R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-4-7: Annual appropriation.

For the purpose of carrying § 42-4-6 into effect, the sum of five hundred dollars ($500) is hereby annually appropriated out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated; and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of such sum, or so much thereof as may be required from time to time, upon receipt by him or her of properly authenticated vouchers.