Criminal Justice (Courts)

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 2307: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- BURGLARY AND BREAKING AND ENTERING

SB 2307 creates a legal presumption that property owners, tenants, or occupants acted in justified self-defense if a person dies or is injured while committing a violent crime (like burglary or assault) on their property. It applies when the property owner reasonably believed the intruder posed an imminent threat of serious harm or death to themselves or others lawfully present. The law presumes self-defense without requiring the owner to retreat, and this presumption can be challenged ("rebutted") in court. It directly affects property owners facing criminal or civil cases involving violent offenders injured or killed during crimes committed on their premises. The bill would take effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates legal presumption for self-defense in property crimes, protecting defendant rights under criminal justice framework.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Violent Crime

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in committee · Rhode Island · House Jan 28, 2026

HR 7386: JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- JURY NULLIFICATION AS PROPER TRIAL DEFENSE ARGUMENT

HR 7386 proposes a constitutional amendment that would permit criminal defendants to formally argue jury nullification as a defense in court. This means defendants could explicitly state that they believe a law is unjust and request a jury to acquit them despite violating the law. The amendment would directly affect criminal defendants in trials where they seek to use this defense strategy. If approved by voters, it would change courtroom procedures to allow nullification arguments as a standard defense tactic, rather than a jury's informal choice.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill allows defendants to formally argue jury nullification as a defense, protecting civil rights and promoting criminal justice reform by enabling juries to reject unjust laws.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 19, 2026

SB 2158: AN ACT RELATING TO DELINQUENT AND DEPENDENT CHILDREN -- PROCEEDINGS IN FAMILY COURT

Prohibits any questioning of a juvenile who is suspected of delinquent or criminal behavior, unless the parent of guardian of the juvenile is present, or unless an attorney is present or the juvenile and their parents have waived their presence.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProtects juvenile rights during questioning, aligning with civil rights safeguards in criminal justice reform within family court proceedings.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice

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signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 22, 2026

HB 7360: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- PROTECT OUR COURTS ACT

Protects people attending Rhode Island court proceedings from civil arrest without a judicial warrant, ensures court access, sets enforcement rules, and provides remedies for violations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProtects court access and civil rights for attendees, aligning with criminal justice reform goals by preventing unwarranted arrests during proceedings.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 19, 2026

SB 2137: AN ACT RELATING TO DELINQUENT AND DEPENDENT CHILDREN -- PROCEEDINGS IN FAMILY COURT

Prohibits handcuffing children twelve (12) or under at initial police contact unless needed for public safety or if the child is using or threatening physical force against an officer.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits handcuffing children under 12 at initial contact, protecting minors' rights and enhancing police accountability - directly aligns with criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice Policing

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 2, 2026

HB 7205: AN ACT RELATED TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- SENTENCING RECONSIDERATION ACT

Allows eligible individuals serving sentences of imprisonment to seek sentence reductions from the superior court, individuals serving life without parole or minimum mandatory sentences pursuant to law, would not be eligible for such relief.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAllows eligible inmates to seek sentence reductions via court reconsideration, promoting reform by reducing unnecessary prison terms while excluding life without parole cases.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Probation & Parole Sentencing

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passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 27, 2026

SB 2125: AN ACT RELATING TO DELINQUENT AND DEPENDENT CHILDREN -- PROCEEDINGS IN FAMILY COURT

Removes the mandatory certification for an individual 16 years or older who was found delinquent for having committed 2 offenses after the age of 16 which would render the person subject to an indictment if the person was an adult.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves mandatory adult indictment for juvenile offenders (16+ with 2 offenses), promoting rehabilitation-focused family court proceedings over punitive adult system.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 16, 2026

HB 7037: AN ACT RELATING TO DELINQUENT AND DEPENDENT CHILDREN -- PROCEEDINGS IN FAMILY COURT

Prohibits handcuffing children twelve (12) or under at initial police contact unless needed for public safety or if the child is using or threatening physical force against an officer.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestricts police handcuffing of children under 12, protecting civil rights and advancing juvenile justice reform within law enforcement practices.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice Policing

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signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 22, 2026

HB 7079: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- EXPUNGEMENT OF CRIMINAL RECORDS

Permits those individuals convicted of multiple felonies and misdemeanors to have their records expunged and provides criteria for the court to consider in determining whether the person is of good character.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnables expungement of records for multiple offenses, aligning with reform goals to reduce recidivism and improve rehabilitation opportunities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 2, 2026

HB 7280: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- BAIL AND RECOGNIZANCE

Creates a 10 member bail task force to study the need of monetary conditions of bail and to consider other methods for ensuring an accused’s appearance in court, enhance public safety and honor the presumption of innocence and to file report by 1/1/2028.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates bail task force to study alternatives to monetary bail, aiming to honor presumption of innocence and enhance public safety, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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