2005 Rhode Island Code - § 17-7-3 — Appointment of members – Vacancies.

    (a) The governor shall forthwith upon June 8, 1979 appoint seven (7) members of initial terms as follows: one member upon initial appointment shall serve for a term of two (2) years; one member upon initial appointment shall serve for a term of four (4) years; one member upon initial appointment shall serve for a term of six (6) years; one member upon initial appointment shall serve for a term of eight (8) years; one member upon initial appointment shall serve for a term of ten (10) years; one member upon initial appointment shall serve for a term of twelve (12) years; one member upon initial appointment shall serve for a term of fourteen (14) years; and upon the expiration of the terms, the governor shall appoint persons for succeeding terms of fourteen (14) years, respectively. The governor shall appoint one member as chairperson, who shall serve as chairperson for the duration of that member's term, and one member as vice chairperson, who shall serve as vice chairperson for the duration of that member's term.

   (b) In the event a vacancy occurs in the office of chairperson or vice chairperson, the governor shall appoint within thirty (30) days a qualified elector of the state, who may be a member of the board, to fill the vacancy; provided, if the vacancy occurs as a result of death or resignation, the new chairperson or vice chairperson shall only fill the unexpired term.

   (c) In the event a vacancy occurs on the board, the governor shall appoint within thirty (30) days a new member to fill the vacancy; provided if the vacancy occurs as a result of death or resignation, the new member shall only fill the unexpired term.