H 7750Civil Procedure

Courts and Civil Procedure - Procedure Generally - Causes of Action

This bill allows courts to award extra money (punitive damages) if a defendant acted recklessly or dangerously in a civil case.

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Introduced Feb 12, 2026Committee House Judiciary

Plain-English Summary

This legislation amends Rhode Island civil law to allow plaintiffs to recover punitive damages in civil lawsuits, including wrongful death cases. Punitive damages are extra financial penalties intended to punish a defendant rather than just compensate the victim. To be awarded these damages, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant’s actions were "willful or wanton" or showed a reckless disregard for the safety of others. The bill defines willful or wanton conduct as behavior the actor knew, or should have known, was dangerous and was done without regard for consequences.

For younger readers

When someone gets hurt because of another person, they can go to court to get money to help pay for things like doctors. This bill says that if the person who caused the problem was being very dangerous on purpose or didn't care about safety, the court can make them pay extra money as a punishment. This is called "punitive damages." It is designed to teach people a lesson when they know they are doing something unsafe but do it anyway.

Who & Where It Applies

Impacted groups

Plaintiffs in civil suitsDefendants in civil suitsInsurance companiesAttorneysBusiness owners

Impacted communities

All

Constitutional & Fiscal Check

None Likely. The bill establishes statutory grounds for punitive damages, which is a standard execution of legislative power over civil procedure. While specific excessive jury awards in the future could be challenged under the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment (regarding the ratio of punitive to compensatory damages), the text of this bill itself does not appear to violate constitutional protections.

Estimated cost

None

Estimated revenue

None

Bill Analysis

Both viewpoints

For Progressives

Increases corporate accountability by imposing significant financial penalties on businesses that prioritize profits over the safety and welfare of the community.
Provides a stronger mechanism for victims and their families to receive justice and compensation when they are harmed by the reckless or intentional misconduct of powerful entities.
Acts as a deterrent against negligence and dangerous behavior, potentially creating a safer environment for workers and the general public.
Could lead to higher insurance premiums for everyone, including low-income individuals and small business owners, as insurers adjust rates to cover potential high-payout lawsuits.
May disproportionately impact smaller organizations or individuals who lack the resources to defend against complex legal claims of "recklessness" compared to wealthy corporations.
Relies on financial punishment within the civil system rather than ensuring criminal accountability or systemic regulatory reform to prevent harm in the first place.

For Conservatives

Reinforces the principle of personal responsibility by ensuring that individuals and entities face strict consequences for actions that are willfully dangerous or reckless.
Strengthens the rule of law by clearly defining "willful or wanton conduct," providing a specific standard for judges and juries to apply in civil cases.
Allows the private civil justice system to handle the punishment of negligence, potentially reducing the need for expanded government regulatory oversight agencies.
Likely to increase the cost of doing business in the state significantly, as companies face the threat of uncapped financial penalties and increased litigation expenses.
Could encourage a culture of "frivolous lawsuits" where plaintiffs search for large payouts, forcing defendants to settle even when their liability is questionable.
May drive up insurance costs for all citizens and businesses, imposing an economic burden on the private sector and potentially driving businesses out of the state.

Votes

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Full Bill Text

Changes to existing Rhode Island law · 10 additions

SECTION 1. Chapter 9-1 of the General Laws entitled "Causes of Action" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section: 9-1-55. Punitive damages in civil actions.

(a) In any civil action including, but not limited to, causes of action brought under chapter 7 of title 10 ("death by wrongful act"), the plaintiff may receive an award for punitive damages if evidence is submitted showing the actions of the defendant constitute willful or wanton conduct or that the defendant acted with reckless disregard for the health safety and welfare of persons who foreseeably might be harmed by said reckless, willful or wanton conduct.

(b) For purposes of this section and its application to any civil action, "willful or wanton conduct" means conduct committed which the actor knew or should have known was dangerous or was done heedlessly and recklessly and without regard to consequences or the rights and safety of others.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.