R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-9.3-3: Penalties.

Each violation of this chapter is a civil violation for which a civil penalty of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each defendant may be adjudged. This penalty shall be paid to the general fund after the attorney general is reimbursed for costs of bringing the action. Said penalty shall not serve as a defense to or in mitigation of any action for damages brought by any person so aggrieved.