The bill amends Section 9-1-14 of the General Laws to establish new limitations on actions for personal injuries and words spoken. It specifies that actions for words spoken must be initiated within one year, while personal injury actions must be filed within three years, with exceptions for claims related to sexual abuse or exploitation of a child. The bill introduces provisions for first degree child abuse claims, which must be commenced within the statute of limitations outlined in the newly added Section 9-1-55, known as "Harter's Law." This section allows civil actions for first degree child abuse to be filed within thirty-five (35) years after the cause of action accrues, with a cap on damages at five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000).

Additionally, the bill includes a tolling provision for minors, stating that the time limit for filing an action is paused until the child reaches eighteen (18) years of age. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7431: 9-1-14