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.

Remote Court Hearings Bill – Rhode Island

This bill would officially allow all Rhode Island courts to hold hearings remotely, meaning judges, lawyers, and the people involved in a case could participate by phone or video call instead of being required to appear in person at the courthouse. Importantly, the bill states that showing up remotely would carry the same legal weight as appearing in person, so no one's case would be treated differently just because they participated through technology rather than physically being there.

The bill would affect anyone who interacts with the Rhode Island court system — including individuals involved in civil or criminal cases, attorneys, witnesses, and judges. For many people, this could make going to court significantly more convenient and less costly, since they wouldn't always need to take time off work, arrange transportation, or travel long distances to a courthouse. It could also benefit people with disabilities, health concerns, or caregiving responsibilities that make in-person attendance difficult.

Currently, Rhode Island courts may already use some remote procedures, but this bill would formalize and expand that option across all courts statewide, creating a consistent, legally recognized standard for virtual appearances. The bill has been introduced in the House and referred to the House Judiciary Committee, where it is scheduled for a hearing. It has not yet been passed into law.