Criminal Justice

passed · Rhode Island · House Jun 3, 2026

HR 8612: HOUSE RESOLUTION HONORING REV. DR. BERNARD LAFAYETTE JR. FOR HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This bill is a House Resolution that formally honors the life and work of Rev. Dr. Bernard LaFayette Jr., a prominent civil rights leader and educator. It recognizes his significant contributions to Rhode Island, including his role in founding the University of Rhode Island's Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies and his service on the Governor's Select Commission on Race and Police-Community Relations. The resolution expresses gratitude for his impact on the state and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the document to his family.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill honors a leader who served on a commission focused on police-community relations, indicating support for improving police accountability and civil rights.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Policing

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passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 2, 2026

SR 3341: SENATE RESOLUTION HONORING REV. DR. BERNARD LAFAYETTE JR. FOR HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This Senate resolution honors Rev. Dr. Bernard LaFayette Jr. for his significant contributions to civil rights and nonviolence in Rhode Island and beyond. It recognizes his leadership in national movements, his role as the inaugural director of the University of Rhode Island's Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies, and his service on the Governor's Select Commission on Race and Police-Community Relations. The bill formally expresses gratitude for his life's work and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to his family.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill honors a leader who served on the Governor's Select Commission on Race and Police-Community Relations, indicating support for police accountability and civil rights.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Policing

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signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 23, 2026

SB 3338: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- IMPERSONATION AND IDENTITY FRAUD

Protects individuals and businesses from those who knowingly impersonate an entity with the intent of facilitating fraud. This act would also protect individuals and businesses from digital forgery.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens criminal justice by protecting victims from impersonation and digital fraud, enhancing legal safeguards against identity theft.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill enhances cybersecurity and protects against digital fraud and forgery, strengthening digital safety.90% confidence

died · Rhode Island · House May 19, 2026

HR 8533: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $320,000 FOR BETTER LIVES RHODE ISLAND

This bill proposes allocating $320,000 from the state budget to Better Lives Rhode Island for the 2026 fiscal year. The funds are intended to support a transitional housing program specifically designed for women who are leaving prison. If passed, the money would be used to provide housing assistance as part of the reentry process for this specific group of individuals.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $320,000 to fund a transitional housing program for women leaving prison, directly increasing government spending on public services.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill funds transitional housing for women leaving prison, directly supporting reentry and reducing recidivism.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill allocates $320,000 to fund transitional housing for women leaving prison, directly advancing housing assistance programs.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Corrections Probation & Parole

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signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 23, 2026

HB 8547: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE--COURTS -- SUPERIOR COURT

This bill creates a dedicated calendar within the Rhode Island Superior Court specifically for handling felony domestic violence cases. The new system prioritizes scheduling these cases to ensure faster processing and consistent judicial oversight, which includes cases involving weapons or violations of protective orders. By assigning specific personnel to this calendar, the legislation aims to improve victim safety and the efficient administration of justice. The changes apply only to felony-level domestic violence matters and take effect immediately upon passing.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates a dedicated calendar for felony domestic violence to improve victim safety and judicial oversight, directly strengthening criminal justice administration.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence

died · Rhode Island · House May 14, 2026

HR 8503: HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A HOUSE LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY-BASED SOLUTIONS TO REDUCE THE INCARCERATION OF WOMEN

Creates a special legislative commission to study and provide recommendations relating to supporting community-based solutions to reduce the incarceration of women in Rhode Island.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates a commission to study community-based solutions to reduce incarceration, aligning with criminal justice reform and rehabilitation goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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died · Rhode Island · House May 14, 2026

HB 8502: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- VICTIM PROXIMITY PROTECTION ACT

Prohibits those people convicted of sex offenses from living within proximity to their victim's residences, workplaces or schools and automatically be prohibited from having any direct or indirect contact with the victim(s).

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens victim safety and protects civil rights by restricting offender proximity to victims, a core criminal justice goal.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence

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passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 3278: SENATE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING MAY 10 THROUGH MAY 16, 2026, AS "NATIONAL POLICE WEEK" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND, IN REMEMBRANCE OF ALL POLICE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS WHO HAVE LOST THEIR LIVES IN THE LINE OF DUTY

This Senate resolution officially designates the week of May 10 through May 16, 2026, as "National Police Week" within the State of Rhode Island. The measure aims to honor police and law enforcement officers who have died while performing their duties by aligning with the national observance established by federal proclamation. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to various police organizations and associations, including the Fraternal Order of Police and the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association. This action serves as a formal state recognition of the sacrifices made by law enforcement rather than implementing new laws or policies.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill honors fallen officers, aligning with law enforcement support and recognition.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

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passed · Rhode Island · House Apr 2, 2026

HR 8392: HOUSE RESOLUTION DESIGNATING APRIL OF 2026, TO BE "SECOND CHANCE MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This bill designates April 2026 as 'Second Chance Month' in Rhode Island to raise awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with past arrest or conviction records. The resolution highlights how background checks and legal barriers often limit opportunities for employment, housing, and education for these individuals. It formally recognizes the importance of second chances and directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to specific community organizations focused on formerly incarcerated people.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes criminal justice reform by raising awareness of barriers for individuals with past convictions and advocating for second chances.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill promotes employment opportunities for individuals with criminal records by raising awareness and addressing barriers like background checks.85% confidence

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 30, 2026

HB 8432: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- ASSAULTS

This bill amends state assault laws to classify attacking a railroad worker as a felony if the assault causes physical injury. The change specifically targets individuals who knowingly and willfully strike or spray a railroad worker with a noxious chemical while the worker is performing their duties. Under this proposal, anyone convicted of this offense could face up to three years in prison, a fine of $1,500, or both. The legislation applies to railroad employees who are on the job and does not alter penalties for other types of assaults or attacks on other protected groups.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens criminal justice by classifying assaults on railroad workers as felonies, enhancing penalties to protect workers and deter violence.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill strengthens workplace safety by criminalizing assaults on railroad workers, protecting their right to perform duties without fear of violence.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill strengthens safety for railroad workers, a key transportation sector, by criminalizing assaults on them.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Violent Crime Collective Bargaining Rail

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