Rhode Island House Bill H7213

Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/26
• Refer: 1/21/26

Caption

Limits the recovery for personal injuries actions against any town to $3,000 retroactive to all causes of action arising after January 1, 2026, and prohibits the use of subsequent remedial measures in roadway/highway defect cases.

Impact

The passage of HB 7213 would notably constrain the avenues for individuals seeking damages from towns following personal injury incidents. By capping recoverable damages at such a low threshold, the bill may deter citizens from pursuing legitimate claims due to the costs of litigation not being worth the potential award. This could also impact the accountability of local governments regarding infrastructure maintenance and safety, concentrating more risk on the individuals harmed rather than the municipalities responsible for public safety.

Summary

House Bill 7213 aims to amend existing regulations governing the liability of towns in personal injury cases. The bill proposes to limit the recovery for personal injuries caused by any action or negligence on the part of a town to a mere $3,000, applicable retroactively for all cases arising after January 1, 2026. Additionally, it seeks to prohibit the use of subsequent remedial measures as evidence in claims related to roadway or highway defects. This legislative move is seen as a significant shift in how towns could be held accountable for accidents occurring on public roads and pathways.

Contention

One of the key points of contention surrounding this bill is the validity of protecting towns from higher financial liabilities versus ensuring justice for injured parties. Supporters of HB 7213 may argue that the bill protects towns from excessive claims that could lead to financial strain on local budgets and resources, thereby allowing them to focus on maintaining services. Conversely, critics likely argue that limiting damages undermines the principle of accountability and fails to provide adequate compensation for individuals injured due to a town's negligence in maintaining safe public pathways.