Rhode Island General Laws Title 35. Public Finance § 35-4-22.1. Legislative appropriation authority

(a) No agency shall establish new programs, or expand existing programs, including any program involving nonstate monies, beyond the scope of those already established, recognized, and appropriated for by the general assembly until the program and the availability of money is submitted by the agency to the budget officer for recommendation to the general assembly.

(b) No state agency may make expenditures of any restricted or special revenue funds, whether these monies are received prior to expenditure or as reimbursement, unless these expenditures are made pursuant to specific appropriations of the general assembly.

(c) To the extent permitted by federal law, any federal funds or assistance appropriated, authorized, allocated, or apportioned to the state of Rhode Island shall be subject to appropriation by the general assembly except where otherwise provided in this chapter or chapter 41 of title 42.