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.
This bill creates a dedicated domestic violence calendar within the Rhode Island Superior Court specifically for handling felony domestic violence cases. The new system would prioritize scheduling these cases and assign them to specific personnel to ensure consistent judicial oversight and better enforcement of protective orders. It applies to serious crimes involving domestic violence, violations of no-contact orders, and weapon-related offenses connected to such matters. The legislation aims to improve public safety and court efficiency by centralizing the processing of these specific criminal proceedings.
Authorizes the state retirement board to revoke or reduce an individual’s pension benefit if that individual is convicted or pleads guilty or no contest to a felony sex crime related to their public office or public employment.
This bill expands the state crime victim compensation program to allow victims of stalking to receive financial assistance for relocation costs and home modifications. Under the new provisions, the state administrator may approve these specific expenses only for stalking cases, unless the victim was also harmed by another compensable offense like assault or murder. The legislation clarifies that stalking alone does not qualify victims for other types of compensation, such as medical bills or lost wages, which remain available only for more serious violent crimes. By adding stalking to the list of eligible offenses for these particular costs, the bill aims to provide targeted support for individuals forced to move or alter their living situations due to harassment.
Restores law enforcement discretion, allowing officers to issue a verbal warning when appropriate or pursue misdemeanor or felony charges in more egregious cases where a child is left unattended in a motor vehicle.
This bill amends Rhode Island law to rename drug court programs as recovery court, expanding eligibility to include non-violent offenses beyond just drug-related charges. The legislation creates a new position of drug recovery court magistrate within the superior court, who will preside over adult recovery court programs that combine court authority with therapeutic treatment plans for drug-addicted defendants. Key provisions include establishing a ten-year appointment term for magistrates, defining screening criteria for program admission, and granting magistrates the power to impose incarceration for violations of court conditions. The bill also clarifies that participants must sign contracts outlining program expectations and allows for appeals of magistrate orders to a superior court justice.
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.
Protects people attending Rhode Island court proceedings from civil arrest without a judicial warrant, ensures court access, sets enforcement rules, and provides remedies for violations.
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.
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.
