The bill amends Section 9-1-14 of the General Laws in Chapter 9-1, titled "Causes of Action," to address the limitation of actions for words spoken and personal injuries. It specifies that actions for words spoken must be commenced within one year after the words are spoken. For personal injuries, actions must be commenced within three years after the cause of action accrues, with an exception for claims based on sexual abuse or exploitation of a child, which are governed by § 9-1-51. The bill also includes a new provision for claims based on first-degree child abuse in violation of § 11-9-5.3(b)(1), which must be commenced within the period provided by § 9-1-55. Additionally, if an injured party is entitled to proceed against an insurer and the insured tortfeasor cannot be located ("non est inventus"), the statutory limitation for filing an action directly against an insurer is extended by an additional 120 days after the expiration of the time limitation for personal injuries.

The bill introduces a new section, 9-1-55, known as "Harter's Law," which extends the civil statute of limitations for injuries resulting from first-degree child abuse to thirty-five years after the cause of action accrues. This time limit is tolled for a child until they reach eighteen years of age. The bill's purpose is to provide a longer period for victims of first-degree child abuse to bring civil actions. "Harter's Law" and the amendments to the existing law would take effect upon the passage of the act.

Statutes affected:
7168: 9-1-14