R.I. Gen. Laws § 43-3-28: Proclamation of emergency.

Whenever it shall be determined by the governor that a time of emergency exists in the state brought about by the disruption and/or interruption of transportation, communications, or postal service, and that rights and obligations are adversely affected by the time of emergency, the governor may issue a proclamation which shall set forth the reason for the determination and which shall have the full force and effect of law when a copy is filed in the office of the secretary of state.