(a) If a person, whether or not acting under color of law, engages or attempts to engage in hostile litigation, any aggrieved person may initiate a civil action against that person for injunctive, monetary, or other appropriate relief within three (3) years after the cause of action accrues. (b) If the court finds for the aggrieved person/petitioner in an action authorized by this section, recovery may include damages for the amount of any judgment issued in connection with any hostile litigation, and any and all other expenses, costs, and reasonable attorney’s fees incurred in connection with the hostile litigation and with the tortious interference action. (c) A court of this state may exercise jurisdiction over a person in an action authorized by this section if: (1) Personal jurisdiction is found; (2) The person who engages or attempts to engage in hostile litigation has commenced any action in any court in this state and, during the pendency of that action or any appeal therefrom, a summons and complaint is served on the person, authorized representative, or the attorney appearing on the person’s rt in this state and, during the pendency of that action or any appeal therefrom, a summons and complaint is served on the person, authorized representative, or the attorney appearing on the person’s behalf in that action or as otherwise permitted by law; or (3) The exercise of jurisdiction is permitted under the Constitution of the United States. History of Section.P.L. 2024, ch. 260, § 3, effective June 25, 2024; P.L. 2024, ch. 261, § 3, effective June 25, 2024.
Rhode Island Legal Code