Rhode Island General Laws Title 5. Businesses and Professions § 5-65.3-7. Licensing of underground utility contractors granted without examination

(a) After enactment of this chapter, and at any time prior to the expiration of six (6) months following enactment of this section, the board shall, without examination, upon payment of the fees required in this chapter and approval of the issuance of the license by the board, issue a license to any applicant who shall present satisfactory evidence as described in subsection (b) of this section that the applicant has the qualification for issuance of an underground utility contractor license. Thereafter, in order to qualify for an underground utility contractor license after the initial “ grandfather” window, said licensee may renew the license pursuant to § 5-65.3-5.

(b) The owner(s) of a business entity as defined in § 5-65.3-2(3) shall meet the requirements of this section for issuance of a license without examination, provided, that any city or town that has previously granted a contractor or licensee a license within the last five (5) years shall continue to grant the license for work specifically related to the license and where work is to be performed only in that city or town, provided the contractor continues to meet all other local requirements for licensure, and shall not require the contractor or licensee to take and pass the statewide licensing examination.