Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7386

Introduced

1/28/26

Refer

1/28/26

Caption

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- JURY NULLIFICATION AS PROPER TRIAL DEFENSE ARGUMENT (Proposes to the voters a constitutional amendment which would allow a criminal defendant to argue jury nullification as a defense.)

Impact

The potential impact of H7386 on state laws is significant, as it would add a new layer to how jury deliberations are conducted in criminal cases. By granting defendants the express right to argue jury nullification, the amendment could empower juries to make decisions based on their ethical considerations rather than strictly adhering to the letter of the law. This change could lead to more acquittals in cases where jurors feel that convicting the defendant would be morally wrong, thereby affecting judicial outcomes and the overall justice system in the state.

Summary

House Bill 7386, known as the Joint Resolution to Approve and Publish and Submit to the Electors a Proposition of Amendment to the Constitution, seeks to amend the state constitution to formally recognize the right of a criminal defendant to argue jury nullification during trials. This proposed amendment would allow defendants to present arguments that not only should the jury consider the law and the facts of the case, but also the morality and fairness of the law under which they are charged. If passed, the change would aim to enhance the rights of defendants in criminal trials, particularly in cases where the laws might be considered unjust or outdated.

Contention

However, the proposal has raised points of contention among lawmakers and legal experts. Supporters argue that jury nullification serves as a vital check on governmental power and can prevent unjust laws from being enforced against citizens. Critics, including some legal scholars and law enforcement representatives, caution that allowing jury nullification could undermine the rule of law, leading juries to base their decisions on personal beliefs rather than legal standards. This debate highlights the tension between individual rights and the need for a cohesive legal framework that guides judicial decisions.

Further_details

If the amendment is approved by voters in the next statewide general election, it would take effect on January 1, 2028. The Secretary of State is tasked with ensuring that the proposition is adequately publicized prior to the election. Proponents view this amendment as a necessary evolution of the justice system, while opponents express concern over the implications it could have on legal consistency and accountability.

Latest RI H7386 Activity

View All Events: RI 2026 Regular Session H7386

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5386

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- JURY NULLIFICATION AS PROPER TRIAL DEFENSE ARGUMENT (This joint resolution would propose to the voters a constitutional amendment which would allow a criminal defendant to argue jury nullification as a defense.)

RI H5515

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF SUFFRAGE (Would propose to the voters of the state a constitutional amendment regarding eligibility to vote and to be a candidate.)

RI S0820

RI H5732

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION – GREEN AMENDMENT (Proposes a constitutional amendment to Article 1 providing for a right to clean air, soil, climate, and the environment’s natural values.)

RI S0327

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- GREEN AMENDMENT (Proposes a constitutional amendment to Article 1 providing for a right to clean air, soil, climate, and the environment’s natural values.)

RI S0208

APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF QUALIFICATION FOR OFFICE

RI S0725

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF THE LEGISLATIVE POWER (Proposes a state constitutional amendment that no department or other entity created by the state would have poser to incur debt in excess of $ 50,000, without express approval from the legislature and voters.)

RI H5734

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- LINE ITEM VETO (This proposed amendment to our state Constitution grants the governor a line-item veto on the budget and other appropriation bills.)

RI S0308

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- REFERENDUM ON LINE ITEM VETO (This proposed amendment to the Constitution would provide the governor with a line item veto on the budget and other bills for the appropriation of money.)

RI H5086

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE, PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- FOUR YEAR TERMS FOR REPRESENTATIVES AND SENATORS (Proposes an amendment to the State Constitution, Article IV, Section 1, that would allow four (4) year terms for general assembly members, commencing with the 2028 election.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.