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RI S2607

Bill

Official Source

Status

Introduced

2/13/2026

Primary Sponsor

Jacob Bissaillon

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Creates a state-level civil rights cause of action allowing Rhode Island residents to sue governmental entities for violations of rights secured by the Rhode Island or U.S. Constitution
  • Expressly waives sovereign and governmental immunity for the State of Rhode Island and its political subdivisions, while preserving judicial and legislative immunity
  • Caps compensatory damages against governmental entities at $500,000, with annual inflation adjustments beginning January 31, 2027; the cap does not apply if conduct was intentional, willful, malicious, or reckless
  • Permits aggrieved parties to sue governmental entities directly without identifying or joining the individual government employee who caused the violation
  • Authorizes the Attorney General to bring civil actions on behalf of the state or aggrieved persons, and provides for attorney's fees and costs to prevailing plaintiffs with a 3-year statute of limitations

Legislative Description

Established a cause of action against state government entities for violation of civil rights.

State Affairs And Government

Last Action

Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary

2/13/2026

Committee Referrals

Judiciary2/13/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available