R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-4-4

The committee may employ an administrative officer and any technical experts and any other agents, and employees, permanent and temporary, that it may require, and shall determine their qualifications, duties, and compensation. It has the authority to delegate to its chairperson, to one or more of its members, or to one or more agents or employees, any powers and duties that it may deem proper. Upon request of the committee, for the purpose of carrying out any of its functions, the supervising officer of any state agency, or of any state institution of learning shall, insofar as may be possible under available appropriations, and having due regard to the needs of the agency to which the request is directed, assign or detail to the committee members of the staff or personnel of the agency or institution of learning, and make any special reports, surveys, or studies that the committee may request. The committee may call upon the attorney general for any legal services it may require.