R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-125-5.1
During the month of January in each year, the governor shall appoint a member to succeed the departing member. The newly appointed member will serve for a term of three (3) years commencing on the first day of February. The members of the council shall be eligible to succeed themselves. Members shall serve until their successors are appointed and qualified. Any vacancy which may occur in the council shall be filled by the governor, for the remainder of the unexpired term in the same manner as the members predecessor as described in § 42-125-5. Four (4) members of the council shall constitute a quorum. A majority vote of those present and voting shall be required for action. No vacancy in the membership of the council shall impair the right of quorum to exercise all of the rights and perform all of the duties of the council. Members of the council shall be removable by the governor prior to the expiration of a term for cause only, and removal solely for partisan or personal reasons unrelated to capacity or fitness for the office shall be unlawful.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-125-5.1