Rhode Island § 6-52-3 - Safe Destruction of Documents Containing Personal Information
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 6-52-3 — Safe Destruction of Documents Containing Personal Information, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 6-52-3. Safe Destruction of Documents Containing Personal Information
R.I. Gen. Laws § 6-52-3
§ 6-52-3. Violations.
A business that does not take the reasonable steps when disposing of a customer’s personal information set out in § 6-52-2 is in violation of this chapter. For the purposes of this chapter, each record unreasonably disposed of constitutes an individual violation of this chapter.
(1) A customer who incurs actual damages due to a violation of this chapter may bring a civil action in superior court.
(2) Whenever the attorney general has reason to believe that a violation of this chapter has occurred and that proceedings would be in the public interest, the attorney general may bring an action in the name of the state against the business in violation. The business that violates this chapter may be liable in a suit by the attorney general for actual damages of the aggrieved customer and a civil penalty of five hundred dollars ($500) for each violation, not to exceed fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 247, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 285, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 528, § 39.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 6-52-3
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 6-52-3 cover?
Section 6-52-3 ("Safe Destruction of Documents Containing Personal Information") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 6-52-3?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 6-52-3" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 6-52-3 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.