The proposed bill amends Chapter 9-1 of the General Laws by introducing a new section titled "The Rhode Island Federal Constitution Defense Act." This legislation establishes a civil cause of action for individuals who believe their rights under the United States Constitution have been violated by persons acting under color of federal law. Specifically, it allows individuals to seek redress for deprivations of rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the Constitution, and emphasizes that no immunities typically provided under Rhode Island law or recognized under federal law can be used as a defense in these cases.

The bill stipulates that actions must be initiated within three years of the incident that gave rise to the action, with provisions for individuals under disability to file within three years of the removal of that disability. Additionally, the bill mandates that courts award reasonable attorneys' fees and costs to prevailing plaintiffs, and it clarifies that a plaintiff can be considered to have prevailed if their lawsuit was a substantial factor or significant catalyst in obtaining the results sought by the litigation.

Furthermore, the act specifies that an action under this section shall be deemed an action brought for a violation of the Constitution of the United States within the meaning of 28 U.S.C. 2679(b)(2)(A), and it clarifies that the section shall not impose duties on federal officials beyond those already imposed by the United States Constitution. The act will take effect upon passage.