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H7431

Creates "Harter's Law" to extend the civil statute of limitations, for injuries resulting from first degree child abuse, to thirty-five (35) years and cap civil damages recovery at five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000).

Introduced·1/30/26
Introduced Text

Rhode Island H7431 extends the civil statute of limitations for injuries from first degree child abuse to 35 years and caps damages at $500,000.

Rhode Island H7431, known as "Harter's Law," extends the civil statute of limitations for injuries resulting from first degree child abuse to 35 years. It also caps civil damages recovery at $500,000. This law applies to actions for personal injuries where an injured party can proceed against an insurer. The statute of limitations is tolled for a child until they reach 18 years of age.

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Where it stands

Current
Judiciary Committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

DDDDDDDD
8
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Calendar

Apr 16

12:00 AM

House Judiciary Hearing

History

Apr 16

House

Committee recommended measure be held for further study

Apr 10

House

Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/16/2026)

Jan 30

House

Introduced, referred to House Judiciary