuity, benefit, or retirement allowance under chapters 8 — 10 of this title other than a refund of his or her contributions as provided in § 36-10-8 or except as provided in § 36-10-11 unless he or she shall reenter the service and be in the service of the state at the time he or she claims to be entitled to any annuity, benefit, or retirement allowance.