Provides immunity for mediators and staff employed by the family court in the family court mediation program from financial liability for certain claims arising out of their participation in the program.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would protect mediators and staff members who work in the Rhode Island Family Court's mediation program from being personally sued for money damages related to their work in that program. Mediation is a process where a neutral third party helps people — often divorcing couples or parents in custody disputes — reach agreements outside of a courtroom. The people who facilitate these sessions, and the staff who support the program, would be shielded from financial liability if someone later claims they were harmed by something the mediator did or said during that process.

The bill primarily affects mediators and administrative staff employed by the Family Court as part of its official mediation program. It does not appear to change anything for the families or individuals who participate in mediation — it only addresses whether program employees can be held personally financially responsible for their role in running sessions. This type of legal protection, known as immunity, is commonly granted to people performing official government or court-related functions.

Currently, this bill has been introduced in the Rhode Island Senate and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, which has recommended it be held for further study. This means lawmakers want more time to examine the proposal before deciding whether to move it forward. No final vote has been taken yet.