The proposed bill introduces the "Rhode Island Civil Rights Enforcement Act," which establishes a legal framework for individuals whose rights, as secured by the Rhode Island Constitution or the U.S. Constitution, have been violated by governmental entities or their agents. The act aims to ensure that every right has a remedy and that governmental entities will bear the costs of harm caused by such violations, protecting innocent parties from financial responsibility.

Key definitions are provided, including "aggrieved party," which refers to residents or individuals within Rhode Island subjected to rights deprivations, and "governmental entity," which encompasses the State of Rhode Island and its political or administrative subdivisions. The act outlines the conditions under which these entities can be held liable for violations, including actions taken by their employees or agents.

Remedies available to aggrieved parties include the right to seek declaratory and injunctive relief, as well as compensatory and punitive damages, with specific limitations on the amount recoverable from the state. The act stipulates that compensatory damages are capped at $500,000, with exceptions for intentional or malicious conduct. Additionally, the cap will be adjusted annually based on the consumer price index.

The act also allows for the recovery of reasonable attorney fees and costs for prevailing parties. Furthermore, the Attorney General is authorized to bring civil actions for violations of the act, seeking injunctive or other appropriate relief on behalf of aggrieved individuals. The act is designed to take effect immediately upon passage.