§ 28-2-1. Duty to work — Proclamation of governor — Penalty.
It is the duty of every able-bodied male resident of this state between the ages of eighteen (18) and fifty (50) years to be habitually and regularly engaged in some lawful, useful, and recognized business, profession, occupation, trade, or employment. Whenever the governor of this state issues a proclamation determining that employment is necessary and essential for the protection and welfare of this state and of the United States because of the existence of a state of war in which the United States may be engaged, and from that time on until the termination of that war, any able-bodied male resident of this state between the ages of eighteen (18) and fifty (50) who fails or refuses to be employed for at least thirty-six (36) hours per week shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall pay a fine of not more than one hundred dollars ($100), or be imprisoned for a term not to exceed three (3) months, or both.
History of Section.P.L. 1918, ch. 1661, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 90, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 288, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 28-2-1.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Title 28 - Labor and Labor Relations
Chapter 28-2 - Duty to Work in Time of War
Section 28-2-1. - Duty to work — Proclamation of governor — Penalty.
Section 28-2-2. - Possession of property or income not defense.
Section 28-2-3. - Inability to find work as defense.
Section 28-2-4. - Assignment to work of persons unable to find work.
Section 28-2-5. - Compensation of persons assigned to work.
Section 28-2-6. - Penalty for failure to do assigned work.
Section 28-2-7. - Rules and regulations for assignment — Circumstances to be considered.
Section 28-2-8. - Duty of law enforcement officers to seek unemployed persons.
Section 28-2-9. - Employment of personnel — Assistance by other agencies.
Section 28-2-10. - Exemption of temporarily unemployed and students.
Section 28-2-11. - Persons deemed residents — Habitual loiterers.