R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-11-2.1: Filling of certain educational vacancies.

Notwithstanding the authority of either the board of regents for elementary and secondary education, the board of governors for higher education, or the appointing authorities of the several colleges and institutions within the jurisdiction of the board of governors for higher education, or any general or public law to the contrary, the director of administration shall be notified by the aforesaid authorities of their vacant positions in the classified service of the state and the director shall give the director’s approval thereto in writing before those vacancies may be filled.