Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7648

Introduced
2/11/26  
Refer
2/11/26  
Report Pass
4/2/26  
Engrossed
4/7/26  

Caption

Requires the electronic filing of domestic violence/sexual assault forms by law enforcement agencies, and enhances the information to be included on the reporting forms.

Impact

The bill directly amends existing laws related to sexual assault in Rhode Island, particularly focusing on the reporting process for incidents. The new requirements stipulate that the domestic violence training and monitoring unit of the court system will design a uniform reporting form that must include various details about incidents, such as the relationship of involved parties and specifics about the alleged assault. Law enforcement agencies are mandated to electronically file these reports monthly, thereby improving the accessibility and organization of crucial data that could impact investigations and prosecutions.

Summary

House Bill H7648 seeks to improve the handling of domestic violence and sexual assault cases by law enforcement agencies in Rhode Island. Specifically, it requires that officers complete a detailed sexual assault report whenever they respond to or investigate such incidents. This report must be filled out upon determining probable cause for an arrest or a referral to the Attorney General's office. The goal of this bill is to enhance data collection and improve the response to these serious criminal offenses.

Contention

Discussions surrounding H7648 highlight concerns regarding the potential for increased administrative burden on law enforcement agencies. Supporters argue that enhanced reporting processes will lead to better tracking of sexual assault cases, which could ultimately facilitate justice for victims and inform public policy decisions. However, some critics express concerns that the additional reporting requirements may divert resources and attention away from frontline duties, creating challenges in the already strained law enforcement environment.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0526

Requires the electronic filing of domestic violence/sexual assault forms by law enforcement agencies, and enhances the information to be included on the reporting forms.

RI H5893

Requires the electronic filing of domestic violence/sexual assault forms by law enforcement agencies, and enhances the information to be included on the reporting forms.

RI S0525

Requires submission of a domestic violence/sexual assault reporting form when the domestic violence response or investigation involves a verbal argument or dispute.

RI H5895

Requires submission of a domestic violence/sexual assault reporting form when the domestic violence response or investigation involves a verbal argument or dispute.

RI S0738

Grants tenants that are the victim of various forms of abuse, including, but not limited to, sexual and domestic abuse and stalking, the right to terminate a lease agreement early without penalty or liability for rent.

RI H6160

Grants tenants that are the victim of various forms of abuse, including, but not limited to, sexual and domestic abuse and stalking, the right to terminate a lease agreement early without penalty or liability for rent.

RI H5669

Includes animal cruelty offenses to the domestic violence crimes committed by a family or household members against another.

RI S0562

Increases minimum sentence for first degree sexual assault and provides first 10 years of a sentence for first degree sexual assault not be subject to a suspension or deferment of sentence.

RI H5924

Increases minimum sentence for first degree sexual assault and provides first 10 years of a sentence for first degree sexual assault not be subject to a suspension or deferment of sentence.

RI S0061

Requires law enforcement agencies to obtain search warrants for electronic information, data, location information and other identifying information of subscribers and customers, except in specified circumstances.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.