The bill amends Section 9-1-14 of the General Laws to clarify the limitations on actions for words spoken and personal injuries. It establishes that actions for words spoken must be initiated within one year, while personal injury claims must be filed within three years. The bill introduces a new section, 9-1-55, known as "Harter's Law," which extends the statute of limitations for civil actions resulting from first-degree child abuse to thirty-five years. It specifies that any civil action for injury as a result of first-degree child abuse must be commenced within thirty-five years after the cause of action accrues, with the time limit tolled until the child reaches eighteen years of age. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5177: 9-1-14