R.I. Gen. Laws § 8-9-7
The probate clerk shall attend the meetings of the probate court and shall record its proceedings and also all wills, administrations, inventories, accounts, decrees, orders, determinations, and other writings, which shall be made, granted, or decreed upon by the probate court of the town or city, and shall have the custody and safekeeping of the seal of the court and of all the books and papers belonging to the probate office, and of any stenographic or electronic recording of any probate court proceedings made by the probate clerk, and shall not act as attorney before the court of which he or she is clerk. Provided, that the probate clerk shall be required to retain stenographic and electronic recordings of any probate court proceedings only for one year from the date of the hearing.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 8-9-7