Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2150

Filed/Introduced
 
Introduced
1/16/26  

Caption

RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY --, JUDGMENTS, ORDERS, AND DECREES

Impact

The introduction of this bill represents a significant shift in how judgment liens are processed and communicated, impacting areas of civil procedure within state law. By establishing a formal notice period, it aims to protect property owners’ rights and promote fairness in the enforcement of judgments. Although failure to comply with the notice requirement will not invalidate the lien itself, it does introduce the possibility of tolling enforcement deadlines until the requisite notice is duly given. This could create a more balanced approach in property disputes, as it allows property owners time to prepare a defense or address the lien before further legal actions are initiated.

Summary

Bill S2150 aims to amend the procedures surrounding judgment liens by mandating that a notice be sent to the property owner within ten business days following the recording of a judgment lien. This requirement is intended to ensure property owners are promptly informed of any liens placed against their property, enhancing transparency and providing them with the opportunity to respond or contest the lien. The bill emphasizes the need for the notice to include essential details such as the creditor’s information, the amount of the judgment, a description of the affected property, and instructions on how to address the lien. This structured approach is designed to foster clearer communication between creditors and property owners regarding legal claims on real estate.

Contention

While the bill appears generally supportive of property owner rights, there may be concerns from creditors about potential delays in lien enforcement. Creditors might argue that the mandated notice period could hinder their ability to promptly pursue claims, thereby complicating the collection process. Additionally, questions could arise regarding the administrative burden placed on the courts to maintain records of lien filings and ensure compliance with the notice requirement. As such, the discussions surrounding S2150 may reflect a tension between protecting individual property rights and the operational needs of creditors within the legal system.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5959

Required public auctions by any city or town of real estate or an interest therein to only be done in person and not by electronic or remote procedures unless authorized by court order.

RI H5722

Amends the administrative procedures act and provides that on the review of an agency decision by a court upon appeal, the court shall decide questions of law without deference to any previous determination or interpretation of the law by the agency.

RI H5297

Sets standards and procedures to allow and implement conjugal visitation at state correctional facilities.

RI S0471

Establishes prevailing standards and procedures for licensing speech-language pathologists and audiologists in Rhode Island.

RI H5557

Establishes prevailing standards and procedures for licensing speech-language pathologists and audiologists in Rhode Island.

RI S0930

RELATED TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- SENTENCING RECONSIDERATION ACT

RI H5362

RELATED TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- SENTENCING RECONSIDERATION ACT

RI H5013

HOUSE RESOLUTION AMENDING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE YEARS 2023 AND 2024 (Requires the presiding officer to publish and provide to the House, a compilation of House procedures not addressed in the House rules or in Mason's manual of Legislative Procedures.)

RI S0704

Mandates transparency in nursing home finances and would establish procedures for compliance.

RI S0180

Prohibits the declawing of cats by any surgical procedure to amputate or modify a portion of a cat's paw in order to remove the cat's claws. Does not apply to any procedure performed for a therapeutic purpose.

Similar Bills

CA AB774

Civil actions: enforcement of judgments.

KY SB296

AN ACT relating to foreign money judgments.

VA HB1426

Judgments; limitations on enforcement, docketing of gen. district court judgments in circuit court.

CA SB355

Judgment debtor employers: Employment Development Department.

UT SB0326

Judgment Renewal Modifications

CA SB261

Division of Labor Standards Enforcement: orders, decisions, and awards.

UT HB0082

Judgment Information Amendments

TX HB5009

Relating to the collection or execution of certain judgments; authorizing fees.