RI
Rhode Island Senate Bill S2953
Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session
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RI

Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2953

Introduced
3/4/26  

Caption

Provides immunity for mediators and staff employed by the family court in the family court mediation program from financial liability for certain claims arising out of their participation in the program.

Impact

The enactment of S2953 is intended to bolster the family court mediation process by ensuring that mediators can perform their duties without the fear of facing financial repercussions from claims of negligence. This protection is seen as necessary for fostering a supportive environment where mediators can facilitate discussions and resolutions without the concern of legal ramifications, thus promoting the overall efficiency of family court operations. It also aligns with a growing trend in the judicial system to prioritize mediation over contentious litigation, creating a more amicable approach to resolving family issues.

Summary

Bill S2953 introduces a significant amendment to Chapter 9-1 of the General Laws regarding the causes of action, specifically focusing on family court mediators. This legislation aims to provide immunity from liability for mediators and family court staff who participate in the family court mediation program. By protecting these individuals from financial loss and legal expenses resulting from negligence claims in the execution of their duties, the bill seeks to encourage mediation as a viable option for resolving family disputes.

Contention

While the bill proposes beneficial protections for mediators, potential areas of contention may arise regarding the extent of immunity granted. Critics could argue that providing broad immunity might lead to a lack of accountability among mediators, possibly undermining the standards of care expected in such sensitive legal processes. As such, discussions may surface concerning a balance between necessary protections for mediators and ensuring that parties involved in mediation can trust that their cases are handled with appropriate diligence and care.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0564

Requires DCYF to submit a one-time, detailed report on the effectiveness of EBPs in keeping children out of foster care, providing valuable data on the programs' impact on high-risk families, reunification outcomes, and program availability.

RI S0204

Permits the court to determine the number of hours a person would have to complete of a batters intervention program and gives the court discretion as to whether that person would be personally financially responsible for the costs thereof.

RI S0050

Establishes Children's Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund to provide finance assistance to families for medical expenses not covered by state or federal programs or insurance contract.

RI H5746

Relieves East Providence from providing any educational/financial resources to children in the CRAFT program or other Bradley Hospital programs. Requires the school district of origin where the student was last registered to bear this responsibility.

RI S0572

Simplifies the assessment of filing fees required to appeal from small claims and consumer matters adjudicated by the district court.

RI H5641

Simplifies the assessment of filing fees required to appeal from small claims and consumer matters adjudicated by the district court.

RI S0289

Sets a mandatory retirement age of 75 for all justices and magistrates of the superior, district, workers’ compensation, family and traffic tribunal courts and provide that no pension or retirement benefits be affected thereby.

RI S0677

Changes annual reporting requirements for the state’s family home-visiting program and also impacts appropriation and spending of funds in order to access maximum federal funding for these programs.

RI S0581

Protect the personal information of judicial officers and their immediate family members who serve or have served the RI unified judicial system, as well as judicial officers who reside in RI and who serve or have served in the federal courts.

RI H6073

Changes annual reporting requirements for the state’s family home-visiting program and also impacts appropriation and spending of funds in order to access maximum federal funding for these programs.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.