The bill amends Section 9-1-51 of the General Laws regarding the limitation on actions based on sexual abuse or exploitation of a child. It introduces new legal language that expands the definition of sexual abuse to include claims of negligent supervision and other forms of conduct that may have contributed to the abuse.

The time limits for bringing such claims are set at thirty-five years from the act or seven years from the discovery of the injury, with provisions for tolling until the victim reaches eighteen years of age. Additionally, the bill allows for the revival of claims that would otherwise be time-barred, requiring them to be commenced by June 30, 2028.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions that exempt claims against the State of Rhode Island or any political subdivision from prejudgment interest and limits damages to $100,000. It also establishes a twelve percent interest rate on pecuniary damages awarded in certain cases. A new section on severability is added, ensuring that if any provision of the chapter is held invalid, the remaining provisions will still be enforceable. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
7200: 9-1-51
7200  SUB A: 9-1-51