Criminal Justice

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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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 5, 2026

SB 2479: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS' DUE PROCESS, ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY ACT -- ICE OUT ACT

Prohibits law enforcement agencies from hiring individuals who were hired as a sworn officer of the US Immigration and Customs enforcement Agency on or after January 20, 2025, and applies prospectively to an individual hired on or after October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits hiring ICE officers to prevent immigration enforcement overreach in local law enforcement, promoting civil rights and accountability as per bill's title and intent.85% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationProhibits hiring ICE officers for state law enforcement, limiting state cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 22, 2026

HB 7653: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION ACT

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.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnhances domestic violence reporting procedures via electronic filing and detailed forms, improving law enforcement response to a key criminal justice issue.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Law Enforcement Violent Crime

passed · Rhode Island · House Apr 3, 2026

HB 7554: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- PUBLIC UTILITIES

Expands meaning of bomb threats and false reports to include any warning or threat of the existence of an explosive device and allows judge to impose conditions of bail to include extreme risk protection orders, no trespass orders and counseling.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization of bomb threats and adds court-imposed bail conditions without reform focus, aligning with OPPOSE indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Judges

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 9, 2026

SB 2493: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- MOTOR VEHICLE OFFENSES

Increases the penalties for reckless driving from a misdemeanor first offense to a felony, with a penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine of between one thousand dollars ($1,000) and five thousand dollars ($5,000).

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases reckless driving penalties to felony (5-year prison, $5k fine), aligning with 'increases mandatory sentences' indicator per oppose criteria.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationIncreases penalties for reckless driving, enhancing road safety standards under vehicle regulations, a core transportation safety measure.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 5, 2026

SB 2607: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT--THE RHODE ISLAND CIVIL RIGHTS ENFORCEMENT ACT

SB 2607 creates a legal remedy for Rhode Island residents harmed by government entities violating their constitutional rights. It allows individuals or the Attorney General to sue state or local governments (including municipalities and quasi-governmental bodies) directly for civil rights violations, waiving sovereign immunity for these cases. Key provisions set a $500,000 cap on compensatory damages (adjusted annually for inflation), prohibit punitive damages against the state, and remove the cap for intentional, willful, or malicious violations. The law provides for remedies like injunctive relief, attorney fees, and a three-year statute of limitations for filing claims.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates legal remedy for civil rights violations by government entities (including law enforcement), enhancing accountability and protecting civil rights in criminal justice system.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 16, 2026

HB 8090: 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.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice Law Enforcement

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