HB 7644 Rhode Island House · 2026 Regular Session

AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- FEES

HB 7644 increases filing and writ of execution fees in Rhode Island's district, superior, and family courts. For example, district court small claims fees rise from $55 to $75, other civil actions from $80 to $100, and writs of execution from $20 to $40. The bill also specifies that $5-$20 of each filing fee (depending on case type) will be directed to Rhode Island Legal Services, a provider of free legal aid. These changes apply to all civil filings in the three court types and take effect upon passage. The bill does not alter court procedures or create new legal requirements, only adjusting fee amounts.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
May 2026
House Passage
Apr 2026
Senate Passage
Jun 2026
Signed into Law
Jun 2026
Introduced Feb 11, 2026 Signed Jun 11, 2026
Floor votes · House Apr 28, 2026

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
18
Key actions
5
Committee
6
Jun 3, 2026
Upper · Passed
06/03/2026 Senate passed in concurrence
upper
May 28, 2026
Legislature · Passed
05/28/2026 Committee recommends passage in concurrence
legislature
May 5, 2026
Committee
05/05/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
legislature
May 1, 2026
Committee
05/01/2026 Referred to Senate Judiciary
upper
Apr 28, 2026
Lower · Passed
04/28/2026 House read and passed
lower
Apr 16, 2026
Legislature · Passed
04/16/2026 Committee recommends passage
legislature
Mar 26, 2026
Committee
03/26/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
legislature
Feb 26, 2026
Legislature · Passed
02/26/2026 Committee postponed at request of sponsor
legislature
Feb 11, 2026
Introduced
02/11/2026 Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
lower
10 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors