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

SB 2605 creates a new Rhode Island civil cause of action, allowing individuals to sue federal officials or entities acting "under color of federal law" for violating constitutional rights protected by the U.S. Constitution. It directly affects Rhode Island residents harmed by federal actions that deprive them of constitutional rights, such as due process or equal protection. Key provisions remove state immunity defenses (including sovereign immunity) and require courts to award attorney fees to successful plaintiffs, while setting a three-year statute of limitations for filing claims. The bill does not impose new federal duties but enables state courts to address federal constitutional violations through civil lawsuits. It is currently pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee after introduction on February 13, 2026.