Rhode Island General Laws Title 42. State Affairs and Government § 42-102-4. Terms of office and voting

(a) Of the eighteen (18) public members appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the senate, nine (9) shall be appointed for a term of two (2) years and nine (9) shall be appointed for three (3) years. After the initial appointments of those individuals serving two-year (2) terms, they, or their successors, shall be appointed to three-year (3) terms. A vacancy in the office of a member, other than by expiration of the member's term, shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment, but only for the remainder of the prevailing term. Members whose terms expire may be reappointed.

(b) Only members shall have the right to vote.

(c) A simple majority of board members shall constitute a quorum.