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 specifies that claims involving willful and malicious conduct or extreme recklessness are exempt from this limitation. Additionally, the state and local entities will not be subject to the provisions of section 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. The act is set to take effect upon passage.