Though hundreds of critical bills moving through our legislature are given fiscal scrutiny, no similar review process occurs for bills which increase or put in place criminal sentences even though they can have massive financial implications for our state corrections budget. We strongly supported legislation which would have required fiscal impact analyses for any such bills – which is a requirement already currently in place for legislation which would implement a mandatory minimum sentence – to ensure maximum transparency as to the fiscal impact of arbitrarily making certain offenses more punitive. This legislation died in committee.
Prison Fiscal Impact Statements (H 7343)
Sponsors
Representative Leonela Felix
Related Issues
Related content

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: Ban the Box
September 12, 2023
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: Fair Chance Licensing
September 12, 2023
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: Students & School-Based Truancy Court
September 1, 2023
TESTIMONY Re: R.I. Cannabis Control Commission on Potential...
August 4, 2023
Civil Rights Groups Announce Implementation of Major Revisions to...
July 20, 2023
Sex Work Decriminalization (S 913)
June 5, 2023
Penalties for Unregistered ATVs (S 361)
May 19, 2023
Judge Orders Parole Board to Consider Release of Mario Monteiro...
May 17, 2023