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Rhode IslandS26052026 Regular SessionSenate

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

Sponsored By: Frank A. Ciccone, III (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Sue federal officials for rights violations

The law lets any person in Rhode Island sue someone acting under federal authority for violating U.S. Constitutional rights. It covers deprivations, attempts, and interference by threats, intimidation, or coercion. You can seek money damages, an injunction, a declaration, or other relief. State-law immunities are not a defense, and federal immunities do not apply when the U.S. Constitution allows.

Winning plaintiffs get attorney fees paid

If you win under this law, the court must award your reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs. This is in addition to any damages or court orders you receive. In cases seeking an injunction, you count as a winner for fees if your suit was a substantial factor or significant catalyst in getting the result.

Three-year deadline to file claims

You must file your case within three years of the incident. If you were under a disability because of age, mental incompetence, or another reason, the clock pauses. You then have three years to file after the disability ends.

Court classification and no new duties

Courts treat these suits as actions for a violation of the U.S. Constitution under 28 U.S.C. 2679(b)(2)(A). This can affect how the case is handled under federal rules. The law does not add any duties for federal officials beyond what the U.S. Constitution already requires.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Frank A. Ciccone, III

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Jonathon Acosta

    Democratic • Senate

  • Jacob Bissaillon

    Democratic • Senate

  • Dawn Euer

    Democratic • Senate

  • Tiara T. Mack

    Democratic • Senate

  • Melissa A. Murray

    Democratic • Senate

  • Lori Urso

    Democratic • Senate

  • Samuel D. Zurier

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 92 • No: 17

House vote • 6/11/2026

FEDERAL CONSTITUTION DEFENSE ACT PASSAGE IN CONCURRENCE

Yes: 61 • No: 10

Senate vote • 6/3/2026

COURTS & CIVIL PROCEDURE -- RI FEDERAL CONSTITUTION DEFENSE ACT Passage

Yes: 31 • No: 7

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor — Chapter 192

    6/22/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/18/2026Governor

  3. House passed in concurrence

    6/11/2026House

  4. Placed on House Calendar (06/11/2026)

    6/10/2026House

  5. Senate read and passed

    6/3/2026Senate

  6. Placed on Senate Calendar (06/03/2026)

    5/27/2026Senate

  7. Committee recommends passage

    5/26/2026

  8. Scheduled for consideration (05/26/2026)

    5/22/2026

  9. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    5/5/2026

  10. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (05/05/2026)

    5/1/2026

  11. Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary

    2/13/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • S2605 - As Introduced

    2/13/2026

    HTMLPDF

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