R.I. Gen. Laws § 6A-9-802: Savings clause.

(a) Pre-effective-date transactions or liens. Except as otherwise provided in this part, the amendatory act applies to a transaction or lien within its scope, even if the transaction or lien was entered into or created before the amendatory act takes effect.

(b) Pre-effective-date proceedings. The amendatory act does not affect an action, case, or proceeding commenced before the amendatory act takes effect.