R.I. Gen. Laws § 30-21-8
In every public department and upon all public works of this state, any honorably discharged soldier, sailor, or marine who served in the army or navy of the United States during the Spanish-American war, Philippine insurrection, China relief expedition, or world war I, and who, having been disabled in service, and at the time of his or her application for employment, is a qualified elector of this state, shall be preferred for appointment and employment. Age, loss of limb, or other physical impairment, which does not in fact incapacitate, shall not disqualify the veteran, if he or she possesses the other requisite qualifications. Whenever any department, division, bureau, board, or commission in this state shall have a vacant position available, the department, division, bureau, board, or commission, shall notify the assistant director of human services in charge of the community services division that a vacancy exists.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 30-21-8