Criminal Justice (Policing) in Rhode Island

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 Justice

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Policing

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 Justice

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Policing

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 Justice

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 2, 2026

SB 3041: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS' DUE PROCESS, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND TRANSPARENCY ACT

This bill amends Rhode Island's Law Enforcement Officers' Due Process, Accountability, and Transparency Act to modify how legal fees are handled during disciplinary hearings. It allows the chairperson of a hearing committee to appoint legal counsel for the committee upon written request from both the law enforcement agency and the accused officer, with each party responsible for paying 50% of the legal fees unless they agree otherwise. The legislation also clarifies definitions for key terms and specifies the composition of hearing committees, which must include a retired judge, a practicing attorney, and three law enforcement officers selected from a certified pool. These changes apply to permanently employed police officers, state police officers, and certain other law enforcement employees, excluding department chiefs and highest-ranking officers.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Judges Law Enforcement Policing

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 5, 2026

SB 2967: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- LIMITATIONS ON IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT COOPERATION

Bars state and local police from joining federal immigration enforcement programs, limits holding people on detainer without judicial warrants, and requires tracking and reporting of requests.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Immigration

Sub-Topics Policing Detention Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 2, 2026

SB 2952: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- POLICE OFFICERS -- COMMISSION ON STANDARDS AND TRAINING -- YOUTH TRAUMA-INFORMED POLICING

Requires police commission on standards/training to provide training/instructions for police detectives/officers/trainees to deal with traumatized youth resulting from incidents requiring a law enforcement response.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice Law Enforcement Policing

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 Justice

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

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 Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Policing

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 Justice ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Corrections Policing Violent Crime Rail

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 8116: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- THE BODY CAMERAS FOR CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES ACT

Requires correctional staff to wear and activate body cameras, set rules for recording and access, create an independent oversight board, mandate training and reporting, and establish a grant funded pilot program.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Policing

All criminal justice bills