reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-29 - Fees › Section 9-29-17. - Fixed salary provisions preserved.

§ 9-29-17. Fixed salary provisions preserved.
None of the provisions of this chapter shall be construed to contravene in any manner the provisions of §§ 36-6-6 — 36-6-8.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 633, § 26; G.L. 1956, § 9-29-17.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-29 - Fees › Section 9-29-18. - Superior court fees.

§ 9-29-18. Superior court fees.
(a)
The superior court shall be allowed the following fees in full to be taxed in the bill of costs in every civil action:
(1)
For entry of every civil action or petition .........................................
$160.00.
(2)
For every writ of execution .........................................
$50.00.
(3)
For the issuance of every citation .........................................
$25.00.
(b)
In addition to the fees set forth in subsection (a) of this section, the superior court shall apply a technology surcharge on all filing fees assessed in accordance with § 8-15-11.
(c)
Provided, that ten dollars ($10.00) of the fee for the entry of every civil action or petition shall be forwarded to Rhode Island Legal Services.
History of Section.
G.L., § 9-29-18, as enacted by P.L. 1961, ch. 89, § 2; P.L. 1971, ch. 147, § 1; P.L. 1982, ch. 118, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 129, art. 24, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 274, § 2; P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 37, § 3; P.L. 1994, ch. 70, art. 35, § 3; P.L. 1994, ch. 70, art. 41, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 100, art. 43, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 376, art. 8, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 34, § 5; P.L. 2014, ch. 42, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-29 - Fees › Section 9-29-19. - Family court fees.

§ 9-29-19. Family court fees.
(a)
The family court shall be allowed the following fees in full to be taxed in the bill of costs in every domestic relations or other civil proceeding:
(1)
For the entry of every petition, complaint, or action .........................................
$120.00.
(2)
For every writ of execution .........................................
$40.00.
(b)
In addition to the fees as set forth herein, the family court shall apply a technology surcharge fee assessed in accordance with § 8-15-11.
(c)
Provided, that ten dollars ($10.00) of the fee for the entry of every petition, complaint or action shall be forwarded to Rhode Island Legal Services.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 164, § 1; P.L. 1979, ch. 373, § 9; P.L. 1982, ch. 118, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 129, art. 24, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 274, § 2; P.L. 1994, ch. 70, art. 35, § 3; P.L. 1994, ch. 70, art. 41, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 100, art. 43, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 372, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 381, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 34, § 5; P.L. 2014, ch. 42, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-29 - Fees › Section 9-29-20. - Supreme court fees.

§ 9-29-20. Supreme court fees.
(a)
The supreme court, by a majority of its members, shall have the power to prescribe by rule a fee of not more than one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) for docketing a civil appeal or docketing any other proceeding brought to review a civil matter and to prescribe a waiver of the fee as to a person who is unable to pay the fee.
(b)
The court may apply a technology or other surcharge for docketing a civil appeal or docketing any other proceeding brought before the court in an amount not to exceed eighty-five dollars ($85.00).
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 328, § 1; P.L. 1982, ch. 118, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 129, art. 24, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 274, § 2; P.L. 1994, ch. 70, art. 35, § 3; P.L. 2014, ch. 34, § 5; P.L. 2014, ch. 42, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-29 - Fees › Section 9-29-21. - Attorney or unrepresented party must sign papers — Sanctions for frivolous suits.

§ 9-29-21. Attorney or unrepresented party must sign papers — Sanctions for frivolous suits.
In any legal action based upon a cause of action arising on or after July 1, 1987, every pleading, motion, and other paper of a party represented by an attorney shall be signed by at least one attorney of record in his or her individual name, whose address and telephone number shall be stated. A party who is not represented by an attorney shall sign his or her pleading, motion, or other paper and state his or her address and telephone number. Except when otherwise specifically provided by rule or statute, pleadings need not be verified or accompanied by affidavit. The signature of an attorney or party constitutes a certificate by him or her that he or she has read the pleading, motion, or other paper; that to the best of his or her knowledge, information, and belief formed after reasonable inquiry it is well grounded in fact and is warranted by existing law or a good faith argument for the extension, modification, or reversal of existing law, and that it is not interposed for any improper purpose, such as to harass or to cause unnecessary delay or needless increase in the cost of litigation. If a pleading, motion, or other paper is not signed, it shall be stricken unless it is signed promptly after the omission is called to the attention of the pleader or movant. If a pleading, motion, or other paper is signed in violation of this rule, the court, upon motion or upon its own initiative, may impose upon the person who signed it, a represented party, or both, an appropriate sanction, which may include an order to pay to the other party or parties the amount of the reasonable expenses incurred because of the filing of the pleading, motion, or other paper, including a reasonable attorney’s fee.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 350, § 6; P.L. 1987, ch. 522, § 8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-29.1 - The Court Improvement Project Fund [Repealed.] › Section 9-29.1-1 - — 9-29.1-4. Repealed.

§ 9-29.1-1 — 9-29.1-4. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 129, art. 24, § 2; P.L. 1991, ch. 365, § 2; P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 5, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 1994, ch. 70, art. 35, § 4, effective July 1, 1994.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-30 - Uniform Declaratory Judgments Act › Section 9-30-1. - Scope.

§ 9-30-1. Scope.
The superior or family court upon petition, following such procedure as the court by general or special rules may prescribe, shall have power to declare rights, status, and other legal relations whether or not further relief is or could be claimed. No action or proceeding shall be open to objection on the ground that a declaratory judgment or decree is prayed for. The declaration may be either affirmative or negative in form and effect; and such declarations shall have the force and effect of a final judgment or decree.
History of Section.
P.L. 1959, ch. 90, § 1; P.L. 1970, ch. 373, § 10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-30 - Uniform Declaratory Judgments Act › Section 9-30-2. - Power to construe.

§ 9-30-2. Power to construe.
Any person interested under a deed, will, written contract, or other writings constituting a contract, or whose rights, status, or other legal relations are affected by a statute, municipal ordinance, contract, or franchise, may have determined any question of construction or validity arising under the instrument, statute, ordinance, contract, or franchise and obtain a declaration of rights, status, or other legal relations thereunder.
History of Section.
P.L. 1959, ch. 90, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-30 - Uniform Declaratory Judgments Act › Section 9-30-3. - Construction of contracts.

§ 9-30-3. Construction of contracts.
A contract may be construed either before or after there has been a breach thereof.
History of Section.
P.L. 1959, ch. 90, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-30 - Uniform Declaratory Judgments Act › Section 9-30-4. - Fiduciaries and other persons entitled to declaration of rights.

§ 9-30-4. Fiduciaries and other persons entitled to declaration of rights.
Any person interested as or through an executor, administrator, trustee, guardian, or other fiduciary, creditor, devisee, legatee, heir, next of kin, or cestui que trust, in the administration of a trust, or of the estate of a decedent, an infant, person who is mentally incompetent or insolvent, may have a declaration of rights or legal relations in respect thereto:
(1)
To ascertain any class of creditors, devisees, legatees, heirs, next of kin, or others;
(2)
To direct the executors, administrators, or trustees to do or abstain from doing any particular act in their fiduciary capacity; or
(3)
To determine any question arising in the administration of the estate or trust, including questions of construction of wills and other writings.
History of Section.
P.L. 1959, ch. 90, § 4; P.L. 1999, ch. 83, § 9; P.L. 1999, ch. 130, § 9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-30 - Uniform Declaratory Judgments Act › Section 9-30-5. - General powers not limited by enumerations of special powers.

§ 9-30-5. General powers not limited by enumerations of special powers.
The enumerations in §§ 9-30-2, 9-30-3, and 9-30-4 do not limit or restrict the exercise of the general powers conferred in § 9-30-1, in any proceeding where declaratory relief is sought, in which a judgment or decree will terminate the controversy or remove an uncertainty.
History of Section.
P.L. 1959, ch. 90, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-30 - Uniform Declaratory Judgments Act › Section 9-30-6. - Discretionary with court to render judgment.

§ 9-30-6. Discretionary with court to render judgment.
The court may refuse to render or enter a declaratory judgment or decree where the judgment or decree, if rendered or entered, would not terminate the uncertainty or controversy giving rise to the proceeding.
History of Section.
P.L. 1959, ch. 90, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-30 - Uniform Declaratory Judgments Act › Section 9-30-7. - Review.

§ 9-30-7. Review.
All orders, judgments, and decrees under this chapter may be reviewed as other orders, judgments, and decrees.
History of Section.
P.L. 1959, ch. 90, § 7; P.L. 1962, ch. 28, § 1; P.L. 1965, ch. 55, § 48.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-30 - Uniform Declaratory Judgments Act › Section 9-30-8. - Supplemental relief.

§ 9-30-8. Supplemental relief.
Further relief based on a declaratory judgment or decree may be granted whenever necessary or proper. The application therefor shall be by petition to a court having jurisdiction to grant the relief. If the application is deemed sufficient, the court shall, on reasonable notice, require any adverse party whose rights have been adjudicated by the declaratory judgment or decree to show cause why further relief should not be granted forthwith.
History of Section.
P.L. 1959, ch. 90, § 8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-30 - Uniform Declaratory Judgments Act › Section 9-30-9. - Jury trial.

§ 9-30-9. Jury trial.
When a proceeding under this chapter involves the determination of an issue of fact, that issue shall be tried and determined in the same manner as issues of fact are tried and determined in other civil actions, and the right of trial by jury shall not be abridged.
History of Section.
P.L. 1959, ch. 90, § 9; P.L. 1965, ch. 55, § 48.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-30 - Uniform Declaratory Judgments Act › Section 9-30-10. - Costs.

§ 9-30-10. Costs.
In any proceeding under this chapter, the court may make such award of costs as may seem equitable and just.
History of Section.
P.L. 1959, ch. 90, § 10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-30 - Uniform Declaratory Judgments Act › Section 9-30-11. - Parties.

§ 9-30-11. Parties.
When declaratory relief is sought, all persons shall be made parties who have or claim any interest which would be affected by the declaration, and no declaration shall prejudice the rights of persons not parties to the proceeding. In any proceeding which involves the validity of a municipal ordinance or franchise, the municipality shall be made a party, and shall be entitled to be heard, and if the statute, ordinance, or franchise is alleged to be unconstitutional, the attorney general of the state shall also be served with a copy of the proceeding and be entitled to be heard.
History of Section.
P.L. 1959, ch. 90, § 11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-30 - Uniform Declaratory Judgments Act › Section 9-30-12. - Construction.

§ 9-30-12. Construction.
This chapter is declared to be remedial; its purpose is to settle and to afford relief from uncertainty and insecurity with respect to rights, status, and other legal relations; and is to be liberally construed and administered. The remedy provided by this chapter shall be cumulative and shall not exclude or prevent the exercise of any other right, remedy, or process heretofore allowed by law or by previous enactment of the legislature.
History of Section.
P.L. 1959, ch. 90, § 12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-30 - Uniform Declaratory Judgments Act › Section 9-30-13. - “Person” defined.

§ 9-30-13. “Person” defined.
The word “person”, wherever used in this chapter, shall be construed to mean any person, partnership, joint stock company, unincorporated association, or society, or municipal or other corporation of any character whatsoever.
History of Section.
P.L. 1959, ch. 90, § 13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-30 - Uniform Declaratory Judgments Act › Section 9-30-14. - Provisions severable.

§ 9-30-14. Provisions severable.
The several sections and provisions of this chapter, except §§ 9-30-1 and 9-30-2, are hereby declared independent and severable, and the invalidity, if any, of any part or feature thereof shall not affect or render the remainder of the chapter invalid or inoperative.
History of Section.
P.L. 1959, ch. 90, § 14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-30 - Uniform Declaratory Judgments Act › Section 9-30-15. - Uniformity of interpretation.

§ 9-30-15. Uniformity of interpretation.
This chapter shall be so interpreted and construed as to effectuate its general purpose to make uniform the law of those states which enact it, and to harmonize, as far as possible, with federal laws and regulations on the subject of declaratory judgments and decrees.
History of Section.
P.L. 1959, ch. 90, § 15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-30 - Uniform Declaratory Judgments Act › Section 9-30-16. - Short title.

§ 9-30-16. Short title.
This chapter may be cited as the “Uniform Declaratory Judgments Act”.
History of Section.
P.L. 1959, ch. 90, § 16.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-31 - Governmental Tort Liability › Section 9-31-1. - Tort liability of state.

§ 9-31-1. Tort liability of state.
(a)
The state of Rhode Island and any political subdivision thereof, including all cities and towns, shall, subject to the period of limitations set forth in § 9-1-25, hereby be liable in all actions of tort in the same manner as a private individual or corporation; provided, however, that any recovery in any such action shall not exceed the monetary limitations thereof set forth in this chapter.
(b)
Except as otherwise provided herein, neither the State nor any other public body of the State of Rhode Island shall have any liability for any claim arising prior to December 31, 2002, from the failure of a computer, software program, database, network, information system, firmware, embedded chip, or any other device, whether operated by or on behalf of the State of Rhode Island or one of its agencies, departments, divisions, or any public body as defined in § 9-1-31.1(a)(1), to interpret, produce, calculate, generate, or account for a date(s) or time(s) which date(s) or time(s) is associated with the year 2000 date change. This provision of this section shall apply without limitation to cities, towns, school committees, regional school committees, housing authorities, public libraries, sewer district, water districts, fire districts, agencies, authorities, boards, committees, subcommittees, councils and commissions. Provided that nothing herein contained shall exempt any public body from liability:
(1)
For acts or omissions not in good faith, or
(2)
For any malicious, willful, wanton, reckless or grossly negligent acts or omissions.
Provided that the public entity will only be liable for the proportion of damages attributable to its own degree of fault, and provided further that any such liability shall be governed by the monetary limitations of this chapter.
History of Section.
P. L. 1970, ch. 181, § 2; P.L. 1999, ch. 161, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 172, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-31 - Governmental Tort Liability › Section 9-31-2. - Limitations of damages — State.

§ 9-31-2. Limitations of damages — State.
In any tort action against the state of Rhode Island or any political subdivision thereof, any damages recovered therein shall not exceed the sum of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000); provided, however, that in all instances in which the state was engaged in a proprietary function in the commission of the tort, or in any situation whereby the state has agreed to indemnify the federal government or any agency thereof for any tort liability, the limitation on damages set forth in this section shall not apply.
History of Section.
P.L. 1970, ch. 181, § 2; P.L. 1974, ch. 39, § 1; P.L. 1984, ch. 87, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-31 - Governmental Tort Liability › Section 9-31-2.1. - Limitation of damages — State — Commuter rail service.

§ 9-31-2.1. Limitation of damages — State — Commuter rail service.
(a)
Agreements between the state and a railroad for the provision of commuter rail service shall provide that the state shall secure and maintain a liability insurance policy covering the liability of the state and the railroad for property damage, personal injury, bodily injury, and death arising out of the commuter rail service. The policy shall name the state as named insured, and the railroad as an additional insured, shall have policy limits of not less than seventy-five million dollars ($75,000,000) per occurrence annually and seventy-five million dollars ($75,000,000) in the aggregate annually, and shall be subject to self-insured retention in an amount up to seven million five hundred thousand dollars ($7,500,000). In no event shall the state or the railroad be liable in excess of the coverage limits of the insurance policy for any and all claims for damage, whether compensatory or punitive, for property damage, personal injury, bodily injury, and death arising out of the commuter rail service.
(b)
For the purposes of this section, the term “railroad” shall include any person, railroad corporation, or other legal entity in the business of providing rail transportation that contracts with the state for the provision of commuter rail services and the term “commuter rail service” shall include all services performed by a railroad pursuant to a contract with the state in connection with the transportation of rail passengers including, but not limited to, the operation of trains, trackage, and equipment, or the construction, reconstruction, or maintenance of railroad equipment, tracks, and any appurtenant facilities or the provision of trackage rights over lines owned by any such railroad.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 623, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 634, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 415, § 18; P.L. 2018, ch. 231, § 2; P.L. 2018, ch. 258, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-31 - Governmental Tort Liability › Section 9-31-3. - Limitation of damages — Cities, towns, and fire districts.

§ 9-31-3. Limitation of damages — Cities, towns, and fire districts.
In any tort action against any city or town or any fire district, any damages recovered therein shall not exceed the sum of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000); provided, however, that in all instances in which the city or town or fire district was engaged in a proprietary function in the commission of the tort, the limitation of damages set forth in this section shall not apply.
History of Section.
P.L. 1970, ch. 181, § 2; P.L. 1984, ch. 87, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 128, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-31 - Governmental Tort Liability › Section 9-31-4. - Damages in excess of limitation.

§ 9-31-4. Damages in excess of limitation.
The general assembly may, by special act, authorize actions of tort against cities and towns and fire districts in particular cases in which the amount of damages to be recovered may exceed one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).
History of Section.
P.L. 1970, ch. 181, § 2; P.L. 1984, ch. 87, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 128, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-31 - Governmental Tort Liability › Section 9-31-5. - Claim appropriations.

§ 9-31-5. Claim appropriations.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter, the general assembly may make such appropriations as it shall deem proper in payment of or settlement of claims against the state; provided, however, that there is hereby appropriated out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated a sum sufficient to pay claims against the state settled pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of that sum.
History of Section.
P.L. 1970, ch. 181, § 2; P. L. 1973, ch. 255, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-31 - Governmental Tort Liability › Section 9-31-6. - Attorney general to appear.

§ 9-31-6. Attorney general to appear.
In any action pursuant to this chapter against the state of Rhode Island, the attorney general, or any assistant attorney general authorized by him or her, shall represent the state in the action. The attorney general is authorized to compromise or settle any claim cognizable under this chapter after the institution of suit thereon, with the approval of the court in which the suit is pending.
History of Section.
P.L. 1970, ch. 181, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-31 - Governmental Tort Liability › Section 9-31-7. - Attorney for service.

§ 9-31-7. Attorney for service.
In any action pursuant to this chapter against the state of Rhode Island, the attorney general is hereby designated as attorney for service for the state in the action.
History of Section.
P.L. 1970, ch. 181, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-31 - Governmental Tort Liability › Section 9-31-8. - Defense of state employees — Attorney general.

§ 9-31-8. Defense of state employees — Attorney general.
Except as provided in § 9-31-9, the attorney general shall, upon a written request of an employee or former employee of the state of Rhode Island, defend any action brought against the state employee or former state employee, on account of an act or omission that occurred within the scope of his or her employment with the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 259, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-31 - Governmental Tort Liability › Section 9-31-9. - Refusal to defend — Attorney general.

§ 9-31-9. Refusal to defend — Attorney general.
The attorney general may refuse to defend an action referred to in § 9-31-8 if he or she determines that:
(1)
The act or omission was not within the scope of employment;
(2)
The act or the failure to act was because of actual fraud, willful misconduct, or actual malice;
(3)
The defense of the action or proceeding by the attorney general would create a conflict of interest between the state of Rhode Island and the employee or former employee;
(4)
Within ten (10) days of the time he or she is served with any summons, complaint, process, notice, demand, or pleading, the employee or former employee fails to deliver the original or a copy thereof to the attorney general or his or her designee; or
(5)
The state employee or former state employee refuses to cooperate fully with the attorney general’s defense.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 259, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-31 - Governmental Tort Liability › Section 9-31-10. - Exclusive control over litigation.

§ 9-31-10. Exclusive control over litigation.
Whenever the attorney general defends a state employee or former state employee pursuant to §§ 9-31-8 — 9-31-12, the attorney general shall assume exclusive control over the representation of the employee or former state employee, and the employee or former state employee shall cooperate fully with the attorney general’s defense. The attorney general is authorized to compromise or settle any claims after the institution of suit thereon, with the approval of the court in which the suit is pending.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 259, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-31 - Governmental Tort Liability › Section 9-31-11. - Conflict — Payment of counsel fees by state.

§ 9-31-11. Conflict — Payment of counsel fees by state.
In the event there is a conflict of interest or the attorney general determines it is not in the best interest of the state or the state employee or former state employee to represent him or her, the state shall pay for reasonable counsel fees; provided, however, that the attorney general shall consult in advance with the prospective counsel to establish the parameters within which the state will be liable for attorneys’ fees; and provided, further, that their reasonableness shall ultimately be reviewed and approved by the court before paid.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 259, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-31 - Governmental Tort Liability › Section 9-31-12. - Indemnification — Reservation of obligation — Certification.

§ 9-31-12. Indemnification — Reservation of obligation — Certification.
(a)
The state reserves the right to determine whether or not it will indemnify any employees defended pursuant to §§ 9-31-8 — 9-31-11, if a judgment is rendered against the employee.
(b)
Upon certification by the court in which the tort action against a state employee is pending that (1) the defendant employee was acting within the scope of his or her office or employment when the claim arose, and (2) the claim does not arise out of actual fraud, willful misconduct, or actual malice by the employee, any civil action or proceeding commenced upon the claim under this statute shall be deemed to be an action or proceeding brought against the state under the provisions of this title and all references thereto, and the state shall be substituted as the party defendant.
(c)
Nothing in this section shall affect the obligations of any insurer, including the obligation to defend and satisfy any settlement or award.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 259, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 45, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 346, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 377, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-31 - Governmental Tort Liability › Section 9-31-13. - Arbitration of claims.

§ 9-31-13. Arbitration of claims.
All actions brought under this chapter may, upon agreement of all parties to the action, be submitted to arbitration in accordance with § 8-6-5 and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, except that the state, its departments, agencies, boards, and commissions shall not be required to pay a filing fee for objecting to the arbitrator’s award and demanding a trial.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 401, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 159, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-32 - Uniform Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act › Section 9-32-1. - “Foreign judgment” defined.

§ 9-32-1. “Foreign judgment” defined.
In this chapter, “foreign judgment” means any judgment, decree, or order of a court of the United States or of any other court which is entitled to full faith and credit in this state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 104, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-32 - Uniform Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act › Section 9-32-2. - Filing and status of foreign judgments.

§ 9-32-2. Filing and status of foreign judgments.
A copy of any foreign judgment authenticated in accordance with the act of congress or the statutes of this state may be filed in the office of the clerk of the appropriate superior or district court. The clerk shall treat the foreign judgment in the same manner as a judgment of the superior or district court. A judgment so filed has the same effect and is subject to the same procedures, defenses, and proceedings for reopening, vacating, or staying as a judgment of the court and may be enforced or satisfied in like manner to any Rhode Island state court judgment.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 104, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-32 - Uniform Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act › Section 9-32-3. - Notice of filing.

§ 9-32-3. Notice of filing.
(a)
At the time of the filing of the foreign judgment, the judgment creditor or his or her lawyer shall make and file with the clerk of court an affidavit setting forth the name and last known post office address of the judgment debtor and the judgment creditor.
(b)
Promptly upon the filing of the foreign judgment and the affidavit, the clerk shall mail notice of the filing of the foreign judgment to the judgment debtor at the address given and shall make a note of the mailing in the docket. The notice shall include the name and post office address of the judgment creditor and the judgment creditor’s lawyer, if any, in this state. In addition, the judgment creditor may mail a notice of the filing of the judgment to the judgment debtor and may file proof of mailing with the clerk. Lack of mailing notice of filing by the clerk shall not affect the enforcement proceedings if proof of mailing by the judgment creditor has been filed.
(c)
No execution or other process for enforcement of a foreign judgment filed hereunder shall issue until 20 days after the date the judgment is filed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 104, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-32 - Uniform Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act › Section 9-32-4. - Stay.

§ 9-32-4. Stay.
(a)
If the judgment debtor shows the court that an appeal from the foreign judgment is pending or will be taken, or that a stay of execution has been granted, the court shall stay enforcement of the foreign judgment until the appeal is concluded, the time for appeal expires, or the stay of execution expires or is vacated, upon proof that the judgment debtor has furnished the security for the satisfaction of the judgment required by the state in which it was rendered.
(b)
If the judgment debtor shows the court any ground upon which enforcement of a judgment of a court of this state would be stayed, the court shall stay enforcement of the foreign judgment for an appropriate period, upon requiring the same security for satisfaction of the judgment which is required in this state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 104, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-32 - Uniform Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act › Section 9-32-5. - Fees.

§ 9-32-5. Fees.
Any person filing a foreign judgment shall pay to the clerk of court the filing fee required by the court. Fees for docketing, transcription, or other enforcement proceedings shall be as provided for judgments of the court of this state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 104, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-32 - Uniform Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act › Section 9-32-6. - Optional procedure.

§ 9-32-6. Optional procedure.
The right of a judgment creditor to bring an action to enforce his or her judgment instead of proceeding under this chapter remains unimpaired.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 104, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-32 - Uniform Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act › Section 9-32-7. - Uniformity of interpretation.

§ 9-32-7. Uniformity of interpretation.
This chapter shall be so interpreted and construed as to effectuate its general purpose to make uniform the law of those states which enact it.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 104, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-32 - Uniform Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act › Section 9-32-8. - Short title.

§ 9-32-8. Short title.
This chapter may be cited as the “Uniform Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act”.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 104, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-32.1 - Uniform Foreign Money Claims Act › Section 9-32.1-1. - Short title.

§ 9-32.1-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Uniform Foreign Money Claims Act.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 248, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 266, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-32.1 - Uniform Foreign Money Claims Act › Section 9-32.1-2. - Definitions.

§ 9-32.1-2. Definitions.
The following words and terms shall have the following respective meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
(1)
“Action” means a judicial proceeding or arbitration in which a payment in money may be awarded or enforced with respect to a foreign money claim.
(2)
“Bank-offered spot rate” means the spot rate of exchange at which a bank will sell foreign money at a spot rate.
(3)
“Conversion date” means the banking day next preceding the date on which money, in accordance with this chapter, is:
(i)
Paid to a claimant in an action or distribution proceeding;
(ii)
Paid to the official designated by law to enforce a judgment or award on behalf of a claimant; or
(iii)
Used to recoup, set-off, or counterclaim in different moneys in an action or distribution proceeding.
(4)
“Distribution proceeding” means a judicial or non-judicial proceeding for the distribution of a fund in which one or more foreign money claims is asserted and includes an accounting, an assignment for the benefit of creditors, a foreclosure, the liquidation or rehabilitation of a corporation or other entity, and the distribution of an estate, trust or other fund.
(5)
“Foreign money” means money other than money of the United States of America.
(6)
“Foreign money claim” means a claim upon an obligation to pay, or a claim for recovery of a loss, expressed in or measured by foreign money.
(7)
“Money” means a medium of exchange for the payment of obligations or a store of value authorized or adopted by a government or by inter-governmental agreement.
(8)
“Money of the claim” means the money determined as proper pursuant to § 9-32.1-4.
(9)
“Person” means an individual, a corporation, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, joint venture, partnership, association, two or more persons having a joint or common interest, or any other legal or commercial entity.
(10)
“Rate of exchange” means the rate at which money of one country may be converted into money of another country in a free financial market convenient to or reasonably usable by a person obligated to pay or to state a rate of conversion. If separate rates of exchange apply to different kinds of transactions, the term means the rate applicable to the particular transaction giving rise to the foreign money claim.
(11)
“Spot rate” means the rate of exchange at which foreign money is sold by a bank or other dealer in foreign exchange for immediate or next day availability or for settlement by immediate payment in cash or equivalent, by charge to an account, or by an agreed delayed settlement not exceeding two (2) days.
(12)
“State” means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 248, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 266, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-32.1 - Uniform Foreign Money Claims Act › Section 9-32.1-3. - Scope.

§ 9-32.1-3. Scope.
(a)
This chapter applies only to a foreign money claim in an action or distribution proceeding.
(b)
This chapter applies to foreign money issues even if other law under the conflict of laws rules of this state applies to other issues in the action or distribution proceeding.
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 248, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 266, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-32.1 - Uniform Foreign Money Claims Act › Section 9-32.1-4. - Variation by agreement.

§ 9-32.1-4. Variation by agreement.
(a)
The effect of this chapter may be varied by agreement of the parties made before or after commencement of an action or distribution proceeding or the entry of judgment.
(b)
Parties to a transaction may agree upon the money to be used in a transaction giving rise to a foreign money claim and may agree to use different moneys for different aspects of the transaction. Stating the price in foreign money for one aspect of a transaction does not alone require the use of that money for other aspects of the transaction.
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 248, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 266, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-32.1 - Uniform Foreign Money Claims Act › Section 9-32.1-5. - Determining money of the claim.

§ 9-32.1-5. Determining money of the claim.
(a)
The money in which the parties to a transaction have agreed that payment is to be made is the proper money of the claim for payment.
(b)
If the parties to a transaction have not otherwise agreed, the proper money of the claim, as in each case may be appropriate, is the money:
(1)
Regularly used between the parties as a matter of usage or course of dealing;
(2)
Used at the time of a transaction in international trade, by trade usage or common practice, for valuing or settling transactions in the particular commodity or service involved; or
(3)
In which the loss was ultimately felt or will be incurred by the party claimant.
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 248, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 266, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-32.1 - Uniform Foreign Money Claims Act › Section 9-32.1-6. - Determining the amount of money of certain contract claims.

§ 9-32.1-6. Determining the amount of money of certain contract claims.
(a)
If an amount contracted to be paid in a foreign money is measured by a specified amount of a different money, the amount to be paid is determined on the conversion date.
(b)
If an amount contracted to be paid in foreign money is to be measured by a different money at the rate of exchange prevailing on a date before default, that rate of exchange applies only to payments made within a reasonable time after default, not exceeding thirty (30) days. Thereafter, conversion is made at the bank-offered spot rate on the conversion date.
(c)
A monetary claim is neither usurious nor unconscionable because the agreement on which it is based provides that the amount of the debtor’s obligation to be paid in the debtor’s money, when received by the creditor, must equal a specified amount of the foreign money of the country of the creditor. If, because of unexcused delay in payment of a judgment or award, the amount received by the creditor does not equal the amount of the foreign money specified in the agreement, the court or arbitrator shall amend the judgment or award accordingly.
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 248, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 266, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-32.1 - Uniform Foreign Money Claims Act › Section 9-32.1-7. - Asserting and defending a foreign money claim.

§ 9-32.1-7. Asserting and defending a foreign money claim.
(a)
A person may assert a claim in a specified foreign money. If a foreign money claim is not asserted, the claimant makes the claim in United States dollars.
(b)
An opposing party may allege and prove that a claim, in whole or in part, is in different money than that asserted by the claimant.
(c)
A person may assert a defense, set-off, recoupment, or counterclaim in any money without regard to the money of other claims.
(d)
The determination of the proper money of the claim is a question of law.
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 248, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 266, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-32.1 - Uniform Foreign Money Claims Act › Section 9-32.1-8. - Judgments and awards on foreign money claims — Times of money conversion — Form of judgment.

§ 9-32.1-8. Judgments and awards on foreign money claims — Times of money conversion — Form of judgment.
(a)
Except as provided in subsection (c), a judgment or award on a foreign-money claim must be stated in an amount of the money of the claim.
(b)
A judgment or award on a foreign money claim is payable in that foreign money or, at the option of the debtor, in the amount of United States dollars which will purchase that foreign money on the conversion date at a bank-offered spot rate.
(c)
Assessed costs must be entered in United States dollars.
(d)
Each payment in United States dollars must be accepted and credited on a judgment or award on a foreign money claim in the amount of the foreign money that could be purchased by the dollars at a bank-offered spot rate of exchange at or near the close of business on the conversion date for that payment.
(e)
A judgment or award made in an action or distribution proceeding on both: (1) A defense, set-off, recoupment, or counterclaim and (2) The adverse party’s claim, must be netted by converting the money of the smaller into the money of the larger, and by subtracting the smaller from the larger, and specify the rates of exchange used.
(f)
A judgment substantially in the following form complies with subsection (a):
[IT IS ADJUDGED AND ORDERED, that Defendant (insert name) pay to Plaintiff (insert name) the sum of (insert amount in the foreign money) plus interest on that sum at the rate of (insert rate — in accordance with § 9-32.1-10) percent a year or, at the option of the judgment debtor, the number of United States dollars which will purchase the (insert name of foreign money) with interest due, at a bank-offered spot rate at or near the close of business on the banking day next before the day of payment, together with assessed costs of (insert amount) United States dollars.]
(g)
If a contract claim is of the type covered by subsection 9-32.1-4(a) or (b), the judgment or award must be entered for the amount of money stated to measure the obligation to be paid in the money specified for payment or, at the option of the debtor, the number of United States dollars which will purchase the computed amount of the money of payment on the conversion date at a bank-offered spot rate.
(h)
A judgment must be filed and indexed in foreign money in the same manner, and has the same effect as a lien, as other judgments. It may be discharged by payment.
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 248, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 266, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-32.1 - Uniform Foreign Money Claims Act › Section 9-32.1-9. - Conversions of foreign money in distribution proceeding.

§ 9-32.1-9. Conversions of foreign money in distribution proceeding.
The rate of exchange prevailing at or near the close of business on the day the distribution proceeding is initiated, governs all exchanges of foreign money in a distribution proceeding. A foreign money claimant in a distribution proceeding shall assert its claim in the named foreign money and show the amount of United States dollars resulting from a conversion as of the date the proceeding was initiated.
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 248, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 266, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-32.1 - Uniform Foreign Money Claims Act › Section 9-32.1-10. - Prejudgment and judgment interest.

§ 9-32.1-10. Prejudgment and judgment interest.
(a)
With respect to a foreign money claim, recovery of pre-judgment or pre-award interest and the rate of interest to be applied in the action or distribution proceeding, except as provided in subsection (b), are matters of the substantive law governing the right to recovery under the conflict-of-laws rules of this state.
(b)
The court or arbitrator shall increase or decrease the amount of pre-judgment or pre-award interest otherwise payable in a judgment or award in foreign money to the extent required by the law of this state governing a failure to make or accept an offer of settlement or offer of judgment, or conduct by a party or its attorney causing undue delay or expense.
(c)
A judgment or award on a foreign money claim bears interest at the rate applicable to judgments of this state.
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 248, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 266, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally › Chapter 9-32.1 - Uniform Foreign Money Claims Act › Section 9-32.1-11. - Enforcement of foreign judgments.

§ 9-32.1-11. Enforcement of foreign judgments.
(a)
If an action is brought to enforce a judgment of another jurisdiction expressed in a foreign money and the judgment is recognized in this state as enforceable, the enforcing judgment must be entered as provided in § 9-32.1-8, whether or not the foreign judgment confers an option to pay in an equivalent amount of United States dollars.
(b)
A foreign judgment may be filed in accordance with any rule or statute of this state providing a procedure for its recognition and enforcement.
(c)
A satisfaction or partial payment made upon the foreign judgment, on proof thereof, must be credited against the amount of foreign money specified in the judgment, notwithstanding the entry of judgment in this state.
(d)
A judgment entered on a foreign money claim only in United States dollars in another state must be enforced in this state in United States dollars only.
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 248, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 266, § 1.