R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-23-2

At the January session in each odd-numbered year the governor shall, with the advice and consent of the senate, appoint two (2) members of the commission to succeed the members whose terms will next expire and to hold office until the first day of February in the sixth year after their appointment. Any vacancy which may occur in the commission when the senate is not in session shall be filled by the governor until the next session of the general assembly, when he or she shall, with the advice and consent of the senate, appoint some person to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term.