Plain English Breakdown
The plain English breakdown is still being put together. The official documents below are already here.
H7750 • 2026
AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- CAUSES OF ACTION (Provides for punitive damages in civil actions where there is willful or wanton conduct or a reckless disregard for health, safety and welfare.)
AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- CAUSES OF ACTION (Provides for punitive damages in civil actions where there is willful or wanton conduct or a reckless disregard for health, safety and welfare.)
Passed Legislature
This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.
Bill History
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2026-02-26
Committee
Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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2026-02-19
Rhode Island General Assembly
Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/26/2026)
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2026-02-12
Rhode Island General Assembly
Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
Official Summary Text
AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- CAUSES OF ACTION (Provides for punitive damages in civil actions where there is willful or wanton conduct or a reckless disregard for health, safety and welfare.)
Current Bill Text
Read the full stored bill text
H7750
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
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:
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SECTION 1. Chapter 9-1 of the General Laws entitled "Causes of Action" is hereby
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amended by adding thereto the following section:
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9-1-55. Punitive damages in civil actions.
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(a) In any civil action including, but not limited to, causes of action brought under chapter
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7 of title 10 ("death by wrongful act"), the plaintiff may receive an award for punitive damages if
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evidence is submitted showing the actions of the defendant constitute willful or wanton conduct or
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that the defendant acted with reckless disregard for the health safety and welfare of persons who
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foreseeably might be harmed by said reckless, willful or wanton conduct.
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(b) For purposes of this section and its application to any civil action, "willful or wanton
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conduct" means conduct committed which the actor knew or should have known was dangerous or
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was done heedlessly and recklessly and without regard to consequences or the rights and safety of
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others.
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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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This act would provide for punitive damages in civil actions where there is willful or
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wanton conduct or a reckless disregard for health, safety and welfare.
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This act would take effect upon passage.
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LC005154
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