Issue · Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice (Sentencing)

Every criminal justice bill, vote, and legislator stance in Rhode Island, automatically classified by Maddy, our AI policy reader.

Total bills
15
2026 Regular Session
Top supporter
-
no data yet
Top opponent
-
no data yet
Ranked legislators
0
0 support · 0 oppose
Showing 1–10 of 15 bills

All criminal justice bills

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 22, 2026

HB 8384: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- MOTOR VEHICLE OFFENSES -- CASEY'S LAW

HB 8384 introduces "Casey's Law," which allows judges to impose stricter penalties on drivers convicted of misdemeanors or felonies if they are found to have acted out of "road rage." The bill defines road rage as intentionally aggressive, harassing, or dangerous behavior directed at other drivers or passengers on public roads. If a court determines beyond a reasonable doubt that a crime resulted from such behavior, the driver faces additional consequences, including mandatory fines, potential license suspension, and longer prison terms for felony offenses. All fines collected under this new provision must be placed into a dedicated fund to support public awareness campaigns about safe driving. This law does not create a new crime but rather adds enhanced sentencing options for existing offenses motivated by road rage.
died · Rhode Island · House Apr 30, 2026

HB 8434: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- SENTENCING ENHANCEMENT FOR FIREARM RELATED OFFENSES -- NYNY'S LAW

Provides for sentencing enhancements for any person using prohibited firearms, being a prohibited person or engaging in certain other firearm related offenses resulting in death and constituting first or second degree murder.
Sub-Topics Firearms Sentencing
died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 31, 2026

SB 2942: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- SUPER SPEEDER ACCOUNTABILITY ACT

Establishes the Super Speeder Accountability Act to be used as a sentencing option or enhancement for drivers charged with certain driving violations.
signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 22, 2026

SB 3169: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- MOTOR VEHICLE OFFENSES -- CASEY'S LAW

This bill introduces enhanced penalties for drivers convicted of road rage, which is defined as intentionally aggressive, harassing, or dangerous behavior directed at other drivers or passengers on public roads. The law applies to existing misdemeanor and felony motor vehicle offenses, adding mandatory fines, license suspensions, and potential additional prison time when a conviction is linked to road rage. Prosecutors must formally allege road rage as a factor during the charging process, and courts must hold sentencing hearings where both sides can present evidence about the defendant's intent. All fines collected under this provision go into a dedicated fund used to promote public awareness about road rage and encourage safer driving practices.
died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 10, 2026

SB 2731: AN ACT RELATED TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- SENTENCING RECONSIDERATION ACT

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.
died · Rhode Island · House Apr 2, 2026

HB 7652: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- SENTENCE AND EXECUTION

Requires sentencing court to consider whether defendant is parent of child, or caregiver of elderly, disabled or terminally ill person whose well-being would be adversely affected by the person's incarceration and if so, shall impose a non-jail sentence.
died · Rhode Island · House Apr 28, 2026

HB 8100: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- ACCIDENTS AND ACCIDENT REPORTS

HB 8100 increases penalties for drivers causing serious injury or death in vehicle accidents by creating a single, higher penalty range for all such offenses. It replaces multiple existing penalty tiers with one unified, stricter sentencing structure. This directly affects drivers convicted of causing serious bodily injury or death through negligent or reckless driving. The bill focuses on standardizing and raising consequences for these severe traffic incidents without altering accident reporting requirements.
Sub-Topics Sentencing
died · Rhode Island · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 7550: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- DISORDERLY CONDUCT

HB 7550 criminalizes intentionally obstructing traffic on federal or state highways through loitering (e.g., standing, sitting, or kneeling) in ways that could delay vehicles. It creates a new felony offense with mandatory minimum sentences: 1-3 years for a first offense (with 60 days non-suspendable), 3-5 years for a second, and 5-10 years for a third. If death occurs due to obstruction delaying an emergency vehicle, penalties increase to 5-30 years (with 5 years non-suspendable). This law directly affects individuals who block highways, such as protesters or others loitering in traffic lanes.
Sub-Topics Sentencing
died · Rhode Island · House Mar 12, 2026

HB 8063: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- SEXUAL ASSAULT

Requires that court sentencing a person for first degree sexual assault of first degree child molestation, have the approval of the victim before imposing any negotiated sentence upon the offender.
died · Rhode Island · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 2719: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- HOMICIDE

SB 2719 prohibits life imprisonment without parole for individuals aged 21 or younger convicted of homicide. It directly affects young adults (21 and under) sentenced for homicide crimes, requiring courts to consider alternative sentencing options instead. The bill mandates that any homicide conviction involving a defendant under 21 cannot result in a life sentence without parole. This pending legislation, introduced on February 27, 2026, is currently under review in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Showing 1 to 10 of 15 bills
1 2 Next