Legislation

The ACLU testified that this legislation served only to further stigmatize homeless sex offenders who are already abiding by their responsibility to register, and that forcing shelter workers to continually report on sex offenders' whereabouts is an onerous and inappropriate burden.

In February, the ACLU testified before the House Judiciary committee in support of legislation laying out the acceptable use of body cameras and placing restrictions on the use and release of the collected data.

In February, the ACLU testified before the House Judiciary committee in opposition to legislation addressing the electronic dissemination of sexually explicit material, often referred to as “revenge porn.”

In March, the ACLU testified before the House and Senate Judiciary committees in support of legislation to strengthen the state’s limitation on shackling pregnant incarcerated women.

the ACLU testified in support of legislation to limit the practice of civil asset forfeiture by requiring an individual to be convicted of an offense before their assets can be relinquished, and ensuring that co-owners of assets are not unfairly punished.

Following the passage three years ago of “Ban the Box” legislation that prohibited employers from asking about an applicant’s criminal record at the time of application, the General Assembly has nonetheless considered – and approved – broad background check requirements for a wide range of jobs.

Individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – particularly veterans – have found that marijuana use helps ease symptoms and allow for relief. Yet, in Rhode Island, medical marijuana is not a qualifying reason to obtain and use medical marijuana.

The ACLU testified in May in opposition to legislation overhauling the state’s sex offender registration and community notification laws. The proposed legislation would replace the existing law with federal standards so costly that few other states have chosen to implement them.