AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- CAUSES OF ACTION -- THE RHODE ISLAND FEDERAL CONSTITUTION DEFENSE ACT .

Sue for federal rights violations in Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, you can sue someone acting under color of federal law who violates your U.S. constitutional rights. You can also sue for threats, intimidation, or coercion that interfere with those rights. You can ask for money, an injunction, or other court orders. If you win, the court must award reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs. State-law immunities do not apply, and federal immunities do not block claims where the U.S. Constitution allows. You must file within three years of the incident. If you were a minor or mentally incompetent, you have three years after the disability ends. These suits are treated as actions for violating the U.S. Constitution for certain federal rules, and this law does not add new duties for federal officials. The law takes effect upon passage.