R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-21-6: Continuation of rules and regulations.

Rules and regulations prepared by any department, division, board, commission, or other agency existing on February 7, 1939, that are not in conflict with this title or with any general law or public law, shall continue to be in force until such time as the director or head of the appropriate department created by chapter 660 of the Public Laws of 1939 shall issue or promulgate new rules and regulations governing such activity; provided, however, that the governor in the governor's judgment may suspend any existing rules or regulations which in the governor's opinion are inadvisable.