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RI H7213

Bill

Status

Introduced

1/21/2026

Primary Sponsor

Leonela Felix

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Reduces the maximum recovery for personal injury lawsuits against towns from $100,000 to $3,000, notwithstanding existing wrongful death statutes (§§ 9-31-2 and 9-31-3)

  • Applies retroactively to all causes of action arising on or after January 1, 2026

  • Prohibits evidence of subsequent remedial measures (repairs or safety improvements made after an injury) from being used to prove negligence, culpable conduct, design defects, or need for warnings in roadway/highway defect cases

  • Clarifies that road mending or repair work by cities or towns does not constitute acceptance of a street or create liability for injuries to travelers

  • Takes effect upon passage

Legislative Description

Limits the recovery for personal injuries actions against any town to $3,000 retroactive to all causes of action arising after January 1, 2026, and prohibits the use of subsequent remedial measures in roadway/highway defect cases.

Towns And Cities

Last Action

Committee recommended measure be held for further study

1/29/2026

Committee Referrals

Judiciary1/21/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available