Registration for Use of the Electronic Filing System

(a) Usage Agree- ment. Execution of a Usage Agreement constitutes registration as a user of the EFS and shall constitute consent to receive eNotification messages and Electronic Service of all documents through the EFS. A username and password may be used only by the individual or attorney to whom the username and password were issued, by an attorney’s law firm or office, or by another person authorized by an attorney to use the username and password. 3 Revised September 2023 (b) Self-represented Litigants and Authorized Law Enforcement Agencies. Any self-represented litigant or authorized law enforcement agency involved in a pro- ceeding before any court may elect to execute a Usage Agreement and utilize the EFS but shall not be required to do so. When a self-represented litigant or authorized law enforcement agency elects to utilize the EFS and executes a Usage Agreement, only upon motion and for good cause shown may the court before which the self- represented litigant or authorized law enforcement agency appears allow the self- represented litigant or authorized law enforcement agency to terminate the Usage Agreement. Individuals who are incarcerated are not required to submit filings through the EFS. (c) Attorney Waiver. Upon petition and for good cause shown, the Supreme Court may grant an attorney a waiver of the mandatory registration and Electronic Filing requirements contained in these rules. Such waiver shall identify the scope of the exception. The most current Petition for Waiver of the Mandatory Electronic Filing Requirements is the Rhode Island Judiciary’s website at located on www.courts.ri.gov under the heading of Forms. (d) Misuse of the Electronic Filing System. Misuse occurs when any user attempts to harm, disrupt, alter or interfere with the EFS and/or any documents or information maintained on the system or attempts to use or access information on the system without proper authorization. Misuse of the EFS may result in suspension or loss of a user’s registration or any other penalty that may be imposed by the Judi- ciary. Misuse of the EFS by attorneys may constitute a violation of Article V of the Supreme Court Rules of Professional Conduct as further addressed therein. Attor- neys are responsible for any misuse of the EFS by third parties whom the attorney has authorized or directed to use the EFS.