Rhode Island General Laws Title 17. Elections § 17-3-5. Death, refusal, or incapacity of senator or representative elect

(a) Whenever any person elected a senator or representative in the general assembly, at any time between the day of his or her election and the beginning of his or her term of office, refuses to serve and so declares to the secretary of state, or dies, becomes insane, removes from the state, or is otherwise incapacitated, the secretary of state shall immediately cause a warrant to be issued ordering a new election of senator or representative, as the case may be, to be held in that district at least seventy (70) but not more than ninety (90) days from the occurrence of the refusal or incapacity.

(b) Every person elected pursuant to the provisions of this section shall hold his or her office for the full term or for the remainder of the term, as the case may be, of the office that person is elected to fill, and until that person's successor is elected and qualified.