The bill amends Sections 9-31-2 and 9-31-3 of the General Laws in Chapter 9-31, which pertains to "Governmental Tort Liability." It establishes a cap on damages in tort actions against the state of Rhode Island, cities, towns, and fire districts at $100,000. However, the bill introduces exceptions for claims involving willful and malicious conduct or extreme recklessness, which will not be subject to this limitation. Additionally, the state and local entities are exempt from the provisions of § 9-21-10.

The amendments replace previous language that allowed for exceptions to the damage cap when the state or local entities were engaged in proprietary functions or had agreed to indemnify the federal government for tort liability. The new legal language clarifies that the limitations on damages do not apply in cases of willful misconduct or extreme recklessness, thereby enhancing accountability in such situations. The act is set to take effect upon passage.