Criminal Justice

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 2, 2026

SB 3045: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- SEARCH WARRANTS

Dictates the length a search warrant involving a tracking device would be valid and provide a process to extend the time frame of the tracking device for good cause.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill regulates search warrant procedures for tracking devices, enhancing legal oversight and protecting civil rights within criminal justice framework.75% confidence

Track

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 28, 2026

SB 2947: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- COURTS -- JUDICIAL SELECTION

Requires the JNC to establish standardized merit-based selection process and that applications be evaluated according to uniform, job-related criteria adopted in advance and published on the commission's website.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes merit-based judicial selection with uniform criteria, enhancing accountability and integrity in the court system.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Judges

Track

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 30, 2026

SB 3134: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- SEXUAL OFFENDER REGISTRATION AND COMMUNITY NOTIFICATION

Provides that violations of § 11-37.1-10 relating to failing to register as a sex offender are subject to the duration and frequency of registrations pursuant to § 11-37.1-4.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens sex offender registration enforcement, enhancing public safety and community protection within criminal justice framework.75% confidence

Track

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 2991: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- THE BODY CAMERAS FOR CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES ACT -- THE WILLIE WASHINGTON, JR. ACT

This bill requires all Department of Corrections staff in direct supervision roles to wear body cameras while on duty within correctional facilities. The law mandates that cameras be activated during specific interactions such as use of force incidents, transporting individuals, medical emergencies, and disciplinary proceedings, with recordings retained for at least 60 days unless needed for investigations. An independent oversight board will be established to review critical incidents and complaints, while incarcerated individuals will be informed of recording practices and given the right to request footage review. The Department of Corrections must provide staff training on camera use and privacy, submit biannual reports to the General Assembly, and face disciplinary action for non-compliance.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates body cameras for corrections staff to enhance accountability and transparency, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Policing

Track

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 23, 2026

HB 8247: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- COURTS -- SUPERIOR COURT

This bill amends Rhode Island law to rename drug court as recovery court and establish a new position for a drug recovery court magistrate within the superior court. The magistrate would be appointed by the presiding justice with senate approval, serve ten-year terms, and preside over adult offenders charged with non-violent drug-related offenses who are deemed drug-addicted. Key provisions include the magistrate's authority to enforce program conditions, impose incarceration for violations, and make final decisions on program admission and participant eligibility based on specific criteria. The bill also grants the magistrate powers to handle matters related to sexual offender registration and allows for appeals of magistrate orders to a superior court justice.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes rehabilitation by renaming drug court to recovery court and establishing specialized magistrates for non-violent drug offenders, indicating support for criminal justice reform and rehabilitation programs.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes drug recovery court magistrate to support addiction treatment programs, expanding access to specialized healthcare services for non-violent drug offenders.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Drug Policy Judges Substance Abuse

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 2, 2026

SB 3164: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- ASSAULTS

This bill proposes to classify assault on a railroad worker that causes personal injury as a felony offense. The legislation amends existing assault laws to include railroad workers alongside other protected officials, such as police officers and firefighters, when they are performing their duties. If someone strikes or sprays a railroad worker with a noxious chemical and causes bodily harm, they could face up to three years in prison, a fine of $1,500, or both. The law applies only when the railroad worker is on duty and proper identification is shown. This change would take effect immediately upon the bill's passage.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens criminal justice by classifying assault on railroad workers as a felony, enhancing protection for public safety workers and increasing penalties for harmful acts.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill strengthens workplace safety by classifying assault on railroad workers as a felony, protecting workers' rights during duty performance.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances safety for railroad workers by criminalizing assaults, protecting transportation infrastructure personnel and promoting safer rail operations.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Policing Violent Crime Rail

Track

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 2, 2026

SB 3168: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- SEARCH WARRANTS

This bill allows judges to issue search warrants electronically for specific driving under the influence offenses, including those resulting in death or serious bodily injury. It permits law enforcement officers to submit complaints and affidavits via electronic means, with judicial officers required to sign and transmit the warrant documents electronically. The law maintains that electronic warrants can only be issued for the listed DUI-related crimes and must still follow standard procedures for oath administration and documentation. Additionally, the bill requires that all warrants, whether executed or not, be returned to the district court within 14 days of issuance.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill modernizes search warrant procedures for DUI cases, improving efficiency while maintaining standard procedures, which strengthens criminal justice operations.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement

Track

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 19, 2026

SB 3038: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- EXTREME RISK PROTECTION ORDERS

Requires a court considering evidence for the issuance of a temporary emergency protective order to cause the respondent to be taken into protective custody by law enforcement and sent to an emergency room of any hospital, pursuant to § 40.1-5-7.1.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens protective custody procedures for high-risk individuals, enhancing public safety and law enforcement protocols within the criminal justice system.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates emergency protective custody and hospital ER access for high-risk individuals, ensuring immediate medical evaluation and care.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Law Enforcement Hospitals

Track

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 23, 2026

SB 3135: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- MISCELLANEOUS RULES

Restores law enforcement discretion, allowing officers to issue a verbal warning when appropriate or pursue misdemeanor or felony charges in more egregious cases where a child is left unattended in a motor vehicle.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill restores law enforcement discretion in child safety cases, allowing appropriate responses rather than mandatory prosecution, which supports balanced criminal justice practices.75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances child safety in vehicles by restoring law enforcement discretion, strengthening transportation safety standards and protecting vulnerable passengers.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 22, 2026

SB 3169: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- MOTOR VEHICLE OFFENSES -- CASEY'S LAW

This bill introduces enhanced penalties for drivers convicted of road rage, which is defined as intentionally aggressive, harassing, or dangerous behavior directed at other drivers or passengers on public roads. The law applies to existing misdemeanor and felony motor vehicle offenses, adding mandatory fines, license suspensions, and potential additional prison time when a conviction is linked to road rage. Prosecutors must formally allege road rage as a factor during the charging process, and courts must hold sentencing hearings where both sides can present evidence about the defendant's intent. All fines collected under this provision go into a dedicated fund used to promote public awareness about road rage and encourage safer driving practices.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases mandatory penalties and expands criminalization of road rage, adding fines, suspensions, and prison time without clear reform or rehabilitation focus.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances road safety by increasing penalties for road rage, protecting drivers and passengers from aggressive behavior.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Sentencing Roads & Highways