Criminal Justice

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 22, 2026

SB 2733: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- ARREST

SB 2733 prohibits individuals in state prison or jail custody from using force or weapons to resist lawful requests or directives from correctional staff. It directly affects incarcerated people by making such resistance a violation of the law. The bill establishes a clear rule that limits the use of force by people in correctional facilities during routine operations, such as transfers or medical requests. This policy change aims to enhance safety for staff and other inmates by clarifying expectations during lawful interactions. The bill was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill clarifies inmate conduct to enhance staff/inmate safety during facility operations, directly strengthening correctional facility security protocols within criminal justice framework.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 4, 2026

SB 3167: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- THEFT, EMBEZZLEMENT, FALSE PRETENSES, AND MISAPPROPRIATION

Provides that when two or more individuals associate to accomplish the crime of shoplifting, that they would be deemed to be associated for the particular purpose of shoplifting and be guilty of a felony.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands criminalization by treating group shoplifting as a felony, increasing penalties and restricting defendant rights.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

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passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 4, 2026

SB 2397: AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- DOGS

Increases penalties for a second or subsequent offense with a fine of not less than $250 or no more than $1,000 and up to 11 months imprisonment for violating the law on the care of dogs.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases penalties for second offense in dog care violation, expanding criminalization and increasing mandatory sentences, aligning with 'oppose' indicators.80% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

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passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 29, 2026

SB 2481: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- TRESPASS AND VANDALISM

Defines squatter as a person occupying a dwelling unit who is not authorized by the property owner, landlord or tenant to occupy the unit and provides remedies for property owner including police assistance to remove a squatter.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization of squatting as trespass, enabling police removal, aligning with 'expands criminalization' indicator80% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

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passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 29, 2026

SB 2599: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- RAILROAD, STEAMBOAT, AND BRIDGE POLICE

Provides any police report involving a railroad fatality and all communications between railroad employees not be made public. Additionally, it makes a violation of this section a misdemeanor.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeRestricts public access to railroad fatality reports and employee communications, limiting transparency in law enforcement investigations.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

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passed · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 1, 2026

SB 2281: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- SEXUAL OFFENDER REGISTRATION AND COMMUNITY NOTIFICATION

Makes it a felony for any person required to register as a sex offender to live within three hundred feet (300’) of a school as defined in § 11-37.1-2.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization by imposing felony penalties for sex offenders near schools, restricting living options and increasing penalties without reform elements.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

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