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SB 2965

AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- UNIFORM ELECTRONIC TRANSACTIONS ACT

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jonathon Acosta and 10 co-sponsors

Allows electronic records to satisfy writing requirements if they can be retained, while preserving other laws’ formatting/tranmission rules and permitting English/Spanish hard cop

05/21/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · SB 2965

Overview

  • Bill: SB 2965
  • Session: 2026 | Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
  • Title: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- UNIFORM ELECTRONIC TRANSACTIONS ACT
  • Purpose: Amend Rhode Island’s Uniform Electronic Transactions Act to address when electronic records satisfy writing requirements and to allow certain adaptations when other laws specify how records must be provided, transmitted, or formatted. It also permits parties to require a written copy in English or Spanish before electronic execution.

Main purpose and intent

  • Align electronic transaction practices with existing writing and retention standards.
  • Ensure electronic records can satisfy legal writing requirements provided they are capable of retention by the recipient.
  • Preserve the ability of other laws to dictate how records must be posted, transmitted, or formatted, while harmonizing electronic delivery where allowed.
  • Allow parties to condition electronic transactions on obtaining a written copy in English or Spanish before finalizing.

Key provisions and changes

  • Section 42-127.1-8 amended:
    • (a) An electronic record satisfies a requirement to provide, send, or deliver information in writing if it is an electronic record capable of retention by the recipient at the time of receipt. If the sender’s system inhibits printing or storing, the electronic record is not capable of retention and thus not enforceable against the recipient.
    • (b) When other laws require:
    • (i) Posting/displaying in a specific manner.
    • (ii) Sending, communicating, or transmitting by a specified method.
    • (iii) Information formatted in a specific manner.
    • The record must comply with those requirements as dictated by the other law (with retention alignment as applicable).
    • (c) If a sender inhibits the recipient’s ability to store/print, the electronic record is not enforceable.
    • (d) Variations by agreement:
    • (1) If another law allows variation of the in-writing requirement, that variation can extend to electronic-retention requirements.
    • (2) If another law allows variation of sending/transmitting by a certain method (e.g., first-class mail), that variation may apply.
    • (3) Parties may condition electronic agreements on receiving a written copy in English or Spanish before execution or performance.
  • Section 2: Effective date – takes effect upon passage.

Who/what is affected

  • Parties entering into transactions conducted by electronic means within Rhode Island that fall under or interact with the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.
  • Recipients of electronic records and the systems used to generate, store, or print those records.
  • Situations governed by other Rhode Island laws that require specific posting, transmission methods, or formatting, as those requirements may intersect with electronic records.
  • Parties seeking to require a written copy in English or Spanish prior to electronic execution.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: March 4, 2026 (Senate Judiciary)
  • Action history indicates scheduling for hearing/consideration: May 21, 2026
  • Effective date: Immediately upon passage (took effect upon passage as stated)

Summary of potential impact

  • Improves clarity on when electronic records satisfy “in writing” requirements, aligning with retention capabilities.
  • Maintains compatibility with other laws’ specific formatting or transmission requirements, preventing unintended conflicts.
  • Empowers parties to negotiate and require a hard copy in preferred languages (English or Spanish) before completing electronic transactions.
  • Could affect how businesses, government agencies, and individuals handle electronic communications, recordkeeping, and compliance with statutory writing requirements.

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

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