R.I. Gen. Laws § 40-9-3
Within the department of human services there shall be an advisory council to assist in promoting the interests of people who are blind or visually impaired consisting of nine (9) members, eight (8) of whom shall be qualified electors of the state, who shall be selected with particular regard to their interest in and their knowledge of the conditions regarding the blind and visually impaired and who shall be appointed by the governor as herein provided, and one of whom shall be the chairperson of the state council on independent living services, ex officio. In the month of February in each year, the governor shall appoint one member, except in the month of February 1970 and every fifth year thereafter when he or she shall appoint four (4) members, each member to hold office until the first day of March in the fifth year after his or her appointment and until his or her successor is appointed and qualified, to succeed the member whose term will next expire. Any vacancy that may occur in the council shall be filled by appointment by the governor for the remainder of the unexpired term.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 40-9-3