R.I. Gen. Laws § 40.1-21-10

The general assembly shall annually appropriate such sums as it deems necessary to enable the director of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals to provide or secure services for developmentally disabled adults of this state; and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of such sum or sums, or so much thereof as may be required from time to time, upon the receipt by him or her of vouchers properly authenticated.