Criminal Justice (Law Enforcement)

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 3, 2026

SR 2760: SENATE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY CONDEMNING THE ASSAULTS ON POLICE OFFICERS IN NEW YORK DURING THE BLIZZARD AND URGING INVESTIGATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY

This Senate resolution from Rhode Island formally condemns assaults on police officers in New York during a recent blizzard and expresses support for law enforcement personnel. It urges New York City officials to conduct a thorough investigation into the incidents and pursue accountability for those responsible. The resolution authorizes the Rhode Island Secretary of State to send certified copies of the document to the New York City Mayor and Police Department.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill condemns assaults on police and urges accountability, supporting law enforcement protection and justice.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

Track

in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 11, 2026

SB 2997: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- VETERANS IDENTIFICATION IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

This bill establishes a new chapter in Rhode Island law requiring law enforcement, courts, and correctional facilities to identify and verify the veteran status of individuals involved in the criminal justice system. It mandates that agencies use federal databases to confirm veteran status within 24 hours of law enforcement contact, 21 days for parolees, and 7 days for inmates, then share this information with judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys. Verified veterans gain access to veterans justice outreach specialists who assist with connecting to VA healthcare, federal benefits, specialty courts, and diversion programs. The bill also requires weekly reporting of verified veterans to relevant state agencies and courts to ensure coordinated support services.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes criminal justice reform by improving veteran identification, enhancing rehabilitation access, and protecting civil rights for veterans in the system.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill mandates identification and verification of veteran status in criminal justice system, ensuring veterans receive appropriate recognition and potential benefits.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Veteran Healthcare Veteran Housing Veteran Mental Health

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signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 22, 2026

SB 2985: 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 JusticeBill enhances domestic violence reporting procedures and information collection, improving law enforcement accountability and victim protection within criminal justice system85% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Law Enforcement Violent Crime

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 2, 2026

SB 3168: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- SEARCH WARRANTS

This bill allows judges to issue search warrants electronically for specific driving under the influence offenses, including those resulting in death or serious bodily injury. It permits law enforcement officers to submit complaints and affidavits via electronic means, with judicial officers required to sign and transmit the warrant documents electronically. The law maintains that electronic warrants can only be issued for the listed DUI-related crimes and must still follow standard procedures for oath administration and documentation. Additionally, the bill requires that all warrants, whether executed or not, be returned to the district court within 14 days of issuance.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill modernizes search warrant procedures for DUI cases, improving efficiency while maintaining standard procedures, which strengthens criminal justice operations.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 19, 2026

SB 3038: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- EXTREME RISK PROTECTION ORDERS

Requires a court considering evidence for the issuance of a temporary emergency protective order to cause the respondent to be taken into protective custody by law enforcement and sent to an emergency room of any hospital, pursuant to § 40.1-5-7.1.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens protective custody procedures for high-risk individuals, enhancing public safety and law enforcement protocols within the criminal justice system.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates emergency protective custody and hospital ER access for high-risk individuals, ensuring immediate medical evaluation and care.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Law Enforcement Hospitals

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signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 23, 2026

SB 3135: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- MISCELLANEOUS RULES

Restores law enforcement discretion, allowing officers to issue a verbal warning when appropriate or pursue misdemeanor or felony charges in more egregious cases where a child is left unattended in a motor vehicle.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill restores law enforcement discretion in child safety cases, allowing appropriate responses rather than mandatory prosecution, which supports balanced criminal justice practices.75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances child safety in vehicles by restoring law enforcement discretion, strengthening transportation safety standards and protecting vulnerable passengers.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 8081: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- EXPUNGEMENT OF CRIMINAL RECORDS

HB 8081 would require law enforcement agencies to consider expunged criminal records when reviewing applications for pistol or revolver licenses. This directly affects individuals who have had criminal records expunged (legally erased from public records) but are applying for firearm permits. The key provision changes how agencies use expunged records during background checks for firearm licenses, meaning these records would no longer be fully hidden from the licensing process. The bill does not alter expungement eligibility or the expungement process itself, only the use of expunged records in firearm permit decisions.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill requires agencies to consider expunged records for firearm licenses, restricting rights of individuals with expunged records and opposing reform that facilitates reintegration.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Law Enforcement

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signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 18, 2026

HB 7753: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- DISARMING A PEACE OFFICER

Makes it a felony for any person to remove or attempt to remove any firearm or other weapon or any communication device from any peace officer or investigator of the department of attorney general.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill criminalizes disarming peace officers, strengthening law enforcement safety and protection within criminal justice framework.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Law Enforcement

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 4, 2026

HB 7637: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Prohibit denial of an opportunity to apply for employment as a law enforcement officer or firefighter solely on the basis of a person's country of citizenship.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits citizenship-based denial for law enforcement/firefighter jobs, advancing civil rights in public safety employment.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationProhibits citizenship-based employment denial for law enforcement/firefighter roles, advancing immigrant inclusion in state workforce.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProhibits citizenship-based denial of employment for law enforcement/firefighter roles, advancing equal opportunity in hiring per Labor & Employment rights protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Citizenship & Naturalization Driver Licenses & IDs Tags Public Safety

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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