R.I. Gen. Laws § 37-7-10: Vesting of title in successor to public office.

Upon the resignation, death, or removal from office for any cause of any governmental official, appointed or elected under the laws of this state or the laws of the United States of America, the title to all real estate and interest in real estate vested in or owned by the official in his or her governmental capacity or by virtue of his or her office, shall vest, transfer, and pass to his or her duly elected or appointed successor in office.