RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS REGULATION

About the Department of Business Regulation

Agency Operations
The Department's primary function is the implementation of state laws mandating the regulation and licensing of designated businesses, professions, occupations and other specified activities. The areas regulated include Banking, Securities, Commercial Licensing, Gaming and Athletics, Insurance, Accountants and Design Professionals. Specifics on regulation in each of these areas can be found on the Division page on the Department website.

The Department Director is appointed pursuant to Title 42 of the Rhode Island General Laws and serves statutorily as the State Banking Commissioner, Commissioner of Insurance, Real Estate Administrator and State Boxing Commissioner. Boards and Commissions housed within the Department include the Real Estate Commission, Real Estate Appraisal Board, the Auto Collision Repair Licensing Advisory Board and the Rhode Island Boards of Accountancy, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Engineering and Land Survey. The Department issues more than 200,000 licenses and conducts administrative hearings involving issuances, suspensions or revocations of those licenses.

Statutory History
The Department was established by the Rhode Island General Assembly in 1939 and is organized under Title 42 of the Rhode Island General Laws.