Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H8047

Introduced
2/27/26  

Caption

Adds the doctrine of assumption of risk to the current comparative negligence statute.

Impact

Should H8047 be enacted, it would amend existing laws concerning personal injury cases, thereby affecting the way negligence is determined in Rhode Island courts. The inclusion of the assumption of risk doctrine implies that a party's awareness and acceptance of specific risks could influence the outcome of their claims for damages. This is significant for defendants in civil suits, as it may limit their liability if they can demonstrate that the injured party was aware of and accepted the risks involved in the situation that led to their injury or damage.

Summary

House Bill H8047 proposes an amendment to the comparative negligence statute in Rhode Island, specifically by incorporating the doctrine of assumption of risk. This change is aimed at providing clarity in civil cases related to personal injuries or property damage, where it is asserted that the injured party or property owner may have acted without due care, assumed risks, or encountered open and obvious dangers. The introduction of this doctrine is intended to impact how damages are assessed and allocated in such cases, thereby potentially modifying the landscape of personal injury lawsuits in the state.

Contention

Debate surrounding HB H8047 is likely to center on the implications of adjusting the comparative negligence standard. Proponents may argue that the inclusion of the assumption of risk doctrine enhances fairness and accountability, allowing juries to more accurately assess damages based on informed consent to risk. However, critics may express concern that this change could deter legitimate claims from being pursued, thereby jeopardizing the rights of injured parties who believed they were in safe environments. The discourse is likely to reflect broader tensions between protecting defendants from excessive liability and ensuring fair compensation for injured individuals.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5910

Adds the doctrine of assumption of risk to the current comparative negligence statute.

RI H5926

Creates a cause of action for the intentional or negligent injury or death of a pet.

RI H5283

Adds department of corrections' correctional officers to the list of public safety employees that are entitled to their full salary if they are injured and become disabled as a result of performance of their job duties.

RI S0293

Provides for release of misdemeanor arrestees without financial conditions, except for domestic violence or flight risk or obstruct of justice risk.

RI S0134

Amends the statute so as to conform to current statutory penalties for possession of marijuana offenses promulgated in the Rhode Island cannabis act allowing for possession of up to two ounces (2 oz.) of marijuana.

RI H5550

Standardizes successor appointment language for various boards and adds language providing that a quorum be a majority of appointed members and the language applies across several healthcare professional boards that currently lack this language.

RI S0608

Standardizes successor appointment language for various boards and adds language providing that a quorum be a majority of appointed members and the language applies across several healthcare professional boards that currently lack this language.

RI H5271

Authorizes retired police officers and firefighters to earn income in addition to their earnable compensation; provided that, the amount would not exceed 5 times the rate of earnable compensation currently in force.

RI H5909

Makes all causes of action based on sexual abuse or exploitation of a child not subject to any statute of limitations whether the claim has lapsed or was previously time-barred.

RI S0928

Changes term vicious to dangerous dogs, expands on requirements relative to leashes, enclosures, addresses fines, requires signage, mandates dangerous dogs be kept in enclosure and provides other requirements.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.