R.I. Gen. Laws § 36-10-34

Any and all retirement benefits and contributions in the state employees’ and municipal employees’ retirement systems shall be exempt from lien, attachment, or garnishment and shall not be transferable or assignable; provided, however, that any governmental agency which may have a claim on money due from one of its employees related to his or her employment in the agency shall have the right to the payment at the time any refund of contributions is made to the member.