The bill amends Chapter 16-32 of the General Laws concerning the University of Rhode Island, establishing a Board of Trustees as a public corporation with comprehensive authority over university property, contracts, and employment matters. The board is empowered to create its own procurement rules, exempting it from certain state purchasing laws, and is designated as the chief purchasing officer for the university.

Additionally, the bill introduces a framework for tort claims against the Board of Trustees, detailing liability limitations and the procedures for filing claims. It specifies that the board is liable only for injuries caused by employees within the scope of their employment, with exceptions for actual fraud, actual malice, or willful misconduct. The bill clarifies that any waiver of immunity and assumption of liability will not apply if another party has assumed liability, and it does not alter existing workers' compensation laws.

Furthermore, the act provides that the board shall make and maintain rules and regulations for procurement purposes, and it establishes a process for presenting claims against the board. The act also includes provisions regarding the establishment of a landscaping fund and the university's internal audit functions.

The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5747: 35-18-3