S.2966

Permits all Rhode Island courts to conduct hearings remotely and allow any party or attorney to appear by telephone or video conference, with remote appearances having the same legal effect as in-person appearances.

Introduced·3/4/26
Introduced Text

Rhode Island S2966 allows all courts to conduct hearings remotely with equal legal effect as in-person appearances.

Rhode Island S2966 permits all courts in the state to conduct hearings remotely, allowing parties and attorneys to appear via telephone or video conference. These remote appearances have the same legal effect as in-person appearances. Courts must ensure remote participation is accessible to self-represented litigants and individuals with disabilities. A court may require an in-person appearance if a remote appearance would prejudice a party's rights or interfere with the administration of justice.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
Judiciary Committee
Next
Session adjourned — paused until it reconvenes

Sponsors

DDDDDDDD
8
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

Senate Committee on Judiciary: Be held for further study

11 Yea

DDDDRDDDDRD

0 Nay

Calendar

May 5

12:00 AM

Senate Judiciary Hearing

History

May 5

Senate

Committee recommended measure be held for further study

May 1

Senate

Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (05/05/2026)

Mar 4

Senate

Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary