R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-4-17: Special statutes controlling.

The provisions of this chapter are subject to the provisions of any special statutes respecting any particular town or city, none of which are repealed by this section; provided, that no elected or appointed official or member of a board or commission, or employee of any city or town, shall be disqualified in that capacity because he or she serves as a delegate to a constitutional convention of the state, or other unpaid position with the state.