Any general or public law to the contrary notwithstanding, the commissioner shall, after consulting with all insurers licensed to write automobile liability insurance in this state, promulgate regulations which provide that automobile liability insurance rates shall take into account the past claim experience of the applicant for the insurance and incorporate the principles used in so called "merit rating" or "experience rating" rate plans which are now in effect in other states.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-47-18