S 3193Civil Procedure

Courts and Civil Procedure - Procedure Generally - Causes of Action

This bill allows plaintiffs in civil lawsuits to receive punitive damages if the defendant acted recklessly or intentionally dangerous.

Held for study

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Affected

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Introduced Apr 3, 2026Committee Senate Judiciary

Plain-English Summary

This bill allows people who file civil lawsuits, including wrongful death cases, to receive additional financial compensation known as "punitive damages." To be awarded this money, the person suing must provide evidence that the defendant acted willfully, recklessly, or with a severe lack of care for the safety and rights of others. The legislation defines this reckless behavior as actions the defendant knew or should have known were dangerous and were committed without considering the consequences.

For younger readers

When someone gets hurt because another person was acting very dangerously on purpose or not caring about safety, the hurt person can sue them in court. This bill says that if the person who caused the harm was being super reckless, the judge or jury can make them pay extra money. This extra money is called "punitive damages," and it acts like a big fine to punish them for doing something they knew was very dangerous to others.

Who & Where It Applies

Impacted groups

Plaintiffs in civil lawsuitsDefendants in civil lawsuitsBusiness ownersMedical professionalsInsurance companies

Impacted communities

All

Constitutional & Fiscal Check

None Likely. The bill standardizes the availability of punitive damages for willful, wanton, or reckless conduct in civil actions. Punitive damages are a well-established mechanism in civil law and do not inherently violate constitutional protections like due process, provided the awards are not grossly excessive, which is already governed by existing judicial precedent.

Estimated cost

None

Estimated revenue

None

Bill Analysis

Both viewpoints

For Progressives

Increases corporate accountability by allowing plaintiffs to seek punitive damages against businesses that recklessly endanger public health, safety, and welfare.
Provides a mechanism for victims, particularly disadvantaged and marginalized individuals, to receive greater financial compensation when wronged by gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Encourages safer practices in workplaces, housing, and consumer products by imposing harsh financial penalties on bad actors who act with reckless disregard for human life.
May disproportionately harm low-income defendants who make reckless mistakes but completely lack the financial resources to pay large punitive damage awards.
Could lead to larger corporations passing the costs of increased liability and punitive damages down to lower-income consumers through higher prices for everyday goods and services.
Might increase the backlog in the civil justice system as more plaintiffs pursue punitive damages, delaying justice for individuals waiting for their day in court.

For Conservatives

Strengthens personal responsibility by severely penalizing individuals and entities that intentionally or recklessly cause harm to others or their property.
Relies on the private judicial system and citizen-led lawsuits to regulate bad behavior rather than expanding government regulatory agencies or adding new bureaucratic oversight.
Protects property rights and individual liberties by ensuring bad actors who willfully damage another person's life or property are held financially accountable.
Significantly increases liability risks for businesses and corporations, potentially leading to frivolous lawsuits and exorbitant payouts that harm economic growth.
Broadens the scope of civil litigation, which could drive up insurance premiums for businesses, medical professionals, and everyday citizens.
The broad definition of "willful or wanton conduct" may allow activist judges or juries to unfairly target and penalize disfavored businesses or individuals with massive financial judgments.

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.