Criminal Justice

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 16, 2026

HB 8056: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- CHILDREN

Requires courts and bail commissioners to issue no contact orders against any person arrested for cruelty or neglect of a child, child abuse or child endangerment and to issue orders upon any finding of guilty. Violations of order would be a misdemeanor.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates no contact orders for child abuse offenses, strengthening victim protection protocols in criminal justice system without reducing defendant rights.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence

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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

Sub-Topics Corrections Policing

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 18, 2026

HB 8155: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION

Under the emergency fund for victims, increases the share of a victim’s total award that may be used for relocation related expenses but not increase total compensation available to a victim.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands victim relocation expenses within compensation program, directly supporting victim services in criminal justice without altering total funding.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights

in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Feb 13, 2026

SB 2554: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- THE MEDICAID REENTRY ACT

Requires that Medicaid enrollment be maintained or provided to all inmates in the first 30 days of incarceration at the adult correctional institutions within the department of corrections and the last 30 days of incarceration when possible.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnsures Medicaid access during incarceration/reentry, supporting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism - key criminal justice reform indicators.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires Medicaid enrollment continuity for inmates during incarceration, ensuring health coverage access per healthcare topic definition.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Medicaid

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 19, 2026

SB 2730: AN ACT RELATING TO DELINQUENT AND DEPENDENT CHILDREN -- PROCEEDINGS IN FAMILY COURT

Prohibits a peace officer, as defined in § 12-7-21, from employing threats, physical harm, deprivation, deception, coercion, or psychologically manipulative interrogation tactics during the custodial interrogation of a juvenile.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits coercive interrogation tactics against juveniles, enhancing police accountability and protecting youth rights in criminal proceedings.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice Law Enforcement

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died · Rhode Island · House May 14, 2026

HB 8156: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION ACT

Creates the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Survivor Services Fund in Rhode Island to provide state funding for nonprofit organizations that deliver direct services to survivors of domestic violence.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates state fund for domestic violence survivor services, directly supporting victim protection and reform within criminal justice framework.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Violent Crime

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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 12, 2026

HB 8063: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- SEXUAL ASSAULT

Requires that court sentencing a person for first degree sexual assault of first degree child molestation, have the approval of the victim before imposing any negotiated sentence upon the offender.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires victim approval for negotiated sentences in sexual assault cases, protecting victim rights and aligning with criminal justice reform principles.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Sentencing Victims' Rights

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 9, 2026

HB 8079: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE--PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- JURY LISTS

HB 8079 amends jury qualification laws to include individuals receiving public assistance benefits in the pool of eligible jurors. This change directly affects people currently excluded from jury service due to their receipt of public assistance, expanding who can be summoned for jury duty. The bill modifies statutory language to remove barriers preventing these individuals from being listed on jury rosters. It does not alter other eligibility requirements or create new exemptions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves exclusion of public assistance recipients from jury service, promoting fair representation in courts and aligning with civil rights in criminal justice reform.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 5, 2026

SB 2488: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- BAIL BOND AGENTS AND BAIL BOND RECOVERY AGENTS

Prohibits bail bond agents and bail bond recovery agents from engaging in civil immigration enforcement, define such conduct as unprofessional, and subject violators to professional discipline under Rhode Island law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits bail agents from civil immigration enforcement, protecting defendants' rights and preventing misuse of bail system - aligns with civil rights protection in criminal justice reform.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationProhibits bail bond agents from engaging in civil immigration enforcement, limiting state-level cooperation with federal immigration actions, aligning with immigrant protection measures.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Enforcement

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 8068: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS

HB 8068 prohibits individuals under 18 years old from possessing firearms, making it a criminal offense. This bill directly affects minors in the state by restricting their access to firearms. The key provision states that any person under 18 found possessing a firearm would violate this law. The bill was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the House Judiciary committee for further consideration.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits minors from firearm possession, a direct criminal justice measure enhancing public safety through preventive regulation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms

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