R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-18-18.1: Authority deemed instrumentality and political subdivision of state.

For the purposes of chapters 42 — 44 of title 28 and chapters 29 — 37 of title 28, and with respect to chapter 31 of title 9, and notwithstanding any inconsistent provisions of these chapters, the authority shall be deemed to be an instrumentality and a political subdivision of the state; provided, however, with respect to chapters 29 — 37 of title 28, the authority shall pay all benefits, required by law, until the authority ceases to exist. Thereafter, the payments shall be the obligation of the state.