Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2722

Introduced
2/27/26  

Caption

RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY --, CAUSES OF ACTION

Impact

The intended impact of S2722 is to enhance liability laws concerning motor vehicle accidents that involve children and their safety equipment. By establishing clear financial responsibility for damaged child restraints, the bill aims to promote heightened awareness among drivers regarding the importance of child safety systems. Furthermore, it seeks to streamline the claims process by explicitly assigning liability, potentially reducing disputes over replacement costs after accidents.

Summary

Bill S2722 introduces a new cause of action for recovering the replacement cost of a federally approved child restraint system involved in motor vehicle accidents. The bill stipulates that any individual responsible for a collision must be liable for the replacement value of the child restraint system, provided it was properly utilized at the time of the incident, whether or not any visible damage occurred to the restraint system. The objective of the bill is to ensure that parents are compensated for the necessary safety equipment for their children after an accident, which is critical for child safety during travel.

Contention

While S2722 appears to receive support from proponents who prioritize child safety, there may be potential points of contention regarding the responsibilities placed upon the parties involved in the accidents. Critics might raise concerns about the implications of the bill on insurance rates and how the liability could be perceived as an extra burden on drivers. The definition of 'responsible' and the lack of visible damage as a criterion for liability could also lead to discussions on fairness and the practical enforcement of the law.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0270

Prohibits gender transition procedures for all minors, uses of public funds, discipline for health care providers, a 30 year statute of limitation, after reaching age of majority, and right to a civil action for damages.

RI H6370

Provide to provide greater clarity in insurance claim settlements, the appraisal process and procedural safeguards to enhance consumer protections against bad faith practices by insurers.

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 S0277

Provides equal Medicare for infants born-alive as a result of abortion procedure/natural delivery with violations subject to criminal penalties for medical personnel/loss of license/civil action for damages.

RI H5297

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

RI S0704

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

RI H5546

Provides a criminal background check procedure for for-hire intrastate passenger transportation services.

RI S0598

Provides a criminal background check procedure for for-hire intrastate passenger transportation services.

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 H5085

Requires that all agencies' final rules, promulgated pursuant to the administrative procedures act, be approved by general assembly action, but in no case later than December 31 of the year it is promulgated before it can become effective.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.