HB 8547 Rhode Island House · 2026 Regular Session

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.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
May 2026
Committee Review
Jun 2026
House Passage
Jun 2026
Senate Passage
Jun 2026
Signed into Law
Jun 2026
Introduced May 13, 2026 Signed Jun 23, 2026
Floor votes · House Jun 8, 2026

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
12
Key actions
4
Committee
2
Jun 23, 2026
Signed into law
06/23/2026 Signed by Governor
executive
Jun 11, 2026
Upper · Passed
06/11/2026 Senate passed Sub A in concurrence
upper
Jun 8, 2026
Lower · Passed
06/08/2026 House passed Sub A
lower
Jun 5, 2026
Legislature · Passed
06/05/2026 Committee recommends passage of Sub A
legislature
May 19, 2026
Committee
05/19/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
legislature
May 13, 2026
Introduced
05/13/2026 Introduced, referred to House Finance
lower
3 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors