R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-31-8
The provisions of chapters 29 - 38 of this title requiring employers to insure against liability to pay compensation arising under the provisions of those chapters shall not apply to the state or any city or town in the state, and the state or any city or town may separately insure against or contract for the provision of any portion of its obligations or liabilities arising under chapters 29 - 38 of this title with parties licensed or qualified to do business in this state. Any party providing, underwriting, or administering the provision of any portion of the obligations or liabilities shall not thereby incur any liabilities or obligations under chapters 29 - 38 of this title beyond those specified by its contract with the state, city, or town, and the party shall not thereby become subject to the regulation and the generally applicable liabilities and obligations of workers' compensation insurers. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 45-5-20.1 or any other general law, the state, the city of Providence, and any town, city, or regional school district which has accepted the provisions of chapters 29 - 38 of this title pursuant to § 28-31-1 shall be subject to the annual assessment payment to the workers' compensation administrative fund established by § 28-37-1.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-31-8