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SB 3193

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Bissaillon and 4 co-sponsors

Allows punitive damages in civil actions when the defendant’s conduct is willful, wanton, or recklessly indifferent to health and safety.

04/16/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 3193

Summary of Bill: SB 3193 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Title

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

Purpose and intent

  • The bill adds a provision allowing punitive damages in civil actions under certain circumstances.
  • It clarifies when a plaintiff may obtain an award of punitive damages based on the defendant’s conduct being willful, wanton, or showing reckless disregard for health, safety, and welfare.

Key provisions

  • New section added: 9-1-55. Punitive damages in civil actions.

    • (a) In any civil action, including but not limited to wrongful death actions under chapter 7 of title 10, a plaintiff may receive punitive damages if there is evidence that the defendant’s actions constitute:
    • willful or wanton conduct, or
    • reckless disregard for the health, safety, and welfare of persons who foreseeably might be harmed by such conduct.
    • (b) Definition: “Willful or wanton conduct” means conduct that the actor knew or should have known was dangerous, or conduct done heedlessly and recklessly without regard to consequences or the rights and safety of others.

  • Effective date: The act takes effect upon passage.

Who and what is affected

  • Affects civil actions in Rhode Island courts, including wrongful death actions under current law.
  • The standard for awarding punitive damages is broadened to permit such damages where the defendant’s conduct is willful, wanton, or recklessly disregards public health and safety.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral:
    • Introduced April 3, 2026.
    • Referred to Senate Judiciary.
  • Committee timeline:
    • April 10, 2026: Scheduled for hearing/consideration.
    • April 16, 2026: Committee recommended the measure be held for further study.
  • Effectiveness:
    • Immediate upon passage (no staged phase-in).

Notable considerations

  • The bill does not specify cap amounts, procedural limits, or enhanced evidentiary requirements beyond defining willful, wanton conduct and reckless disregard.
  • It expressly covers actions within the scope of existing civil actions, including death-by-w wrongful act claims (Chapter 7, Title 10) as part of its potential scope.
  • The bill’s language emphasizes foreseeability of harm and a standard of dangerous or heedless conduct.

Overall impact

  • If enacted, Rhode Island would explicitly authorize punitive damages in civil cases where the defendant’s conduct is willful, wanton, or recklessly disregardful of safety and welfare.
  • This could affect plaintiff strategies, defendant risk exposure, and settlement dynamics in civil litigation, including wrongful death claims.

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

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