R.I. Gen. Laws § 8-4-19: Employment of clerical assistants in Kent, Washington, and Newport counties.

The clerks of the superior courts within the counties of Kent, Washington, and Newport may employ such clerical assistance in their respective offices as they may deem necessary, and the general assembly shall annually appropriate such sum as it may deem necessary for this purpose; and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of the sum, or so much thereof as may from time to time be required, upon receipt by him or her of proper vouchers approved by the clerk of the court.