Criminal Justice (Corrections) in Rhode Island

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 Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole

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 Justice ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Corrections Driver Licensing

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 Justice ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Sentencing Driver Licensing Roads & Highways

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 Justice ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Corrections Sentencing Roads & Highways

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 9, 2026

SB 2493: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- MOTOR VEHICLE OFFENSES

Increases the penalties for reckless driving from a misdemeanor first offense to a felony, with a penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine of between one thousand dollars ($1,000) and five thousand dollars ($5,000).

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Corrections

died · Rhode Island · House Feb 11, 2026

HB 7549: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- ASSAULTS

HB 7549 makes assaulting a sports official (such as an umpire, referee, or coach) during their duties a felony, directly affecting anyone who commits such violence at any athletic event - from school games to professional leagues. The bill establishes two penalty tiers: a standard assault carries up to 3 years in prison or a $3,000 fine, while assault causing serious bodily injury (like permanent disfigurement or life-threatening harm) results in 3-20 years in prison or a $10,000 fine. It also mandates that offenders pay restitution to victims or complete up to 500 hours of community service, in addition to any fines or prison time. This law applies to assaults occurring before, during, or after any sporting event.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Victims' Rights Violent Crime

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 10, 2026

SB 2398: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- OBSTRUCTING JUSTICE

SB 2398 upgrades penalties for filing false police reports about serious crimes. It makes it a felony to falsely report a crime that carries a 5- to 20-year prison sentence (with 1-5 years in prison for conviction) or a 20+ year sentence (with 5-20 years in prison). The bill directly affects individuals who knowingly submit false reports about violent or severe offenses, such as aggravated assault or homicide. It replaces the current misdemeanor penalty with stricter felony charges based on the severity of the underlying crime falsely reported.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Policing Violent Crime

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 9, 2026

SB 2402: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- MOTOR VEHICLE OFFENSES

SB 2402 increases penalties for drivers convicted of causing death or serious injury through reckless driving or driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs. The bill raises maximum prison sentences (e.g., from 10 to 20 years for causing death while driving recklessly), fines (e.g., from $10,000 to $20,000 for first-time DUI causing death), and license suspension periods. It also adds requirements for alcohol/drug treatment programs and longer financial responsibility proof before license reinstatement. This bill directly affects drivers convicted under sections 31-27-1, 31-27-1.1, 31-27-2.2, and 31-27-2.6 of the state’s motor vehicle laws. The bill is currently in committee (introduced January 30, 2026) and has not yet passed.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Corrections Driver Licensing Traffic Safety

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 9, 2026

SB 2310: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- ACCIDENTS AND ACCIDENT REPORTS -- THE MATTHEW O'GARA ACT OF 2026

Increases the penalties for a first offense of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death to a minimum 10 years in incarceration, a minimum of $10,000 and a minimum license revocation of 10 years.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Corrections

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 2296: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- DISORDERLY CONDUCT

SB 2296 criminalizes intentionally obstructing traffic on federal or state highways by loitering (e.g., standing, sitting, kneeling) in ways that could interfere with vehicle movement. It sets mandatory prison sentences: 1-3 years for a first offense (with 60 days mandatory), 3-5 years for a second, 5-10 years for a third, and 5-30 years if death results. The law explicitly excludes lawful picketing or demonstrations related to labor disputes from this offense. It affects anyone who obstructs highway traffic in the specified manner, with penalties starting at one year in prison.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Sentencing

All criminal justice bills