R.I. Gen. Laws § 44-69-2 — Definitions

(a) “Appointing authority” means the person or group of persons having the power by virtue
of the constitution, a state statute, or lawfully delegated authority to make appointments.
(b) “Employee” or “state or public employee” means an elected official, appointed officer
or employee of any political subdivision of this state.
(c) “State agency” means any office, department, board, commission or institution of the
executive, legislative, higher education or judicial branch of state government.
(d) “Political subdivision” means any office, department, board, commission or institution
of the executive, legislative, education, or, public safety, or judicial branch of
any city, town, or school district within the state.