Criminal Justice

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 30, 2026

SB 2597: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- SEXUAL ASSAULT

Increases minimum sentence for first degree sexual assault and provides first 10 years of a sentence for first degree sexual assault not be subject to a suspension or deferment of sentence.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases mandatory minimum sentences and prohibits suspension of first 10 years for sexual assault, aligning with 'increases mandatory sentences' indicator.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Violent Crime

Track

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 2, 2026

HB 8084: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- EXPUNGEMENT OF CRIMINAL RECORDS

Makes persons convicted of simple possession of controlled substances, eligible to have their records expunged three (3) years after imposition of their sentence.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpungement of records for non-violent drug offenses reduces barriers to reintegration, aligning with reform goals to lower recidivism and improve rehabilitation opportunities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

Track

passed · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HB 8080: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION ACT

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.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill elevates repeat domestic violence offenses to felony, increasing penalties and expanding criminalization, aligning with 'oppose' indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence

Track

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

Sub-Topics Policing

Track

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 19, 2026

HB 7648: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- SEXUAL ASSAULT

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.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnhances reporting forms for sexual assault cases, improving data accuracy and accountability in criminal justice system.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Law Enforcement Violent Crime

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 2710: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- UNLAWFUL SALE OF PROHIBITED FIREARMS

SB 2710 would make it a criminal offense to possess certain firearms designated as "prohibited" under the law. This bill directly affects individuals who currently own or handle these specific firearms without legal authorization. The key provision establishes criminal penalties for possession of these prohibited firearms, shifting the legal standard from prior law. The bill was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, with no further action taken as of the provided context.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill criminalizes possession of prohibited firearms, expanding criminalization. Aligns with 'oppose' indicator of expanding criminalization in criminal justice.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms

Track

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 8119: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- WARRANTLESS PURCHASES OF PERSONAL DATA -- THE 4TH AMENDMENT IS NOT FOR SALE ACT

HB 8119 prohibits state law enforcement agencies and other entities from purchasing personal data without a warrant for any criminal, civil, or investigatory activity. It directly affects government agencies that might otherwise buy location records, browsing history, or other sensitive personal information from third-party data brokers. The bill’s key provision requires a court-issued warrant before any agency can obtain such data, aligning with Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches. This applies to all enforcement actions, including investigations into crimes or civil matters, without exception.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits warrantless law enforcement data purchases, strengthening Fourth Amendment protections and civil privacy rights in criminal investigations.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits warrantless purchase of personal data by government, requiring court warrants to strengthen Fourth Amendment protections against unwarranted data access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

Track

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 28, 2026

HB 8082: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- EXPUNGEMENT OF CRIMINAL RECORDS

HB 8082 updates expungement rules for criminal records to align with a new 10-year lookback period specifically for DUI convictions. It directly affects individuals with past DUI charges who now qualify for record expungement if their offense occurred within the last decade. The bill modifies existing expungement laws to ensure they match this updated time frame for DUI cases, making the process consistent for those eligible. This change applies only to DUI-related convictions under the revised timeline.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeUpdates expungement rules for DUI convictions, enabling record clearance for eligible individuals - reducing barriers to employment/housing and aligning with criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence

Track

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 10, 2026

SB 2711: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- EXPUNGEMENT OF CRIMINAL RECORDS -- THE RHODE ISLAND CLEAN SLATE ACT

Authorizes the automatic expungement of eligible conviction records by operation of law, initiated and completed by state agencies through electronic processes established within the judicial system.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAutomatic expungement reduces barriers for individuals with past convictions, aligning with criminal justice reform goals to lower recidivism and promote rehabilitation.95% confidence

Track

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 10, 2026

HB 7551: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- FRAUD AND FALSE DEALING

Establishes the criminal offense of real estate title fraud and allows municipalities to refuse to record “suspicious documents” from persons who are not trusted submitters and creates penalties for real estate title fraud.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new criminal offense (real estate title fraud) and penalties, expanding criminalization.90% confidence