WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 2616

AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- CAUSES OF ACTION

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bob Britto and 7 co-sponsors

Extends and revives filing windows for childhood sexual abuse claims, allowing up to 35 years from acts or 7 years from discovery, with minors tolled until age 18.

06/11/2026 Signed by Governor
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2616

Summary of Bill SB 2616 (Rhode Island, 2026) — Causes of Action Related to Sexual Abuse

Purpose and intent

  • SB 2616 amends Rhode Island law to extend, clarify, and revive certain statutes of limitations for lawsuits arising from sexual abuse or exploitation of a minor.
  • The bill defines scope for actions against both perpetrator defendants and non-perpetrator defendants (e.g., institutions or individuals who may have supervised or contributed to the abuse).

Key provisions and changes

1) Extended and revived limitations for claims against perpetrators (Section 9-1-51(a)(1))

  • Claims for damages related to childhood sexual abuse, including negligent supervision, must be commenced within the later of:
    • 35 years from the act alleged to have caused the injury, or
    • 7 years from the time the victim discovered or reasonably should have discovered the injury.
  • The statute tolls (delays) the limitation period for a child until the child turns 18.
  • “Sexual abuse” is defined consistently with subsection (e) (i.e., acts that would constitute a criminal offense under Rhode Island law).

2) Extended and revived limitations for claims against non-perpetrator defendants (Section 9-1-51(a)(2))

  • Similar to perpetrators, claims for negligent supervision or related conduct by a non-perpetrator must be commenced within:
    • 35 years from the act(s) alleged to have caused the injury, or
    • 7 years from discovery of injury or when it should have been discovered.
  • Tolling for minors until age 18 applies here as well.
  • “Sexual abuse” has the same meaning as in subsection (e).

3) Special revival provisions (Section 9-1-51(a)(3)-(a)(4))

  • For perpetrators, any claim based on conduct of sexual abuse may be commenced within the time periods in (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) even if previously time-barred.
  • For conduct not time-barred under previous law on the act’s effective date, actions may be commenced within the periods in (a)(1) and (a)(2) even if previously time-barred.
  • Actions dismissed solely due to the former statute of limitations for child sexual abuse shall be revived.
  • A cause of action involving sexual conduct with a child (including negligent supervision and related conduct) that would have been time-barred shall be revived and must be commenced by no later than June 30, 2028.

4) Discovery and framework (Section 9-1-51(b)-(d))

  • In continuing abuse scenarios, a plaintiff need not identify which specific act caused injury; may compute discovery from the date of the last act in a common scheme or plan.
  • Knowledge of a custodial parent/guardian cannot be imputed to a minor under 18 for purposes of discovery.

5) Definitions (Section 9-1-51(e))

  • “Child” means a person under 18.
  • “Sexual abuse” means any act by a defendant against a complainant under 18 that would constitute a criminal offense under Rhode Island law (Chapter 37 of Title 11).

6) Severability (Section 9-1-55)

  • If any provision is invalid, other provisions remain in effect.

7) Effective date

  • The act takes effect July 1, 2026.

Who and what is affected

  • Individuals who were sexually abused as minors (or their estates/representatives) who sue for damages.
  • Perpetrator defendants (actual abusers).
  • Non-perpetrator defendants (e.g., employers, supervisors, institutions) whose negligent supervision or contribution to abuse is alleged.
  • Entities or individuals whose actions would have been time-barred under prior law but are revived under this act.
  • Courts and civil procedure timelines related to childhood sexual abuse claims.

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • New or revived claims may be brought within 35 years from the act or 7 years from discovery, with discovery rules tailored to last-acts within a common scheme.
  • Minor tolling remains until age 18.
  • A sunset-like revival deadline for certain time-barred actions: June 30, 2028.
  • The act clarifies discovery rules for ongoing or continuing abuse cases and preserves severability if any provision is struck down.

Practical impact

  • Expands potential filing windows for many childhood-sexual-abuse cases, including those previously time-barred.
  • Provides a mechanism to revive certain closed or dismissed cases.
  • Encourages timely reporting while recognizing delayed discovery in abuse scenarios.
  • Places emphasis on a clear, consistent definition of “sexual abuse” aligned with criminal standards.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.