RI State Use Law:
RIGL 37 -- 2.2 Disability Business Enterprises
Chapter 2.2 of title 37 of the Rhode Island General Laws was enacted to encourage the production of goods and services by people with disabilities.
"It is the policy of the state of Rhode Island that small disadvantaged disability businesses shall have the maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of procurements and projects as outlined in this chapter. This chapter shall apply to any and all state purchasing, including, but not limited to, the procurement of goods and services, construction projects, or contracts funded in whole or in part by state funds, or funds which, in accordance with a federal grant or otherwise, the state expends or administers or in which the state is a signatory to the construction contract." 1
"Whenever any products made, manufactured by, or services provided by persons with disabilities in nonprofit rehabilitation facilities, or in profit making facilities where seventy-five percent (75%) of the employees are disabled, meet the requirements of any department, institution, or agency supported, in whole or in part, by the state as to quantity, quality, and price, those products shall have preference over products or services from other providers. All departments, institutions, and agencies supported, in whole or in part, by the state shall purchase articles made or manufactured and services provided by persons with disabilities."2
The word "shall" in a statute imposes a mandatory duty. The clear language of these sections of the general laws provides a market for goods and services produced by persons with disabilities working at rehabilitation facilities or by businesses owned by a person with a disability.
The Governor's Commission on Disabilities certifies rehabilitation facilities and businesses owned and controlled by persons with disabilities that participate in the state's Disability Business Enterprise program. This catalog was developed to assist state departments and agencies comply with the Disability Business Enterprise Act.
1 RI General Law 37-2.2-3.1
2 RI General Law 37-2.2-3