Criminal Justice

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 30, 2026

SB 3105: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- INDICTMENTS, INFORMATIONS AND COMPLAINTS

Provides that the statute of limitations for second-degree sexual assault shall be 10 years from the date of the offense, or, in the case of a victim who is under the age of 18, ten years from the victim’s eighteenth birthday, whichever is later.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill extends statute of limitations for sexual assault cases, strengthening victim protections and enabling prosecution of past crimes, which supports criminal justice reform.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Violent Crime

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 2990: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- ARREST

This bill expands the legal definition of peace officers in Rhode Island to include certain staff members at the state's training school for youth offenders. Specifically, it designates program workers and shift coordinators employed by the Department of Children, Youth and Families as peace officers while they are performing their duties at the training school. Under this change, these individuals would gain the same arrest powers and authority as other designated peace officers during their work hours, but only when actively engaged in their official duties at the facility. The legislation does not alter the roles or responsibilities of these workers beyond granting them temporary peace officer status during their shift.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill expands peace officer authority to include training school staff, enhancing law enforcement capabilities within juvenile justice system and potentially improving safety and accountability.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 3110: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS

This bill prohibits individuals under 18 from possessing firearms in Rhode Island, with specific exceptions for supervised activities. The law allows minors to carry firearms only when accompanied by a parent, guardian, or supervising adult to approved camps, rifle ranges, or during lawful hunting, ROTC programs, ceremonial parades, competitive shooting, state militia activities, and basic firearms education programs. A "qualified adult" is defined as someone 21 or older who is legally permitted to possess and use the firearm. The legislation creates a general ban on minor firearm possession while outlining narrow, supervised circumstances where possession remains legal.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill restricts minor firearm access to enhance public safety and reduce potential criminal incidents, aligning with criminal justice protection goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 2, 2026

SB 2957: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- THREATS AND EXTORTION

Adds school superintendents, central office officials, school principals, and all other school employees, to the definition of a “public official” for purposes of the criminal prohibition against making threats to public officials.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill expands protection against threats to public officials by including school staff, strengthening criminal justice safeguards for educators.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill protects school employees from threats, enhancing safety for educators and students in K-12 schools.85% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 19, 2026

SB 2941: AN ACT RELATING TO DELINQUENT AND DEPENDENT CHILDREN -- RESTRAINT OF JUVENILES

Limits use of restraints on juveniles in transport and court proceedings to safety or escape risks, requires least restrictive methods, and mandates reporting on when and why restraints were used.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill limits juvenile restraints and requires reporting, promoting civil rights and reducing excessive force in juvenile justice.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 28, 2026

SB 3109: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- COUNTY GRAND JURIES

This bill allows county and statewide grand juries in Rhode Island to issue public reports on matters involving code of ethics violations or other public concerns, provided at least twelve jurors agree to the report. The legislation establishes a review process where the superior court examines each report to ensure it is based on evidence, gives named individuals a chance to respond, and removes confidential or prejudicial information before making it public. Named individuals in the reports can appeal the decision to release them to the state supreme court, and the court may seal reports if they could interfere with ongoing criminal cases. The changes apply to both county and statewide grand juries, which will now have the authority to investigate and publish findings beyond traditional indictments.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances transparency and accountability in grand jury proceedings by allowing public reports on ethics violations, strengthening oversight mechanisms in criminal justice.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 2, 2026

HB 8275: 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.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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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

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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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passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 4, 2026

SB 2988: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION

Funds the state crime victim compensation program through an additional one dollar ($1.00) fine on traffic violations, exclusive of violations related to the parking of vehicles.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill increases funding for crime victim compensation program through additional traffic violation fines, directly supporting budget allocation for public services.90% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill funds crime victim compensation program through traffic violation fines, directly supporting criminal justice by aiding victims.80% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill funds crime victim compensation through traffic violation fines, indirectly supporting transportation safety enforcement75% confidence

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights

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