We, the people of this State which state shall henceforth be known as the state of Rhode Island, grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing upon our endeavors to secure and to transmit the same, unimpaired, to succeeding generations, do ordain and establish this Constitution of government.
The rights and duties of all public bodies shall remain as if this
Constitution had not been adopted with the exception of such changes as are contained in this Constitution.
All laws, ordinances, regulations and rules
of court not contrary to, or inconsistent with, the provisions of this Constitution shall remain in force, until they shall
expire by their own limitation or
shall be altered or repealed pursuant to this
Constitution.
The
validity of all public and private bonds, debts and contracts, and of all suits, actions, and rights of
action, shall continue as if no change
had taken place.
All
officers filling any office by election or appointment shall continue the duties thereof, until the
end of the terms to which they were appointed or elected, and until their
offices shall have been abolished or their successors elected
and qualified in accordance with this Constitution or laws enacted
pursuant thereto.
On or before June 1, 1988, the general
assembly shall adopt implementing
legislation for Article III, Sections 7 and 8, and for Article IV,
Section 10.