Authorizes the automatic expungement of eligible conviction records by operation of law, initiated and completed by state agencies through electronic processes established within the judicial system.
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.
Requires courts to presume release for most probation violations, set reasonable bail or non-monetary conditions, limit detention to cases of risk or danger, require prompt hearings, and mandate written reasons for detention.
Requires the courts to consider the parental status of the defendant at the time of sentencing and allows the defendant to present a family impact statement, including testimony, videos and documents relative to their parental status.
Maddy summarySB 2299 allows individuals with multiple non-violent felony convictions to clear their court records after completing their sentences. It specifically applies to people convicted of more than one felony (excluding violent crimes or certain offenses under Chapter 29), provided they have paid all fees and fines and maintained a clean record for 10 years prior to filing. The bill amends existing expungement rules to extend the eligibility period from 5 to 10 years for multiple felony convictions and requires courts to verify no new offenses occurred during that time. It does not apply to violent felony convictions or certain drug-related offenses under Chapter 29. The bill is currently in the introduction stage, having been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Maddy summarySB 2313 shortens the waiting period for expunging criminal records. It reduces the time to 3 years after completing a sentence for a single misdemeanor, and 5 years for felony convictions or multiple misdemeanors (2-5 offenses). The bill maintains existing requirements, including paying all court fees and fines (unless waived), and excludes convictions for violent crimes or certain offenses under specific statutes. This change directly affects individuals seeking to clear past criminal records under these categories.
Maddy summarySB 2290 requires courts to release most people arrested for misdemeanors without financial conditions (like cash bail), unless the case involves domestic violence or the court finds a risk the person will skip court or threaten witnesses. It mandates the Department of Corrections to gather background information - including employment, community ties, and criminal history - to help courts decide on non-financial release conditions. Courts may then impose conditions like regular check-ins or community supervision to ensure court appearances and public safety. The bill applies only to misdemeanor cases and does not affect felony charges or existing procedures for those exceptions.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors Sandra Lake for her significant contributions to women and communities in Rhode Island. It recognizes her work founding the Extraordinary Woman Award and developing the Woman Development Institute, a nonprofit organization that has provided leadership training and educational support for over 25 years. The resolution acknowledges her efforts to create inclusive, bilingual programs that remove financial barriers for women, youth, and families. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Sandra Lake as formal recognition of her leadership and advocacy.
Adds "media literacy" to the standards currently taught in civic education for K-12, which are the history of Rhode Island, representative government, the rights and duties of actively engaged citizenship and the principles of democracy.
Commencing July 1, 2026, this act eliminates the provision of this section that requires new applicants for employment under this section to pay the expense for their criminal background checks.
