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RI H7431

Bill

Official Source

Status

Introduced

1/30/2026

Primary Sponsor

Julie Casimiro

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Creates "Harter's Law" (§ 9-1-55) establishing a 35-year statute of limitations for civil actions arising from first degree child abuse under § 11-9-5.3(b)(1)
  • Tolls the statute of limitations for child victims until they reach 18 years of age, meaning the 35-year window begins at adulthood
  • Caps civil damages recovery for first degree child abuse claims at $500,000
  • Amends existing personal injury statute (§ 9-1-14) to reference the new limitations period for first degree child abuse claims
  • Takes effect immediately upon passage

Legislative Description

Creates "Harter's Law" to extend the civil statute of limitations, for injuries resulting from first degree child abuse, to thirty-five (35) years and cap civil damages recovery at five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000).

Courts And Civil Procedure

Last Action

Introduced, referred to House Judiciary

1/30/2026

Committee Referrals

Judiciary1/30/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available