2026 -- S 2966

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LC004288

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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 -- COURTS -- PERMITTING

VIRTUAL OR REMOTE COURT HEARINGS

     Introduced By: Senators Mack, Acosta, Kallman, Ujifusa, Bell, Quezada, Vargas, and
Euer

     Date Introduced: March 04, 2026

     Referred To: Senate Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Title 8 of the General Laws entitled "COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE

— COURTS" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following chapter:

CHAPTER 20

PERMITTING VIRTUAL OR REMOTE COURT HEARINGS

     8-20-1. Remote and virtual court appearances permitted.

     Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, in all courts of the State of Rhode

Island including, but not limited to, the supreme court, superior court, family court, district court,

workers’ compensation court, and traffic tribunal, any hearing, conference, motion, proceeding, or

other court appearance may be conducted in whole or in part by virtual or remote means, as

permitted by the court.

     8-20-2. Right to remote participation.

     Any party to a proceeding including, but not limited to, a plaintiff, defendant, respondent,

witness, or attorney of record, shall be permitted to participate in and appear at any court proceeding

remotely by using a telephone or video conference connection, subject to reasonable rules and

procedures adopted by the court to ensure the orderly administration of justice.

     8-20-3. Judicial discretion.

     A court may require an in-person appearance upon a specific finding, stated on the record,

that a remote appearance would materially prejudice the rights of a party, impair the integrity of

the proceeding, or otherwise interfere with the fair and efficient administration of justice.

     8-20-4. Equal legal effect.

     An appearance made remotely pursuant to this section shall have the same force and effect

as an appearance made in person, and no party shall be disadvantaged or prejudiced solely because

such party or attorney appears remotely.

     8-20-5. Rules and procedures.

     The chief justice or presiding authority of each court may promulgate rules, administrative

orders, or procedures governing the use of remote or virtual appearances, including standards for

technology, notice, verification of identity, and the creation of an official record.

     8-20-6. Accessibility.

     Courts shall endeavor to ensure that remote participation options are reasonably accessible

to self-represented litigants and individuals with disabilities, consistent with applicable state and

federal law.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- COURTS -- PERMITTING

VIRTUAL OR REMOTE COURT HEARINGS

***

     This act would permit all Rhode Island courts to conduct hearings remotely and allow any

party or attorney to appear by telephone or video conference, with remote appearances having the

same legal effect as in-person appearances.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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