Criminal Justice

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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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 2984: 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 mandates free communication and in-person visits for inmates, enhancing rehabilitation and family connections, which supports criminal justice reform goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 19, 2026

SB 2982: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- COURTS -- FAMILY COURT

Gives statewide juvenile hearing boards the authority to refer a juvenile offender to a rehabilitative driving course, as part of a disposition of an offense before the board. The order may be enforced by the traffic tribunal.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes rehabilitation for juvenile offenders through driving courses, aligning with criminal justice reform goals and reducing recidivism.75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enables juvenile rehabilitation through driving courses, enhancing driver education and safety programs.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice Driver Licensing

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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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passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 29, 2026

SB 2983: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- EXPUNGEMENT OF CRIMINAL RECORDS

Permits the expungement of records 5 years after the imposition of sentence for misdemeanors and 10 years after the imposition of sentence for felonies, and if the sentence is greater than 10 years, then, upon successful completion of the sentence.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill permits expungement of criminal records after sentence completion, promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism through criminal justice reform.90% confidence

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