Criminal Justice

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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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.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill imposes stricter penalties and mandatory fines for road rage, expanding criminalization and limiting judicial discretion.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances transportation safety by imposing stricter penalties for road rage, protecting drivers and passengers.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Sentencing Driver Licensing Roads & Highways

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.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases mandatory sentences for firearm offenses, expanding criminal penalties and restricting sentencing flexibility.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Sentencing

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passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 4, 2026

SB 3167: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- THEFT, EMBEZZLEMENT, FALSE PRETENSES, AND MISAPPROPRIATION

Provides that when two or more individuals associate to accomplish the crime of shoplifting, that they would be deemed to be associated for the particular purpose of shoplifting and be guilty of a felony.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands criminalization by treating group shoplifting as a felony, increasing penalties and restricting defendant rights.90% confidence

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 3108: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- EXPUNGEMENT OF CRIMINAL RECORDS

This bill modifies the rules for expunged criminal records in West Virginia, specifically allowing law enforcement agencies to consider those records when deciding whether to issue a license or permit to carry a pistol or revolver. Under current law, individuals with expunged records can generally state they have never been convicted, but this change creates an exception for firearm licensing applications. The amendment adds law enforcement agencies reviewing firearm permit requests to the list of entities that may access expunged records, while maintaining restrictions on disclosure for other purposes. This policy change directly affects individuals seeking to carry firearms who have previously had their criminal records expunged.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill restricts expungement benefits by allowing law enforcement to access records for firearm licensing, limiting defendant rights and reducing rehabilitation protections.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Law Enforcement

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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 8296: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- RAILROAD, STEAMBOAT, AND BRIDGE POLICE

Provides any police report involving a railroad fatality and all communications between railroad employees not be made public. Additionally, it makes a violation of this section a misdemeanor.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill restricts transparency by making railroad fatality reports and employee communications non-public, limiting public oversight of criminal justice processes.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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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.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases mandatory penalties and expands criminalization of road rage, adding fines, suspensions, and prison time without clear reform or rehabilitation focus.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances road safety by increasing penalties for road rage, protecting drivers and passengers from aggressive behavior.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Sentencing Roads & Highways

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.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases penalties for traffic offenses, directly aligning with 'oppose' indicator of increasing mandatory sentences.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationIncreases penalties for traffic accidents, strengthening safety standards under vehicle regulations within transportation policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 8081: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- EXPUNGEMENT OF CRIMINAL RECORDS

HB 8081 would require law enforcement agencies to consider expunged criminal records when reviewing applications for pistol or revolver licenses. This directly affects individuals who have had criminal records expunged (legally erased from public records) but are applying for firearm permits. The key provision changes how agencies use expunged records during background checks for firearm licenses, meaning these records would no longer be fully hidden from the licensing process. The bill does not alter expungement eligibility or the expungement process itself, only the use of expunged records in firearm permit decisions.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill requires agencies to consider expunged records for firearm licenses, restricting rights of individuals with expunged records and opposing reform that facilitates reintegration.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Law Enforcement

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