R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-9-7: Approval of land titles and conveyances.

Whenever an appropriation is available for the purpose of purchasing or acquiring land, the officer, board, division, department, or commission authorized to make the purchase or to acquire the land shall not accept any deed nor shall the state controller draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment for the land until the officer, board, division, department, or commission has obtained an acceptable policy of title insurance covering the real estate. No easement or right-of-way shall be construed to be an encumbrance within the meaning of the preceding sentence.