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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jonathon Acosta and 8 co-sponsors

Creates a new civil action to recover the replacement value of a federally approved child car seat after a crash, payable by the at-fault party or insurer.

06/11/2026 Senate read and passed

Summary of SB 2722 (2026) – Rhode Island

Purpose and intent

Establishes a new civil cause of action to recover the replacement value of a child restraint system (car seat) after a motor vehicle collision.

Applies when the collision involves a vehicle with a federally approved child restraint system in use (per 49 CFR § 571.213) or when the system is unoccupied at the time of the collision.

The goal is to allow the owner of the child restraint system to recover its replacement cost from the person responsible for the collision or that person's insurer.

Key provisions and changes

Creation of new § 9-1-55 in Rhode Island General Laws, Chapter 9-1 (Causes of Action).

Recovery liability:

If a collision involves a vehicle containing a federally approved child restraint system used to transport a child (in compliance with Rhode Island law § 31-22-22) or if the restraint is unoccupied, the responsible party (or their insurer) must pay the replacement value of the child restraint system to the owner.

Replacement value:

The liable party must pay the replacement value of the child restraint system, not its depreciated or repair value.

Possession of the item:

The liable party or insurer is entitled to take possession of the child restraint system upon payment of the replacement value.

No requirement for visible damage:

The provision applies regardless of whether there is visible damage to the child restraint system after the collision.

Effective date:

The act takes effect upon passage (i.e., it would become law as soon as it is enacted).

Who/what is affected

Primarily the owner of a child restraint system (car seat) in a motor vehicle.

Individuals or entities responsible for a motor vehicle collision, and their insurers, who would be obligated to pay the replacement value if the car seat is involved.

Vehicle occupants and insurers may interact in settlements or claims to recover the replacement cost of the car seat.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Route through the Legislature:

Introduced February 27, 2026; referred to Senate Judiciary.
Scheduled for hearings and consideration in April 2026, with subsequent scheduling in June 2026.

Effective date: Immediate upon passage (no delayed effective date).

Potential implications and considerations

Financial impact on collision liability: Adds a specific recovery item for car seats, potentially increasing settlements or claims amounts.

Compliance and documentation: Owners may need to provide proof of replacement value; insurers will process payment accordingly.

Public safety and consumer protection: Aims to reduce financial barriers to replacing a car seat after a collision, supporting ongoing child safety.

Enforcement: The bill specifies liability and transfer of possession upon payment, reducing disputes over ownership in the aftermath of a collision.

Note: The summary reflects the bill as introduced and explanatory text provided by the Legislative Council.