2015 -- S 0656

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LC002104

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2015

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE - PROCEDURE GENERALLY

     Introduced By: Senator Marc A. Cote

     Date Introduced: March 11, 2015

     Referred To: Senate Judiciary

     (by request)

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Sections 9-21-8 and 9-21-10 of the General Laws in Chapter 9-21 entitled

"Judgments, Orders, and Decrees" are hereby amended to read as follows:

     9-21-8. Interest on judgment for money. -- Every judgment for money shall draw

interest at the rate of twelve percent (12%) six percent (6%) per annum to the time of its

discharge.

     9-21-10. Interest in civil actions. -- (a) In any civil action in which a verdict is rendered

or a decision made for pecuniary damages, there shall be added by the clerk of the court to the

amount of damages interest at the rate of twelve percent (12%) six percent (6%) per annum

thereon from the date the cause of action accrued, which shall be included in the judgment

entered therein. Post-judgment interest shall be calculated at the rate of twelve percent (12%) six

percent (6%) per annum and accrue on both the principal amount of the judgment and the

prejudgment interest entered therein. This section shall not apply until entry of judgment or to any

contractual obligation where interest is already provided.

      (b) Subsection (a) shall not apply in any action filed on or after January 1, 1987, for

personal injury or wrongful death filed against a licensed physician, hospital, clinic, health

maintenance organization, professional service corporation providing health care services, dentist,

or dental hygienist based on professional negligence. In all such medical malpractice actions in

which a verdict is rendered or a decision made for pecuniary damages, there shall be added by the

clerk of the court to the amount of damages interest at the rate of twelve percent (12%) six

percent (6%) per annum thereon from the date of written notice of the claim by the claimant or

his or her representative to the malpractice liability insurer, or to the medical or dental health care

provider or the filing of the civil action, whichever first occurs.

     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 GENERALLY

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     This act would reduce the statutory interest on judgments for money in civil actions from

twelve percent (12%) to six percent (6%).

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC002104

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