When lands are conveyed by deed or devised by will hereafter executed, to a person for his or her life, and after his or her death to his or her heirs in fee, or by words to that legal effect, the conveyance or devise shall be construed to vest an estate for life only in the first taker and a remainder in fee simple in his or her heirs.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-4-2