The bill amends Section 9-20-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 9-20, which pertains to "Decisions, Special Findings and Assessment of Damages." The key change is the addition of the doctrine of assumption of risk to the existing comparative negligence statute. Specifically, it states that in cases involving personal injuries, death, or property damage, the fact that the injured party may have assumed the risk of injury and/or death will not bar recovery. Instead, damages will be reduced in proportion to the negligence attributed to the injured party or property owner. This amendment aims to clarify how assumption of risk interacts with comparative negligence, ensuring that while a party's negligence may reduce their recovery, it does not completely eliminate their right to seek damages. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5910: 9-20-4