Criminal Justice

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 7550: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- DISORDERLY CONDUCT

HB 7550 criminalizes intentionally obstructing traffic on federal or state highways through loitering (e.g., standing, sitting, or kneeling) in ways that could delay vehicles. It creates a new felony offense with mandatory minimum sentences: 1-3 years for a first offense (with 60 days non-suspendable), 3-5 years for a second, and 5-10 years for a third. If death occurs due to obstruction delaying an emergency vehicle, penalties increase to 5-30 years (with 5 years non-suspendable). This law directly affects individuals who block highways, such as protesters or others loitering in traffic lanes.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases mandatory sentences for traffic obstruction, expanding criminalization and reducing defendant rights through felony charges with fixed penalties.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 8073: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- UNLAWFUL SALE OF PROHIBITED FIREARMS

HB 8073 restricts the possession of prohibited firearms, making it a criminal offense. It directly affects individuals who possess firearms classified as "prohibited" under the bill's definition. The key provision prohibits possessing such firearms without legal authorization, with penalties for violations. This bill, introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the House Judiciary Committee, focuses on limiting access to specific firearms through criminal penalties. The abstract does not specify the exact firearm types or additional enforcement mechanisms.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill creates new criminal offense for prohibited firearm possession, expanding criminalization per indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms

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in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Feb 6, 2026

SB 2478: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- CHILDREN

Criminalizes the knowing and intentional failure of a physician, nurse, or other licensed medical person to provide reasonable medical care and treatment to an infant born alive as a felony.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCriminalizes medical negligence in infant care, expanding criminalization of non-criminal conduct under criminal justice framework.95% confidence

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passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 29, 2026

SB 2599: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- RAILROAD, STEAMBOAT, AND BRIDGE POLICE

Provides any police report involving a railroad fatality and all communications between railroad employees not be made public. Additionally, it makes a violation of this section a misdemeanor.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeRestricts public access to railroad fatality reports and employee communications, limiting transparency in law enforcement investigations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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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 · House Feb 11, 2026

HB 7549: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- ASSAULTS

HB 7549 makes assaulting a sports official (such as an umpire, referee, or coach) during their duties a felony, directly affecting anyone who commits such violence at any athletic event - from school games to professional leagues. The bill establishes two penalty tiers: a standard assault carries up to 3 years in prison or a $3,000 fine, while assault causing serious bodily injury (like permanent disfigurement or life-threatening harm) results in 3-20 years in prison or a $10,000 fine. It also mandates that offenders pay restitution to victims or complete up to 500 hours of community service, in addition to any fines or prison time. This law applies to assaults occurring before, during, or after any sporting event.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases penalties for assaulting sports officials, establishing felony charges with longer prison terms, expanding criminalization of violence at athletic events.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Victims' Rights Violent Crime

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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 8065: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- SEXUAL OFFENDER REGISTRATION AND COMMUNITY NOTIFICATION

Makes it a felony for any person required to register as a sex offender to live within three hundred feet (300’) of a school as defined in § 11-37.1-2.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization by imposing felony penalties for sex offenders living near schools, increasing restrictions rather than promoting reform or rehabilitation.95% confidence

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 7754: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS

Deletes the provision permitting out of state residents to obtain concealed carry permits in this state solely based on their rights in other states. It also corrects a minor typographical error.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeRestricts out-of-state concealed carry permits, directly limiting weapons regulation in criminal justice.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms

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passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 4, 2026

SB 2397: AN ACT RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- DOGS

Increases penalties for a second or subsequent offense with a fine of not less than $250 or no more than $1,000 and up to 11 months imprisonment for violating the law on the care of dogs.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases penalties for second offense in dog care violation, expanding criminalization and increasing mandatory sentences, aligning with 'oppose' indicators.80% confidence

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