This bill amends Rhode Island law to rename drug court as recovery court and establish a new position for a drug recovery court magistrate within the superior court. The magistrate would be appointed by the presiding justice with senate approval, serve ten-year terms, and preside over adult offenders charged with non-violent drug-related offenses who are deemed drug-addicted. Key provisions include the magistrate's authority to enforce program conditions, impose incarceration for violations, and make final decisions on program admission and participant eligibility based on specific criteria. The bill also grants the magistrate powers to handle matters related to sexual offender registration and allows for appeals of magistrate orders to a superior court justice.
HB 7547 expands the state's crime victim compensation program to allow victims of stalking to recover costs for relocation or home modifications (like security upgrades) as emergency expenses. It directly affects stalking victims who need immediate safety measures after an incident. The bill amends existing law to explicitly include these expenses under Section 12-25-21(7), while removing larceny and certain other offenses from compensable categories. This change takes effect upon passage, making these specific costs eligible for reimbursement through the existing program.
Allows for the electronic filing of domestic violence/sexual assault reporting forms by law enforcement agencies, enhances the information to be included on the reporting forms, and clarifies that the reporting forms should be submitted monthly.
Requires the electronic filing of domestic violence/sexual assault forms by law enforcement agencies, and enhances the information to be included on the reporting forms.
Requires that all monies received from the payment of fines under the Uniform Act on Prevention of and Remedies for Human Trafficking be deposited into the into the violent crimes indemnity account within the general fund.
HB 7145 modifies firearm storage laws by adding "Dillon's Law" to the section title (a procedural change), while establishing new safe storage requirements. It requires firearms to be stored in locked containers or secured with tamper-resistant locks to prevent access by children or prohibited persons (e.g., those banned from owning guns by law). Violations result in escalating penalties: first offenses incur fines up to $250, second offenses up to $1,000, and third offenses may lead to up to six months in jail or a $500 fine. Criminal storage charges apply if a child or prohibited person accesses the firearm and causes injury or uses it in a crime, with enhanced penalties for such outcomes. The law explicitly excludes cases where firearms are locked, being carried lawfully, or accessed during lawful self-defense.
Provides that a defendant's third and subsequent violation of domestic violence offenses, including both prior felony and misdemeanor convictions, would be punishable as a felony.
Provides that violations of § 11-37.1-10 relating to failing to register as a sex offender are subject to the duration and frequency of registrations pursuant to § 11-37.1-4.
Provides that the statute of limitations for second-degree sexual assault shall be 10 years from the date of the offense, or, in the case of a victim who is under the age of 18, ten years from the victim’s eighteenth birthday, whichever is later.
Permits the family court to award possession of household pets to the plaintiff in a domestic abuse complaint, including the enforcement remedy of a restraining order or other injunctive relief.
