Rhode Island General Laws Title 45. Towns and Cities § 45-25-35. Indian housing authorities

(a) The city or town council of any city or town is authorized to create by ordinance an Indian housing authority consistent with the requirements of this chapter. Any Indian housing authority created under the terms of this chapter shall be organized for the purpose of directly or indirectly providing dwelling accommodations in a city or town for Indians of low income, within the meaning of and so as to qualify for funding under 24 Code of Federal Regulations Part 905.

(b) Any Indian housing authority created under this chapter shall consist of five (5) commissioners, three (3) of whom shall be appointed by the respective mayor, or elected town administrator, or if the municipality has no elected chief executive, by a majority of the city or town council, and two (2) of whom shall be appointed by the city or town council, each to serve a five (5) year term. At least three (3) commissioners must be duly enrolled members of a state or federally recognized Indian tribe and all commissioners must reside in the city or town. No person is barred from serving as a commissioner because he or she is a tenant or home owner in a dwelling directly or indirectly provided by the Indian housing authority.

(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize the establishment of gaming facilities anywhere in the state of Rhode Island by any person.