Rhode Island · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 8328: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- COURTS -- PERMITTING VIRTUAL OR REMOTE COURT HEARINGS
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 8328 is a bill introduced in the Rhode Island House on March 20, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- COURTS -- PERMITTING VIRTUAL OR REMOTE COURT HEARINGS. Primary sponsor: Jay Edwards (Democratic), Brandon Potter (Democratic), Raymond Hull (Democratic), John Lombardi (Democratic), Karen Alzate (Democratic), Nathan Biah (Democratic), Leo Felix (Democratic), Scott Slater (Democratic), Grace Diaz (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (April 9, 2026): 04/09/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Permits all Rhode Island courts to conduct hearings remotely and allow any party or attorney to appear by telephone or video conference, with remote appearances having the same legal effect as in-person appearances.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 9
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jay Edwards | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 70 |
| Brandon Potter | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 16 |
| Raymond Hull | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 6 |
| John Lombardi | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 8 |
| Karen Alzate | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 60 |
| Nathan Biah | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 3 |
| Leo Felix | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 61 |
| Scott Slater | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 10 |
| Grace Diaz | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 11 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- 04/09/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
- 04/03/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/09/2026)
- 03/20/2026 Introduced, referred to House Judiciary