R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-127.1-4: Prospective application.

This chapter applies to any electronic record or electronic signature created, generated, sent, communicated, received, or stored on or after July 13, 2000. Any electronic record or electronic signature created, generated, sent, communicated, received, or stored prior to the effective date of this chapter, but on or after the effective date of the Electronic Signatures and Records Act (formerly chapter 127 of this title) which this replaces, shall be subject to the terms of the Electronic Signatures and Records Act as it stood at the time of that creation, generation, sending, communication, reception, or storage.