R.I. Gen. Laws § 29-6-7

For each state supported residential institution and the school for the deaf, the state’s share under this program to support library services for residents or students shall be gradually increased until the state’s share in fiscal year 2000 is equal to at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the amount appropriated and expended in the second preceding fiscal year by the institution for operating expenditures to support library services for residents or students.