R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-41-5: Legislative appropriation authority and delegation thereof.

(a) No agency shall establish new, or expand existing programs including any program involving federal or other nonstate monies, beyond the scope of those already established, recognized, and appropriated for by the general assembly until the program and the availability of money is submitted by the agency to the budget officer for recommendations to the general assembly.

(b) No state agency may make expenditures of any federal monies, whether such monies are advanced prior to expenditure or as reimbursement, unless such expenditures are made pursuant to specific appropriations of the general assembly.