RI S2966

All Rhode Island courts—including supreme, superior, family, district, workers' compensation, and traffic tribunal—may conduct hearings, conferences, motions, and other proceedings virtually or remotely

Any party, witness, or attorney has the right to participate via telephone or video conference, subject to court rules ensuring orderly administration of justice

Courts may require in-person appearance only with a specific finding on the record that remote participation would materially prejudice a party or impair proceeding integrity

Remote appearances carry the same legal force and effect as in-person appearances, with no party disadvantaged solely for appearing remotely

Courts must ensure remote options are reasonably accessible to self-represented litigants and individuals with disabilities under state and federal law