Criminal Justice

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 10, 2026

SB 2398: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- OBSTRUCTING JUSTICE

SB 2398 upgrades penalties for filing false police reports about serious crimes. It makes it a felony to falsely report a crime that carries a 5- to 20-year prison sentence (with 1-5 years in prison for conviction) or a 20+ year sentence (with 5-20 years in prison). The bill directly affects individuals who knowingly submit false reports about violent or severe offenses, such as aggravated assault or homicide. It replaces the current misdemeanor penalty with stricter felony charges based on the severity of the underlying crime falsely reported.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases penalties for false reporting of serious crimes, expanding criminalization and imposing harsher sentences, aligning with OPPOSE indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Policing Violent Crime

Track

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 9, 2026

SB 2402: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- MOTOR VEHICLE OFFENSES

SB 2402 increases penalties for drivers convicted of causing death or serious injury through reckless driving or driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs. The bill raises maximum prison sentences (e.g., from 10 to 20 years for causing death while driving recklessly), fines (e.g., from $10,000 to $20,000 for first-time DUI causing death), and license suspension periods. It also adds requirements for alcohol/drug treatment programs and longer financial responsibility proof before license reinstatement. This bill directly affects drivers convicted under sections 31-27-1, 31-27-1.1, 31-27-2.2, and 31-27-2.6 of the state’s motor vehicle laws. The bill is currently in committee (introduced January 30, 2026) and has not yet passed.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases prison sentences and fines for DUI causing death, strengthening punitive measures rather than advancing reform or rehabilitation.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill increases penalties for reckless driving/DUI causing death/injury, directly enhancing road safety standards under transportation regulations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Driver Licensing Traffic Safety

Track

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 2285: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS

Increases sentences for carrying a stolen firearm when committing a crime of violence and for possessing a stolen firearm. Requires that a person convicted of these offenses serve a period of time in which they would not be eligible for parole/ probation.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases sentences for weapon offenses and mandates no parole/probation eligibility, directly expanding mandatory sentencing and restricting defendant rights per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Probation & Parole

Track

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 9, 2026

SB 2310: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- ACCIDENTS AND ACCIDENT REPORTS -- THE MATTHEW O'GARA ACT OF 2026

Increases the penalties for a first offense of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death to a minimum 10 years in incarceration, a minimum of $10,000 and a minimum license revocation of 10 years.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases mandatory minimum sentence (10 years) for hit-and-run causing death, opposing reform by strengthening punitive sentencing without rehabilitation focus.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationIncreases penalties for hit-and-run causing death, enhancing road safety standards per transportation safety indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

Track

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 18, 2026

SB 2292: 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 JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill criminalizes disarming peace officers, expanding criminalization and opposing reform efforts by strengthening law enforcement authority over civilians.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Law Enforcement

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 2296: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- DISORDERLY CONDUCT

SB 2296 criminalizes intentionally obstructing traffic on federal or state highways by loitering (e.g., standing, sitting, kneeling) in ways that could interfere with vehicle movement. It sets mandatory prison sentences: 1-3 years for a first offense (with 60 days mandatory), 3-5 years for a second, 5-10 years for a third, and 5-30 years if death results. The law explicitly excludes lawful picketing or demonstrations related to labor disputes from this offense. It affects anyone who obstructs highway traffic in the specified manner, with penalties starting at one year in prison.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases mandatory prison sentences for traffic obstruction, expanding criminalization without reform elements or exceptions for non-violent conduct.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Sentencing

Track

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 10, 2026

SB 2302: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- OBSTRUCTING JUSTICE

SB 2302 makes it a minor criminal offense (misdemeanor) to knowingly file a false complaint about misconduct involving law enforcement, public safety personnel, or hospital staff. The bill specifically targets individuals who falsely report misconduct to authorities with the intent of causing harm, such as falsely accusing an officer of wrongdoing. Penalties include up to one year in jail, a $500 fine, and mandatory compensation to the falsely accused person for damages. This bill directly affects anyone who files such false reports, aiming to prevent misuse of complaint systems. The bill was introduced in the Senate Judiciary Committee on January 23, 2026, and is pending further action.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCriminalizes false complaints against law enforcement, potentially deterring legitimate reports and weakening accountability oversight.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Law Enforcement

Track

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 2, 2026

SB 2056: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS

Disqualifies individuals with prior felony convictions or nolo contendere pleas from purchasing or possessing a firearm. It also prevents the sentencing judge from suspending the first two (2) years of any sentence under limited circumstances.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeRestricts firearm access for felons and mandates stricter sentencing by preventing suspension of initial two years, increasing mandatory incarceration.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Judges Sentencing

Track

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 10, 2026

SB 2316: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- ASSAULTS

SB 2316 makes assaulting a sports official (like a referee, umpire, or coach) during their duties a felony, affecting all levels of organized sports including youth leagues, schools, and professional events. The bill imposes penalties of up to three years in prison or a $3,000 fine for basic assault, and 3-20 years in prison or a $10,000 fine if serious bodily injury occurs. Convicted individuals must also pay restitution to victims, complete up to 500 hours of community service, or attend counseling, in addition to any prison time or fines. This law applies to assaults before, during, or after any sporting event where officials are enforcing rules.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization by elevating assaults on sports officials to felony status with harsher penalties, increasing mandatory sentencing90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Victims' Rights Violent Crime

Track

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 2295: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS

SB 2295 prohibits individuals from purchasing or possessing more than one firearm within any 30-day period, directly affecting most firearm buyers. Key exemptions include law enforcement officers, inheritances, temporary rentals at licensed shooting ranges, firearm safety courses, and transfers to licensed curio collectors. Violating this rule results in a misdemeanor penalty for a first offense (up to one year in jail or $500 fine) and a felony charge for subsequent offenses (up to three years in jail or $3,000 fine). The bill takes effect upon passage and does not apply to licensed dealers, governmental entities, or court-ordered transfers. This legislation aims to limit rapid multiple firearm acquisitions through specific purchase restrictions.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands criminalization by creating new firearm purchase restrictions, directly aligning with 'expands criminalization' indicator for 'oppose' stance.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Firearms

Track