Criminal Justice

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 JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill honors a leader who served on a commission focused on police-community relations, indicating support for improving police accountability and civil rights.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Policing

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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 JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill honors a leader who served on the Governor's Select Commission on Race and Police-Community Relations, indicating support for police accountability and civil rights.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Policing

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signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 23, 2026

SB 3338: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- IMPERSONATION AND IDENTITY FRAUD

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.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens criminal justice by protecting victims from impersonation and digital fraud, enhancing legal safeguards against identity theft.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill enhances cybersecurity and protects against digital fraud and forgery, strengthening digital safety.90% confidence

died · Rhode Island · House May 19, 2026

HR 8533: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $320,000 FOR BETTER LIVES RHODE ISLAND

This bill proposes allocating $320,000 from the state budget to Better Lives Rhode Island for the 2026 fiscal year. The funds are intended to support a transitional housing program specifically designed for women who are leaving prison. If passed, the money would be used to provide housing assistance as part of the reentry process for this specific group of individuals.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $320,000 to fund a transitional housing program for women leaving prison, directly increasing government spending on public services.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill funds transitional housing for women leaving prison, directly supporting reentry and reducing recidivism.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill allocates $320,000 to fund transitional housing for women leaving prison, directly advancing housing assistance programs.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Corrections Probation & Parole

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signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 23, 2026

HB 8547: 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.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates a dedicated calendar for felony domestic violence to improve victim safety and judicial oversight, directly strengthening criminal justice administration.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence

died · Rhode Island · House May 14, 2026

HR 8503: HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A HOUSE LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY-BASED SOLUTIONS TO REDUCE THE INCARCERATION OF WOMEN

Creates a special legislative commission to study and provide recommendations relating to supporting community-based solutions to reduce the incarceration of women in Rhode Island.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates a commission to study community-based solutions to reduce incarceration, aligning with criminal justice reform and rehabilitation goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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died · Rhode Island · House May 14, 2026

HB 8502: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- VICTIM PROXIMITY PROTECTION ACT

Prohibits those people convicted of sex offenses from living within proximity to their victim's residences, workplaces or schools and automatically be prohibited from having any direct or indirect contact with the victim(s).

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens victim safety and protects civil rights by restricting offender proximity to victims, a core criminal justice goal.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 28, 2026

HB 8452: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT

This bill modifies how inmates and probationers can earn time off their sentences for good behavior. It specifically removes the ability to earn good time credits from individuals on probation for driving under the influence that resulted in death, as well as those convicted of certain serious felonies like murder and sexual offenses. For other prisoners and probationers, the legislation outlines existing rules allowing them to receive sentence reductions for following institutional rules, participating in work programs, and completing rehabilitation courses. The changes apply to all current and future cases but only award credits prospectively from the date the law is enacted.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill restricts sentence reductions for specific inmates, limiting rehabilitation incentives and potentially increasing incarceration duration.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole

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died · Rhode Island · House May 5, 2026

HB 8482: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- MOTOR VEHICLE OFFENSES

This bill proposes to increase the penalties for several serious motor vehicle offenses, including driving while endangering others and driving under the influence. Specifically, it would raise the maximum prison sentences and fines for cases resulting in death or serious bodily injury, while also extending license suspension periods. The changes apply to drivers convicted of these crimes and would require them to complete alcohol or drug treatment programs at their own expense. The bill aims to strengthen consequences for dangerous driving behaviors that cause severe harm to others.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases penalties and mandatory treatment, expanding criminalization and restricting defendant rights.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances transportation safety by increasing penalties for dangerous driving offenses, thereby protecting public welfare on roads.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Driver Licensing

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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 JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill honors fallen officers, aligning with law enforcement support and recognition.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

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