Bill > H6378

This bill modifies Rhode Island's existing law regarding the sealing of eviction court records by expanding the circumstances under which such records can be sealed. Currently, parties can request to seal eviction records with limitations, but this bill broadens those provisions. Specifically, the bill allows for sealing of eviction records when a case is dismissed due to a defective complaint, lack of court jurisdiction, or when the tenant prevails in the action. The bill also removes the previous restriction limiting parties to one record sealing every five years for these specific scenarios. Additionally, the bill introduces a provision to protect minors by allowing their names to be sealed in any eviction proceeding. The court must still ensure that all parties are notified of the motion to seal and that any applicable conditions (such as satisfied judgments or dismissed cases) are met. The legislative intent appears to be providing more flexibility in protecting individuals' records from the potentially damaging long-term consequences of eviction proceedings, particularly in cases where the tenant is not at fault or is ultimately successful in the legal action.

Justice

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