Legislation

This legislation would have prohibited state-purchased or funded Internet service providers (ISPs) from halting, slowing, or otherwise tampering with the transfer of data, thus ensuring fair and equal access to all Internet content.

This spring, the ACLU testified in support of important legislation which would recognize the importance of encouraging student journalism and guaranteeing to students certain basic rights to freedom of the press.

During March, the ACLU testified on a bill which amends current state law designed to protect the religious freedom of Rhode Islanders by restricting autopsies when it would contravene the decedent’s religious beliefs.

The ACLU testified on two bills which were clearly aimed at panhandling, although they would also have a much broader impact on the exercise of First Amendment rights generally.

This misnomered legislation from the Attorney General would make it a crime to electronically transmit nude or sexually explicit images without the person’s consent, regardless of the sender’s intent.

The ACLU testified that under this legislation, one single act online that is then used by others to justify harassment would be criminal, holding individuals accountable for the actions of others even if they meant no harm with their original post.

In June, the House and Senate approved legislation barring the state from entering into a contract with any business engaged in a boycott against various "foreign states."

In February, the ACLU testified before the House and Senate Judiciary committees in opposition to legislation creating a new crime of obstructing traffic or obstructing a freeway.