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.
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.
Requires courts to presume release for most probation violations, set reasonable bail or non-monetary conditions, limit detention to cases of risk or danger, require prompt hearings, and mandate written reasons for detention.
Requires that Medicaid enrollment be maintained or provided to all inmates in the first 30 days of incarceration at the adult correctional institutions within the department of corrections and the last 30 days of incarceration when possible.
Adds probation officer and parole officer to the list of public safety employees that are entitled to their full salary if they are injured and become disabled as a result of performance of their job duties.
Requires one elector of the parole board to be a person directly impacted by the criminal justice system who has completed the probation/parole process three (3) or more years prior to selection with a professional background in certain enumerated areas.
SB 2288 allows probationers serving one year or more to earn time off their probation for compliance with court conditions, but excludes those serving probation for specific offenses including murder, sexual assault, and driving under the influence causing death. Probationers without violations can earn up to 10 days per month off their sentence, with credits calculated after completing any incarceration. Violations of probation conditions stop credit accumulation and may result in the loss of previously earned credits. The bill takes effect upon passage.
Requires courts to presume release for most probation violations, set reasonable bail or non-monetary conditions, limit detention to cases of risk or danger, require prompt hearings, and mandate written reasons for detention.
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.
Provides that prisoners who committed offenses prior to age 18 and were sentenced as adults be eligible for parole after completing 15 yrs of their sentence. Would not lengthen parole eligibility should prisoner be eligible for parole earlier than 15 yrs.
