Within the department of corrections there shall be a parole board consisting of seven (7) qualified electors of the state appointed by the governor. In the month of January in each year, the governor shall appoint one or more members of the board to serve in place of members whose terms have expired, for a term of three (3) years, and until his, her, or their successors have been appointed and qualified.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 13-8-1