Legislation

In a piece of legislation indicative of the way that the General Assembly often attempts to “carve out” new crimes out of offenses that already are enshrined in state statute, this legislation would have made simple assault, already a misdemeanor, a more serious felony if committed on a taxi driver.

As an important piece of criminal justice reform legislation, this bill would have slightly redefined in two ways the definitions of “felony” and “misdemeanor” in Rhode Island law.

We joined a number of organizations in supporting legislation which would have limite the ability for carceral facilities in RI to utilize solitary confinement, noting that best practices point towards eliminating solitary confinement as a way to keep prisons safer, healthier, and reduce recidivism.

By granting legal immunity to individuals engaged in commercial sexual activity who report a crime that they are either a victim of or witness to, this legislation would have created more comprehensive occupational safety for sex workers.

While wealthier individuals who can post bail are permitted to go home while awaiting their hearings, those without immediate cash flow are forced to stay in jail until their case is heard, creating a wealth-based incarceration system.

We strongly opposed this legislation which would have established a one-year statute of limitations for the filing of post-conviction relief petitions.

We supported this legislation which would have decriminalized and allowed for the prescribing of psilocybin.

We supported this bill which would extend the pilot program for Harm Reduction Centers for an additional two years in order to allow time for the centers to open and demonstrate their utility.

We raised concerns about this legislation, which would require that every “youth camp” staff member “obtain a criminal record check” and that each camp maintain “an adequate and competent staff of good character and reputation.”