2026 -- H 7750 | |
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LC005154 | |
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND | |
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY | |
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026 | |
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A N A C T | |
RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- | |
CAUSES OF ACTION | |
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Introduced By: Representatives Shanley, Potter, and Craven | |
Date Introduced: February 12, 2026 | |
Referred To: House Judiciary | |
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows: | |
1 | SECTION 1. Chapter 9-1 of the General Laws entitled "Causes of Action" is hereby |
2 | amended by adding thereto the following section: |
3 | 9-1-55. Punitive damages in civil actions. |
4 | (a) In any civil action including, but not limited to, causes of action brought under chapter |
5 | 7 of title 10 ("death by wrongful act"), the plaintiff may receive an award for punitive damages if |
6 | evidence is submitted showing the actions of the defendant constitute willful or wanton conduct or |
7 | that the defendant acted with reckless disregard for the health safety and welfare of persons who |
8 | foreseeably might be harmed by said reckless, willful or wanton conduct. |
9 | (b) For purposes of this section and its application to any civil action, "willful or wanton |
10 | conduct" means conduct committed which the actor knew or should have known was dangerous or |
11 | was done heedlessly and recklessly and without regard to consequences or the rights and safety of |
12 | others. |
13 | SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage. |
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LC005154 | |
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EXPLANATION | |
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL | |
OF | |
A N A C T | |
RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- | |
CAUSES OF ACTION | |
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1 | This act would provide for punitive damages in civil actions where there is willful or |
2 | wanton conduct or a reckless disregard for health, safety and welfare. |
3 | This act would take effect upon passage. |
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