The bill amends Chapter 16-32 of the General Laws concerning the University of Rhode Island by introducing new provisions related to tort claims against the board of trustees. It establishes definitions for key terms such as "board of trustees," "employee," and "injury," and outlines the conditions under which the board can be held liable for injuries. Specifically, the board is only liable for injuries caused by employees acting within the scope of their employment, excluding cases of actual fraud, malice, or willful misconduct. The board is liable for injuries caused by a condition of its property only if the plaintiff establishes that the property was in a dangerous condition at the time of the injury, that the injury was proximately caused by the dangerous condition, that the dangerous condition created a reasonably foreseeable risk of the kind of injury incurred, and that the board willfully or maliciously failed to guard or warn against the dangerous condition. The bill also states that the board shall not be liable for a dangerous condition if the actions taken to protect against the condition or the failure to take such action was not palpably unreasonable.

Additionally, the bill limits the board's liability for tort claims to a maximum recovery of $100,000, and claimants must present their claims within 90 days of the injury to avoid being barred from recovery. The bill specifies the procedures for presenting claims, including the information required in the claim and the time limitations for filing. It also clarifies that no interest shall accrue prior to the entry of judgment against the board, and no punitive or exemplary damages shall be awarded. Furthermore, damages for pain and suffering are limited, except in cases of permanent loss of a bodily function, permanent disfigurement, or dismemberment.

The bill mandates the board to conduct a feasibility study regarding the operations of the Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center and the Rhode Island Atomic Energy Commission. This study will evaluate the continued operation of the reactor located at the University of Rhode Island's Bay Campus and assess the feasibility of the university assuming oversight of its operations. The costs for this study will be funded by the state. The act is set to take effect upon passage.