Criminal Justice (Victims' Rights)

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 23, 2026

SB 3263: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION

This bill expands the state crime victim compensation program to allow victims of stalking to receive financial assistance for relocation costs and home modifications. Under the new provisions, the state administrator may approve these specific expenses only for stalking cases, unless the victim was also harmed by another compensable offense like assault or murder. The legislation clarifies that stalking alone does not qualify victims for other types of compensation, such as medical bills or lost wages, which remain available only for more serious violent crimes. By adding stalking to the list of eligible offenses for these particular costs, the bill aims to provide targeted support for individuals forced to move or alter their living situations due to harassment.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill expands victim compensation for stalking, strengthening support services within the criminal justice system.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Victims' Rights Violent Crime

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 18, 2026

SB 2832: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION

Under the emergency fund for victims, increases the share of a victim’s total award that may be used for relocation related expenses but not increase total compensation available to a victim.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill increases victim compensation for relocation expenses, supporting criminal justice reform by enhancing victim support services.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 18, 2026

SB 2824: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION

This bill expands eligibility for crime victim compensation by allowing individuals who suffer serious bodily injury from hit-and-run incidents to apply for financial assistance through the state's compensation program. The amendment adds a specific provision to the existing list of qualifying offenses, ensuring that drivers who fail to stop after a collision resulting in serious injury or death are included in the categories eligible for compensation. The change directly affects victims of hit-and-run accidents who previously might not have qualified for aid under the current law, providing them with a potential source of financial support for medical and related expenses. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage without requiring additional legislative steps.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill expands victim compensation eligibility for hit-and-run victims, strengthening criminal justice support systems and victim protection.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 4, 2026

SB 2988: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION

Funds the state crime victim compensation program through an additional one dollar ($1.00) fine on traffic violations, exclusive of violations related to the parking of vehicles.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill increases funding for crime victim compensation program through additional traffic violation fines, directly supporting budget allocation for public services.90% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill funds crime victim compensation program through traffic violation fines, directly supporting criminal justice by aiding victims.80% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill funds crime victim compensation through traffic violation fines, indirectly supporting transportation safety enforcement75% confidence

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights

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signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 23, 2026

HB 7547: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION

HB 7547 expands the state's crime victim compensation program to allow victims of stalking to recover costs for relocation or home modifications (like security upgrades) as emergency expenses. It directly affects stalking victims who need immediate safety measures after an incident. The bill amends existing law to explicitly include these expenses under Section 12-25-21(7), while removing larceny and certain other offenses from compensable categories. This change takes effect upon passage, making these specific costs eligible for reimbursement through the existing program.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands victim compensation for stalking victims' safety expenses, aligning with criminal justice reform to protect victims' rights and enhance support services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Victims' Rights

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 18, 2026

HB 7585: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION

HB 7585 expands eligibility for the state's crime victim compensation program to include hit-and-run victims who suffer serious bodily injury. The bill amends the existing law to explicitly add "failure to stop by a driver in circumstances which result in serious bodily injury or death" as a qualifying offense under the program. This change directly affects victims of hit-and-run collisions where the driver flees the scene and causes serious injury, allowing them to seek financial compensation through the current program. The policy change modifies the list of qualifying offenses without creating new funding or altering program administration.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands victim compensation eligibility for hit-and-run victims, directly supporting crime victim rights within criminal justice system95% confidence

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 29, 2026

HB 7584: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION

Funds the state crime victim compensation program through an additional one dollar ($1.00) fine on traffic violations, exclusive of violations related to the parking of vehicles.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesFunds state crime victim compensation program through new $1 traffic violation fine, creating dedicated revenue stream for essential public service.90% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFunds victim compensation program via traffic fines, directly supporting crime victims within criminal justice system95% confidence

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights

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signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 18, 2026

HB 8155: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION

Under the emergency fund for victims, increases the share of a victim’s total award that may be used for relocation related expenses but not increase total compensation available to a victim.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands victim relocation expenses within compensation program, directly supporting victim services in criminal justice without altering total funding.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights

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.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires victim approval for negotiated sentences in sexual assault cases, protecting victim rights and aligning with criminal justice reform principles.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Sentencing Victims' Rights

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passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 29, 2026

SB 2602: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- PRELIMINARY PROCEEDINGS IN DISTRICT COURTS

SB 2602 amends Section 12-10-12 to expand eligibility for placing misdemeanor criminal complaints "on file" in district courts. It allows defendants previously convicted of a felony or facing a private complaint to qualify for this process, which avoids formal prosecution. Key provisions require defendants to maintain good behavior, pay court fees, and meet restitution conditions; violations may lead to case revival or sanctions. For domestic violence cases, complaints automatically expire after three years without new charges, leading to expungement without a court motion. This directly affects misdemeanor defendants with prior felony records, offering a path to avoid criminal convictions under specific conditions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands diversion for misdemeanor cases by allowing prior felony convicts to avoid prosecution with good behavior, restitution, and fee payment - aligns with reform goals to reduce recidivism.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Victims' Rights

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