R.I. Gen. Laws § 35-8-17
Whenever the board is satisfied that any instrument or printed or written paper presented to it is in fact a valid bond or note of the state but it is so damaged that its condition is such as to hinder or prevent the owner or holder thereof from making good delivery of the bond or note, the board may, upon payment to it by the owner or holder thereof of such a sum as it deems necessary to cover the actual expense involved, cause the damage to be repaired or remedied by requiring the proper officers of the state to sign the bond or note in place of their damaged or destroyed signatures or those of their predecessors in office, to issue a duplicate bond or note, or to do whatever else the board may require of them to repair or remedy the damage. But no duplicate bond or note shall be so issued except upon the surrender of the original bond or note, which shall thereupon be cancelled forthwith, and the repaired or duplicate bond or note shall be treated in all respects as a valid obligation of the state. On every repaired or duplicate bond or note the general treasurer shall certify on the back thereof that the bond or note has been repaired or issued under the provisions of this section and the certification shall be conclusive proof that the bond or note has been repaired or issued in accordance with the requirements of the board and that it is a valid obligation of the state in accordance with its terms.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 35-8-17