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 filing claims are established as follows: claims must be commenced within thirty-five years of the act causing the injury or within seven years from the time the victim discovered or reasonably should have discovered that the injury was caused by the act. Additionally, the time limit for a child to commence an action is tolled until the child reaches eighteen years of age.

The bill also allows for the revival of certain time-barred claims involving sexual conduct or contact with a child, which must be commenced by no later than June 30, 2028. Claims against the State of Rhode Island or its political subdivisions are exempt from prejudgment interest and are subject to limitations on damages, which shall not exceed one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).

Furthermore, in actions filed under the new provisions, other than those against the State, there shall be added interest at the rate of twelve percent (12%) per annum on pecuniary damages from the date of written notice of the claim or the filing of the action, whichever comes first.

The bill includes a severability clause, ensuring that if any provision is held invalid, the remaining provisions will still be enforceable. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
2616: 9-1-51
2616  SUB A: 9-1-51