Criminal Justice (Corrections)

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 2977: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RESTRICTIVE CONFINEMENT OVERSIGHT ACT

Establishes the restrictive housing oversight committee ("committee") for the purpose of monitoring the use of restrictive housing ("solitary confinement"), as well as disciplinary and administrative confinement at the department of corrections.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes oversight committee for restrictive housing, enhancing accountability and protecting civil rights in corrections.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 2, 2026

HB 8275: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RESTRICTIVE CONFINEMENT OVERSIGHT ACT

Establishes the restrictive housing oversight committee ("committee") for the purpose of monitoring the use of restrictive housing ("solitary confinement"), as well as disciplinary and administrative confinement at the department of corrections.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes oversight committee for restrictive housing, enhancing accountability and protecting civil rights in corrections.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 2991: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- THE BODY CAMERAS FOR CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES ACT -- THE WILLIE WASHINGTON, JR. ACT

This bill requires all Department of Corrections staff in direct supervision roles to wear body cameras while on duty within correctional facilities. The law mandates that cameras be activated during specific interactions such as use of force incidents, transporting individuals, medical emergencies, and disciplinary proceedings, with recordings retained for at least 60 days unless needed for investigations. An independent oversight board will be established to review critical incidents and complaints, while incarcerated individuals will be informed of recording practices and given the right to request footage review. The Department of Corrections must provide staff training on camera use and privacy, submit biannual reports to the General Assembly, and face disciplinary action for non-compliance.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates body cameras for corrections staff to enhance accountability and transparency, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Policing

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 2, 2026

SB 3164: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- ASSAULTS

This bill proposes to classify assault on a railroad worker that causes personal injury as a felony offense. The legislation amends existing assault laws to include railroad workers alongside other protected officials, such as police officers and firefighters, when they are performing their duties. If someone strikes or sprays a railroad worker with a noxious chemical and causes bodily harm, they could face up to three years in prison, a fine of $1,500, or both. The law applies only when the railroad worker is on duty and proper identification is shown. This change would take effect immediately upon the bill's passage.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens criminal justice by classifying assault on railroad workers as a felony, enhancing protection for public safety workers and increasing penalties for harmful acts.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill strengthens workplace safety by classifying assault on railroad workers as a felony, protecting workers' rights during duty performance.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances safety for railroad workers by criminalizing assaults, protecting transportation infrastructure personnel and promoting safer rail operations.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Policing Violent Crime Rail

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signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 22, 2026

SB 3169: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- MOTOR VEHICLE OFFENSES -- CASEY'S LAW

This bill introduces enhanced penalties for drivers convicted of road rage, which is defined as intentionally aggressive, harassing, or dangerous behavior directed at other drivers or passengers on public roads. The law applies to existing misdemeanor and felony motor vehicle offenses, adding mandatory fines, license suspensions, and potential additional prison time when a conviction is linked to road rage. Prosecutors must formally allege road rage as a factor during the charging process, and courts must hold sentencing hearings where both sides can present evidence about the defendant's intent. All fines collected under this provision go into a dedicated fund used to promote public awareness about road rage and encourage safer driving practices.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases mandatory penalties and expands criminalization of road rage, adding fines, suspensions, and prison time without clear reform or rehabilitation focus.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances road safety by increasing penalties for road rage, protecting drivers and passengers from aggressive behavior.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Sentencing Roads & Highways

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 6, 2026

SB 2622: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT

Increases the minimum wage amount for any person committed to the adult correctional institution from $3.00 to $5.00 a day for every day the person shall labor.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeIncreases inmate labor wages from $3 to $5/day, promoting fair compensation and rehabilitation within corrections, aligning with reform indicators.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentIncreases minimum wage for incarcerated workers from $3 to $5/day, directly advancing wage protection in labor policies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Minimum Wage

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 2, 2026

HB 7652: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- SENTENCE AND EXECUTION

Requires sentencing court to consider whether defendant is parent of child, or caregiver of elderly, disabled or terminally ill person whose well-being would be adversely affected by the person's incarceration and if so, shall impose a non-jail sentence.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires non-jail sentences when defendant is primary caregiver, reducing incarceration for family-dependent cases - aligns with criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Sentencing

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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 8115: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT

Requires the corrections director to adopt body camera policies by January 1, 2027, after stakeholder consultation, setting standards for activation, recording, access, retention, notice, and training,

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates body camera policies for corrections accountability, directly aligning with police oversight and transparency reform indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Policing

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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 8117: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT-- CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT

Repeals 42-56-38.1 and requires the department of corrections to provide free communication services to inmates and juveniles held in residential placement or detention centers and requires that those facilities provide in-person contact visits.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill requires free communication services and in-person visits for inmates/juveniles, promoting rehabilitation through family connections, a key criminal justice reform indicator.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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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