Rhode Island General Laws Title 11. Criminal Offenses § 11-41-34. Fraud against the department of human services

(a) The following establishments and/or retail outlets are prohibited from accepting electronic benefit transfer cards issued by the department of human services:

(b) A store owner who knowingly allows a prohibited, electronic-benefit transaction in violation of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500) for a first offense; by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) for a second offense; and for a third, or subsequent, offense shall be guilty of a felony and shall be punished by a fine of not less than two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500).

(c) In addition to the penalties imposed by subsection (b), the department of human services is further authorized to suspend and/or revoke any license necessary to conduct business.