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Judiciary Committee

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In Rhode Island the following people are the legislators who have the ability to address the reforms we seek. If you wish to request reform, we recommend sending each one a letter (as opposed to an email) In other states look for your legislators who serve on the Judiciary Committees.

Rhode Island House Judiciary Committee

Chair: Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee (D–South Kingstown, Narragansett)

Email: rep-mcentee@rilegislature.gov
Rhode Island State House
82 Smith Street
Providence, RI 029

Appointed by House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi in November 2025.
Previously served as first vice-chair for several sessions.
Known for her leadership on legislation supporting survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
Attorney licensed in RI and MA; former Special Assistant Attorney General.

Rhode Island Senate Judiciary Committee

Chair: Sen. Matthew L. LaMountain (D–Warwick, Cranston)

Email: sen-lamountain@rilegislature.gov
Rhode Island State House
82 Smith Street
Providence, RI 02903

Appointed by Senate President Dominick Ruggerio in January 2025
Also serves as Deputy President Pro Tempore of the Senate.
Former prosecutor in the RI Attorney General’s Office (2011–2019).
Runs a private law practice in Warwick.

Additional House Judiciary Leadership

First Vice Chair: Rep. Jason Knight

Email: rep-knight@rilegislature.gov
Rhode Island State House
82 Smith Street
Providence, RI 02903

Second Vice Chair: Rep. Matthew S. Dawson

Email: rep-dawson@rilegislature.gov
Rhode Island State House
82 Smith Street
Providence, RI 02903

the problem

  • Rhode Island is one of the few states where fairness for self-represented litigants is optional, not guaranteed.
  • Judges are told they ‘may’ help SRLs — but without Comment (4), they’re not required to. That’s a loophole.
  • Ordinary citizens shouldn’t have to know to ask for fairness. That’s not justice — that’s gatekeeping.
  • This isn’t about giving SRLs an advantage. It’s about ensuring they’re not punished for lacking a law degree.
  • Federal precedent is clear: courts must take affirmative steps to process when counsel is absent.
  • Adding Comment (4) costs nothing — but it affirms our commitment to equal justice.
  • Without reform, Rhode Island courts have become places where fairness depends on who you can afford.

Proposed Legislative Solutions

  • Incorporate Comment (4) into Rhode Island’s Rule 2.2.
  • Codify a right to reasonable accommodations for SRLs.
  • Require courts to inform SRLs of their rights and available resources.
  • Without an Access to Justice Commission to monitor fairness, enact the SAFE Act to protect the rights of Self-represented litigants they remain vulnerable, unprotected and their constitutional rights are violated on a daily basis.
Download the letter template we’ve written to bring these reforms to their attention