AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- CAUSES OF ACTION -- THE RHODE ISLAND FEDERAL CONSTITUTION DEFENSE ACT

Summary

The law adds a new civil claim that lets Rhode Island residents sue individuals or entities who, while exercising federal authority, deprive them of rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. It strips away most state and federal immunity defenses, sets a three‑year deadline to file (with extensions for disabled plaintiffs), and awards reasonable attorney fees to winners. The goal is to give victims a direct way to obtain damages or injunctions for constitutional harms.

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