AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- CAUSE OF ACTION (Permits a signed release to be transmitted to the party responsible for paying the settlement or their attorney by electronic means.)

S3197

2026 -- S 3197
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LC005220
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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 --
CAUSE OF ACTION

Introduced By:
Senators Dimitri, Patalano, LaMountain, Famiglietti, Appollonio, and
Thompson

Date Introduced:
April 03, 2026

Referred To:
Senate Judiciary
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
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SECTION 1. Section 9-1-50 of the General Laws in Chapter 9-1 entitled "Causes of
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Action" is hereby amended to read as follows:
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9-1-50. Settled claims not paid within thirty (30) days.
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(a) Whenever any claim is settled, the insurance company, adjusting company, or any other
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person, firm, or corporation responsible for paying the settlement shall make payment within thirty
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(30) days from the date the claimant or the claimant’s attorney sends the release.
The signed release
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may be transmitted to the party responsible for paying the settlement or their attorney in electronic
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format.
The signed release may be transmitted to the party responsible for paying the settlement or
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their attorney in electronic format. Failure to make payment within thirty (30) days shall raise a
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presumption that failure to do so was a willful and wanton disregard for the rights of the claimant.
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In addition to all other remedies, the payor shall be liable to the claimant in a separate cause of
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action for punitive damages and interest which shall be computed at the rate of twelve percent
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(12%) per annum from the date the cause of action giving rise to the settlement occurred until the
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judgment on the claim brought pursuant to this section is entered.
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(b) Any claim brought under the provisions of this section shall be given a priority on the
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trial calendar.

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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 -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY --
CAUSE OF ACTION
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This act would permit a signed release to be transmitted to the party responsible for paying
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the settlement or their attorney by electronic means.
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This act would take effect upon passage.
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LC005220
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