Rhode Island · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
SB 2966: 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
SB 2966 is a bill introduced in the Rhode Island Senate on March 4, 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: Dawn Euer (Democratic), Lammis Vargas (Democratic), Ana Quezada (Democratic), Sam Bell (Democratic), Linda Ujifusa (Democratic), Meghan Kallman (Democratic), Jonathon Acosta (Democratic), Tiara Mack (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (May 5, 2026): 05/05/2026 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 8
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dawn Euer | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 13 |
| Lammis Vargas | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 28 |
| Ana Quezada | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 2 |
| Sam Bell | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 5 |
| Linda Ujifusa | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 11 |
| Meghan Kallman | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 15 |
| Jonathon Acosta | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 16 |
| Tiara Mack | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 6 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- 05/05/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
- 05/01/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (05/05/2026)
- 03/04/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary