Legislation

Legislation introduced will require that a minor have a parent or guardian present during questioning by law enforcement.

For years, the ACLU has been objecting to the procedures used by the Vehicle Value Commission in deciding the value of cars for tax purposes.

While the ACLU does not take issue with efforts to restrict the types of weapons available for purchase, we do believe that attempts to regulate the possession of firearms can sometimes implicate other constitutional rights.

Individuals owing overdue court fees may soon find their names on a public list shaming scofflaws -- even if the fees are minor, decades old, or even inaccurate -- without prior notification.

The ACLU testified before the House and Senate Judiciary committees in opposition to legislation eliminating the notice requirement before an individual’s name can be included on a list of persons owing overdue court fees.

Under state law, municipalities can charge no more than $500 for violations of municipal ordinances that do not rise to the level of criminal offenses. Under legislation passed by the Senate in June that number could have quadrupled.

In June, the House passed legislation allowing the Department of Corrections to modify the terms of a person’s probation at any time, and for any reason.

A bill permitting Rhode Island to enter into the International Emergency Management Assistance Compact with other states contained a dangerous provision permitting the suspension of any statutes or ordinances that might impede the military’s ability to respond to an emergency.

With table games legalized in Rhode Island, the General Assembly fast-tracked legislation overhauling the casino gaming statute and adding a number of new crimes, penalties, and regulations.