R.I. Gen. Laws § 37-2-50: Settlement of dispute.

(a) The first five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) of any arbitration award or superior court judgment against the state awarding damages on a contract claim under the provisions of this chapter shall be a necessary governmental expense. Payment shall be approved by the chief purchasing officer and paid by the state treasurer out of the general fund upon warrants drawn by the chief purchasing officer. Appropriations for these judgments shall be continued appropriations.

(b) The governor shall request an appropriation from the next regular session of the general assembly for the purpose of satisfying all awards and judgments granted during the preceding two (2) fiscal years which are not satisfied under subsection (a) of this section.