Criminal Justice

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 · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 3108: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- EXPUNGEMENT OF CRIMINAL RECORDS

This bill modifies the rules for expunged criminal records in West Virginia, specifically allowing law enforcement agencies to consider those records when deciding whether to issue a license or permit to carry a pistol or revolver. Under current law, individuals with expunged records can generally state they have never been convicted, but this change creates an exception for firearm licensing applications. The amendment adds law enforcement agencies reviewing firearm permit requests to the list of entities that may access expunged records, while maintaining restrictions on disclosure for other purposes. This policy change directly affects individuals seeking to carry firearms who have previously had their criminal records expunged.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill restricts expungement benefits by allowing law enforcement to access records for firearm licensing, limiting defendant rights and reducing rehabilitation protections.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Law Enforcement

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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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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 8296: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- RAILROAD, STEAMBOAT, AND BRIDGE POLICE

Provides any police report involving a railroad fatality and all communications between railroad employees not be made public. Additionally, it makes a violation of this section a misdemeanor.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill restricts transparency by making railroad fatality reports and employee communications non-public, limiting public oversight of criminal justice processes.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 9, 2026

SB 2970: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- MOTOR VEHICLE OFFENSES

Requires that any person convicted of a charge of driving under the influence or refusal to submit to a chemical test, have an ignition interlock system installed in their vehicle as part of any sentence before being eligible for a license reinstatement.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates ignition interlock systems for DUI convictions, enhancing public safety and reducing recidivism through accountability measures.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill mandates ignition interlock systems for DUI offenders, enhancing road safety and reducing drunk driving incidents.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing

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passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 29, 2026

SB 2964: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- EXPUNGEMENT OF CRIMINAL RECORDS

Makes persons convicted of petty misdemeanors and convicted of simple possession of controlled substances, eligible to have their records expunged three years after completion of their sentence.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill expands expungement eligibility for petty misdemeanors and drug possession, promoting criminal justice reform and reducing barriers to reintegration.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 22, 2026

SB 2985: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION ACT

Allows for the electronic filing of domestic violence/sexual assault reporting forms by law enforcement agencies, enhances the information to be included on the reporting forms, and clarifies that the reporting forms should be submitted monthly.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances domestic violence reporting procedures and information collection, improving law enforcement accountability and victim protection within criminal justice system85% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Law Enforcement Violent Crime