Criminal Justice

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 2, 2026

SB 3041: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS' DUE PROCESS, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND TRANSPARENCY ACT

This bill amends Rhode Island's Law Enforcement Officers' Due Process, Accountability, and Transparency Act to modify how legal fees are handled during disciplinary hearings. It allows the chairperson of a hearing committee to appoint legal counsel for the committee upon written request from both the law enforcement agency and the accused officer, with each party responsible for paying 50% of the legal fees unless they agree otherwise. The legislation also clarifies definitions for key terms and specifies the composition of hearing committees, which must include a retired judge, a practicing attorney, and three law enforcement officers selected from a certified pool. These changes apply to permanently employed police officers, state police officers, and certain other law enforcement employees, excluding department chiefs and highest-ranking officers.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances police accountability and due process in disciplinary hearings, strengthening oversight and transparency within law enforcement.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Judges Law Enforcement Policing

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 28, 2026

SB 2938: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE--COURTS -- JUDICIAL SELECTION

Permits RI Supreme Court Committee on Racial and Ethnic Fairness, in consultation with RI Bar Association and its Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, to appoint members of JNC and requires judicial candidates to disclose political donations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes racial and ethnic fairness in judicial selection and requires political donation disclosure, enhancing transparency and equity in criminal justice.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Judges

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 5, 2026

SB 2967: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- LIMITATIONS ON IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT COOPERATION

Bars state and local police from joining federal immigration enforcement programs, limits holding people on detainer without judicial warrants, and requires tracking and reporting of requests.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill limits immigration enforcement cooperation and detainer practices, enhancing police accountability and protecting civil rights within criminal justice framework.85% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill limits state/local police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and restricts detainers without warrants, protecting immigrant rights and limiting enforcement.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing Detention Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 23, 2026

SB 3099: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- COURTS -- SUPERIOR COURT

This bill amends Rhode Island law to rename drug court programs as recovery court, expanding eligibility to include non-violent offenses beyond just drug-related charges. The legislation creates a new position of drug recovery court magistrate within the superior court, who will preside over adult recovery court programs that combine court authority with therapeutic treatment plans for drug-addicted defendants. Key provisions include establishing a ten-year appointment term for magistrates, defining screening criteria for program admission, and granting magistrates the power to impose incarceration for violations of court conditions. The bill also clarifies that participants must sign contracts outlining program expectations and allows for appeals of magistrate orders to a superior court justice.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill expands drug court to recovery court, broadening eligibility and adding therapeutic treatment, which aligns with rehabilitation and criminal justice reform goals.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands drug court programs to recovery court, increasing access to therapeutic treatment plans for drug-addicted defendants, which supports mental health and healthcare services.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Judges Substance Abuse

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 18, 2026

SB 2832: 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 JusticeBill increases victim compensation for relocation expenses, supporting criminal justice reform by enhancing victim support services.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 2993: SENATE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY THE IMPACT AND POTENTIAL ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF BAIL REFORMS ON BLACK RHODE ISLANDERS AND THE STATE

Creates an 11 member commission to analyze the impact and potential economic benefits of bail reforms on Black Rhode Islanders, and would report back by February 5, 2027, and expire on April 5, 2027.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates commission to study bail reforms, which aligns with criminal justice reform and improving equity in the justice system for Black Rhode Islanders.75% confidence

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passed · Rhode Island · House Jun 10, 2026

HB 8272: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- LAW ENFORCEMENT SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

Makes sexual contact or penetration between any law enforcement officer that is on duty and a person that is a detainee, arrestee, in custody or a suspect a felony.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances police accountability by criminalizing sexual misconduct by law enforcement officers, protecting civil rights and victims.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 8293: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- ARREST

Permits non-sworn public safety officers/security guards at private colleges/universities to detain individuals for no longer than 30 minutes within the campus’s jurisdiction if the officer or guard believes the person committed a criminal offense.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill expands authority of security personnel to detain suspects, strengthening campus safety and law enforcement capabilities within educational institutions.75% confidence

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signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 18, 2026

SB 2824: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION

This bill expands eligibility for crime victim compensation by allowing individuals who suffer serious bodily injury from hit-and-run incidents to apply for financial assistance through the state's compensation program. The amendment adds a specific provision to the existing list of qualifying offenses, ensuring that drivers who fail to stop after a collision resulting in serious injury or death are included in the categories eligible for compensation. The change directly affects victims of hit-and-run accidents who previously might not have qualified for aid under the current law, providing them with a potential source of financial support for medical and related expenses. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage without requiring additional legislative steps.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill expands victim compensation eligibility for hit-and-run victims, strengthening criminal justice support systems and victim protection.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 2, 2026

SB 2952: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- POLICE OFFICERS -- COMMISSION ON STANDARDS AND TRAINING -- YOUTH TRAUMA-INFORMED POLICING

Requires police commission on standards/training to provide training/instructions for police detectives/officers/trainees to deal with traumatized youth resulting from incidents requiring a law enforcement response.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates trauma-informed policing training for officers, which enhances police accountability and improves handling of vulnerable populations, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice Law Enforcement Policing

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