Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7207

Introduced
1/21/26  

Caption

Expands the statute of limitations with respect to any wrongful act resulting in the death of a child in utero or within six (6) months after the birth of the child, to ten (10) years after the death of the child.

Impact

If passed, H7207 would significantly alter the legal landscape surrounding wrongful death lawsuits in Rhode Island, particularly focusing on the rights of parents and families who have suffered the demise of a newborn or unborn child due to wrongful acts. The increase in the statute of limitations may provide grieving families the necessary time to process their loss and to navigate the complexities of the legal system, potentially leading to more claims being filed. This legislative change reflects a growing recognition of the emotional and psychological burdens placed on families facing such tragedies.

Summary

House Bill 7207 aims to amend the existing legal framework regarding wrongful death claims specifically pertaining to the death of a child in utero or within six months after birth. Under the current law, the statute of limitations for such claims is limited to three years after the death, which some advocates argue is insufficient in cases involving a tragic loss of a child. This bill proposes to expand that limitation period to ten years, giving families a longer timeframe to seek justice and compensation for their loss.

Contention

However, there are points of contention surrounding this bill. Opponents may argue that extending the statute of limitations could lead to increased legal claims and potential abuse of the system. Concerns have been raised about the burden this may place on defendants, who could be subject to lawsuits many years after the events in question have occurred. Additionally, lawmakers will need to consider the implications for court resources and the overall impact on the wrongful death litigation landscape in Rhode Island.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5661

Expands the statute of limitations with respect to any wrongful act resulting in the death of a child in utero or within six (6) months after the birth of the child, to ten (10) years after the death of the child.

RI H5177

Creates "Harter's Law" to extend the civil statute of limitations, for injuries resulting from first degree child abuse, to thirty-five (35) years.

RI H5510

Requires a municipality to disclose on their official website the specific issues, details and costs of any legal action of which the town or city is a named defendant within sixty (60) days after the close of their fiscal year.

RI H5497

Requires EOHHS to develop a budget and seek funding to establish an early childhood mental health hub program to improve access to infant and early childhood mental health services for children under six (6) years and their families.

RI S0344

Requires EOHHS to develop a budget and seek funding to establish an early childhood mental health hub program to improve access to infant and early childhood mental health services for children under six (6) years and their families.

RI H5260

Extends the voluntary extension of care (VEC) program pursuant to § 14-1-6 to children in the juvenile justice system and children who attain reunification prior to their eighteenth (18th) birthday, however, the reunification is not successful.

RI S0187

Increases the net taxable estate exemption to four million dollars ($4,000,000) for deaths that occur on or after January 1, 2026.

RI H5783

Increases the net taxable estate exemption to four million dollars ($4,000,000) for deaths that occur on or after January 1, 2026.

RI H5754

Increases the net taxable estate exemption to four million dollars ($4,000,000) for deaths that occur on or after January 1, 2026.

RI H6133

Provides that the statute of limitations for second-degree sexual assault shall be 10 years from the date of the offense, or, in the case of a victim who is under the age of 18, ten years from the victim’s eighteenth birthday, whichever is later.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.