(l) A complainant may seek a right to sue in state court if not less than one hundred
and twenty (120) days and not more than two (2) years have elapsed from the date of
filing of a charge, if the commission has been unable to secure a settlement agreement
or conciliation agreement and if the commission has not commenced hearing on a complaint.
The commission shall grant the right to sue within thirty (30) days after receipt
of the request. This shall terminate all proceedings before the commission and shall
give to the complainant the right to commence suit in the superior court within any
county as provided in § 28-5-28 within ninety (90) days after the granting of the request. Any party may claim a
trial by jury. The superior court may make orders consistent with subsection (h) and
may also award punitive damages and such other damages as the court deems just and
proper.
(m)(1) The commission is further empowered to file a complaint in the superior court in any
county in which the unlawful housing practice allegedly occurs, or has occurred, or
in which a defendant resides or maintains a business office, or in Providence County,
seeking injunctive relief, including a temporary restraining order, against the defendant.
(2) No preliminary injunction shall be effective for more than thirty (30) days; provided
that, if the defendant has sought judicial review of an order of the commission issued
pursuant to this section, or if the commission has sought a decree of the court for
the enforcement of the order, the preliminary injunction shall remain in full force
and effect until such time as the judicial review or the commission’s petition for
the decree of enforcement is finally heard and determined.