AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- CAUSES OF ACTION (Provides immunity for mediators and staff employed by the family court in the family court mediation program from financial liability for certain claims arising out of their participation in the program.)

S2953

2026 -- S 2953
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LC005280
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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:
Senators Dimitri, LaMountain, Famiglietti, and Tikoian

Date Introduced:
March 04, 2026

Referred To:
Senate Judiciary
(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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9-1-27.4. Family court mediators - Immunity from liability.

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The state shall protect and hold harmless mediators and other staff of the family court
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mediation program from financial loss and expense, including legal fees and costs, if any, arising
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out of any claim, demand, or suit for damages resulting from acts or omissions committed in the
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discharge of their duties with the program and within the scope of their employment which may
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constitute negligence, but which acts are not wanton, malicious, or grossly negligent as determined
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by a court of competent jurisdiction.
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SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
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LC005280
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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 immunity for mediators and staff employed by the family court in
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the family court mediation program from financial liability for certain claims arising out of their
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participation in the program.
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This act would take effect upon passage.
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LC005280
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