2014 -- H 7269

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LC003550

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2014

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE - PROCEDURE IN PARTICULAR

ACTIONS

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Morgan, Chippendale, Giarrusso, and Costa

     Date Introduced: January 30, 2014

     Referred To: House Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Section 10-6-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 10-6 entitled "Contribution

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Among Joint Tortfeasors" is hereby amended to read as follows:

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     10-6-2. "Joint tortfeasors" defined. -- (a) For the purposes of this chapter, the term

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"joint tortfeasors" means two (2) or more persons jointly or severally liable in tort for the same

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injury to person or property, whether or not judgment has been recovered against all or some of

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them; provided, however, that a master and servant or principal and agent shall be considered a

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single tortfeasor.

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     (b) Notwithstanding subsection (a), no party shall be deemed jointly or severally liable in

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tort for an injury to person or property unless it is determined that such person is at least fifty-one

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percent (51%) liable in tort for the injury to person or property.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE - PROCEDURE IN PARTICULAR

ACTIONS

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     This act would provide that no party would be deemed jointly or severally liable in tort

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for an injury to person or property unless it is determined that such person is at least fifty-one

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percent (51%) liable in tort for the injury.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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