The Office of the General Treasurer has been in existence in various forms since March 12, 1640. The department is presently organized under chapter 42-10-1. "The general treasurer shall perform the duties required by this chapter, chapters 11 and 15 of title 5; chapter 4 of title 35; chapter 21 of title 44; and all other provisions of the general laws and public laws insofar as those powers and duties relate to the general treasurer and the treasury department. He or she shall receive all revenues of the state except as may otherwise be specified by law. He or she shall disburse only such sums of money as are authorized by the department of administration, except as may otherwise be provided by law." According to the state constitution, article 4, section 1, the general treasurer (and other general officers) shall be elected on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. The treasurer is elected every four (4) years, for no more than two consecutive terms.
From the guide to the Office of General Treasurer Nancy B. Mayer records, 1992-1998, (bulk 1993-1998), (Rhode Island State Archives)
