R.I. Gen. Laws § 33-18-25
Any person or corporation in this state, before having actual notice of the pendency of an application in this state for letters testamentary of administration or guardianship may pay any money owing or deliver any personal property belonging to the estate of any decedent whose residence at the time of his or her death was not in this state, or belonging to any person under guardianship whose residence is not in this state, to the executor or administrator of the decedent or to the guardian of the ward duly appointed, qualified, and authorized to receive the same under the laws of any other state, territory or district of the United States; and the receipt for payment or delivery to the executor, administrator, or guardian shall be a valid discharge for that money and personal property.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 33-18-25