Rhode Island General Laws Title 39. Public Utilities and Carriers § 39-3-2. Persons and companies eligible for certificates

No certificate shall be issued to any person who is not a citizen resident within this state, or to any association, unless all members of the association are citizens of this state, or to any corporation unless the corporation has been created by special act of the general assembly upon petition for the same. Notice of the pendency of the petition shall be given in such manner as the general assembly may by general law or special act prescribe; provided, however, that the prohibition contained in this section shall not apply to any corporation lawfully doing business in this state as a public utility prior to March 1, 1926.