Criminal Justice (Domestic Violence)

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 23, 2026

HB 8547: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE--COURTS -- SUPERIOR COURT

This bill creates a dedicated calendar within the Rhode Island Superior Court specifically for handling felony domestic violence cases. The new system prioritizes scheduling these cases to ensure faster processing and consistent judicial oversight, which includes cases involving weapons or violations of protective orders. By assigning specific personnel to this calendar, the legislation aims to improve victim safety and the efficient administration of justice. The changes apply only to felony-level domestic violence matters and take effect immediately upon passing.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates a dedicated calendar for felony domestic violence to improve victim safety and judicial oversight, directly strengthening criminal justice administration.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence

died · Rhode Island · House May 14, 2026

HB 8502: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- VICTIM PROXIMITY PROTECTION ACT

Prohibits those people convicted of sex offenses from living within proximity to their victim's residences, workplaces or schools and automatically be prohibited from having any direct or indirect contact with the victim(s).

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens victim safety and protects civil rights by restricting offender proximity to victims, a core criminal justice goal.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence

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signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 23, 2026

SB 3290: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE--COURTS -- SUPERIOR COURT

This bill creates a dedicated domestic violence calendar within the Rhode Island Superior Court specifically for handling felony domestic violence cases. The new system would prioritize scheduling these cases and assign them to specific personnel to ensure consistent judicial oversight and better enforcement of protective orders. It applies to serious crimes involving domestic violence, violations of no-contact orders, and weapon-related offenses connected to such matters. The legislation aims to improve public safety and court efficiency by centralizing the processing of these specific criminal proceedings.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens criminal justice by creating a specialized calendar for domestic violence cases to improve case handling and protective order enforcement.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence

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

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 19, 2026

SB 3217: AN ACT RELATING TO DOMESTIC RELATIONS -- DOMESTIC ABUSE PREVENTION

Permits the family court to award possession of household pets to the plaintiff in a domestic abuse complaint, including the enforcement remedy of a restraining order or other injunctive relief.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens domestic abuse prevention by empowering courts to award pets to victims, a key component of victim safety and justice.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Drug Policy

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signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 19, 2026

SB 2955: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- SEXUAL ASSAULT

Requires the electronic filing of domestic violence/sexual assault forms by law enforcement agencies, and enhances the information to be included on the reporting forms.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances reporting requirements for sexual assault cases, improving law enforcement accountability and victim information collection.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Law Enforcement Violent Crime

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 22, 2026

SB 2985: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION ACT

Allows for the electronic filing of domestic violence/sexual assault reporting forms by law enforcement agencies, enhances the information to be included on the reporting forms, and clarifies that the reporting forms should be submitted monthly.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances domestic violence reporting procedures and information collection, improving law enforcement accountability and victim protection within criminal justice system85% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Law Enforcement Violent Crime

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 19, 2026

SB 3038: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- EXTREME RISK PROTECTION ORDERS

Requires a court considering evidence for the issuance of a temporary emergency protective order to cause the respondent to be taken into protective custody by law enforcement and sent to an emergency room of any hospital, pursuant to § 40.1-5-7.1.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens protective custody procedures for high-risk individuals, enhancing public safety and law enforcement protocols within the criminal justice system.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates emergency protective custody and hospital ER access for high-risk individuals, ensuring immediate medical evaluation and care.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Law Enforcement Hospitals

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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

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 2723: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION ACT

This bill expands domestic violence protections by including animal cruelty offenses committed by family or household members against others. It directly affects victims of domestic violence who also have pets, as harming pets will now be classified as part of domestic violence under criminal procedure laws. The key mechanism adds "animal cruelty" to the list of offenses covered under domestic violence statutes, requiring courts to consider such acts when evaluating protection orders or criminal charges. This change ensures that abusers targeting pets as a form of control are held accountable under existing domestic violence legal frameworks.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands domestic violence protections to include animal cruelty, strengthening victim safeguards under criminal procedure laws per bill's explicit language.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence

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