Bill > S0538

This bill provides a comprehensive legal framework for protecting and enforcing civil rights in Rhode Island by creating the Rhode Island Civil Rights Enforcement Act. The bill establishes a broad mechanism for individuals (called "aggrieved parties") to seek legal remedies when their constitutional rights are violated by governmental entities, which include state, municipal, and even federal or foreign governmental bodies. Key provisions allow individuals to bring legal actions directly against governmental entities if their rights are violated, even if they cannot identify the specific person responsible for the violation. The bill waives certain governmental immunities, enabling aggrieved parties to seek compensatory damages, declaratory and injunctive relief, and reasonable attorney's fees. Notably, while punitive damages against the state are limited, the law ensures that governmental entities, not innocent individuals, bear the cost of rights violations. The bill allows such legal actions to be filed within three years of the violation or when the violation became known, and includes a severability clause to protect the overall law if any specific provision is found invalid. The primary purpose is to ensure that every constitutional right has a meaningful remedy and to hold governmental entities accountable for rights violations.

Justice

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