Chapter 048
2016 -- S 2423 SUBSTITUTE A
Enacted 06/06/2016

A N   A C T
RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE - PROCEDURE GENERALLY - CAUSES OF ACTION

Introduced By: Senators Lynch Prata, and Doyle
Date Introduced: February 11, 2016

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
     SECTION 1. Chapter 9-1 of the General Laws entitled "Causes of Action" is hereby
amended by adding thereto the following section:
     9-1-54. Civil action against employer by employee under subpoena. – (a) An
employer shall not discharge, threaten, or otherwise take any adverse action against an employee
regarding the employee's compensation, terms, conditions, location, or privileges of employment:
     (1) When an employee has been duly served with a subpoena, to give evidence or testify
before any court, within or without the state of Rhode Island, or before any judicial, quasi-
judicial, or other administrative body or entity with the authority to issue subpoenas.
     (2) When the employee, upon being duly served with a properly issued subpoena,
promptly provides notice to their employer of being served and of the requirement to attend court
or other duly constituted hearing.
     (b) Any employer who violates this section may be liable for damages which may include
actual damages, compensatory damages, and reasonable attorneys' fees incurred by the employee.
     (c) Any cause of action under this section shall be commenced within three (3) years
from the date of violation.
     (d) Nothing herein shall prevent an aggrieved employee from pursuing any other cause of
action under federal or state law.
     (e) Nothing herein shall require an employer to compensate an employee for time missed
from work for complying with a subpoena.
     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
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LC003950/SUB A
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