R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-21-28
Any member who withdraws from service or who ceases to be a member for any reason other than death or retirement, shall be paid on demand the contributions which were standing to the member's credit in the member's individual account in the members' contribution reserve, without interest. Any member who is not eligible for the receipt of a service retirement allowance or any other benefit is entitled to a refund. The acceptance of a refund by a member effects a forfeiture by the member of all rights in the system and all accrued service credits. No member shall be deemed to have forfeited any of the member's accrued service credits or other rights in the system because of a change in employment from one participating municipality to another unless the member accepts a refund of the member's contributions.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-21-28