Criminal Justice

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 22, 2026

HB 7079: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- EXPUNGEMENT OF CRIMINAL RECORDS

Permits those individuals convicted of multiple felonies and misdemeanors to have their records expunged and provides criteria for the court to consider in determining whether the person is of good character.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnables expungement of records for multiple offenses, aligning with reform goals to reduce recidivism and improve rehabilitation opportunities.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 19, 2026

SB 2955: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- SEXUAL ASSAULT

Requires the electronic filing of domestic violence/sexual assault forms by law enforcement agencies, and enhances the information to be included on the reporting forms.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances reporting requirements for sexual assault cases, improving law enforcement accountability and victim information collection.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 19, 2026

HB 7648: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- SEXUAL ASSAULT

Requires the electronic filing of domestic violence/sexual assault forms by law enforcement agencies, and enhances the information to be included on the reporting forms.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnhances reporting forms for sexual assault cases, improving data accuracy and accountability in criminal justice system.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 18, 2026

SB 2832: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION

Under the emergency fund for victims, increases the share of a victim’s total award that may be used for relocation related expenses but not increase total compensation available to a victim.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill increases victim compensation for relocation expenses, supporting criminal justice reform by enhancing victim support services.75% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 18, 2026

SB 2824: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION

This bill expands eligibility for crime victim compensation by allowing individuals who suffer serious bodily injury from hit-and-run incidents to apply for financial assistance through the state's compensation program. The amendment adds a specific provision to the existing list of qualifying offenses, ensuring that drivers who fail to stop after a collision resulting in serious injury or death are included in the categories eligible for compensation. The change directly affects victims of hit-and-run accidents who previously might not have qualified for aid under the current law, providing them with a potential source of financial support for medical and related expenses. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage without requiring additional legislative steps.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill expands victim compensation eligibility for hit-and-run victims, strengthening criminal justice support systems and victim protection.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 18, 2026

HB 7649: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- UNIFORM ACT ON PREVENTION OF AND REMEDIES FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Requires that all monies received from the payment of fines under the Uniform Act on Prevention of and Remedies for Human Trafficking be deposited into the into the violent crimes indemnity account within the general fund.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeDirects trafficking fines to violent crimes fund, supporting victim services and criminal justice system funding.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

passed · Rhode Island · House May 5, 2026

HB 7145: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS

HB 7145 modifies firearm storage laws by adding "Dillon's Law" to the section title (a procedural change), while establishing new safe storage requirements. It requires firearms to be stored in locked containers or secured with tamper-resistant locks to prevent access by children or prohibited persons (e.g., those banned from owning guns by law). Violations result in escalating penalties: first offenses incur fines up to $250, second offenses up to $1,000, and third offenses may lead to up to six months in jail or a $500 fine. Criminal storage charges apply if a child or prohibited person accesses the firearm and causes injury or uses it in a crime, with enhanced penalties for such outcomes. The law explicitly excludes cases where firearms are locked, being carried lawfully, or accessed during lawful self-defense.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates safe firearm storage to prevent access by children/prohibited persons, reducing gun violence and aligning with criminal justice reform goals of public safety.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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passed · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HB 8064: 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 JusticeEnforces sex offender registration compliance under existing rules, strengthening community notification protocols within criminal justice framework.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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passed · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HB 8086: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- INDICTMENTS, INFORMATIONS AND COMPLAINTS

Provides that the statute of limitations for second-degree sexual assault shall be 10 years from the date of the offense, or, in the case of a victim who is under the age of 18, ten years from the victim’s eighteenth birthday, whichever is later.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExtends statute of limitations for second-degree sexual assault, especially for minors, to allow more time for victims to report and seek justice. Aligns with criminal justice reform by improving victim access to the system.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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passed · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HB 7133: AN ACT RELATING TO DOMESTIC RELATIONS -- DOMESTIC ABUSE PREVENTION

Permits the family court to award possession of household pets to the plaintiff in a domestic abuse complaint, including the enforcement remedy of a restraining order or other injunctive relief.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAllows pet custody in domestic abuse restraining orders, directly supporting victim safety and access to justice within criminal justice reform framework.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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