Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2144

Introduced
1/16/26  

Caption

Permits the court to determine the number of hours a person would have to complete of a batters intervention program and gives the court discretion as to whether that person would be personally financially responsible for the costs thereof.

Impact

If passed, the proposed amendments would affect various aspects of state laws concerning domestic violence offenders. The changes could lead to more individualized sentencing approaches, allowing judges to assess whether defendants who have undergone prior interventions are exempt from additional hours of mandated programs. By allowing courts to require defendants to pay for these programs, the bill seeks to alleviate the financial burden on the state while also reinforcing offenders' responsibilities. This law could lead to reduced repeat offenses as intervention programs are maintained or improved based on the new standards set forth by the bill.

Summary

Bill S2144 amends the Domestic Violence Prevention Act, specifically outlining new provisions regarding batterer's intervention programs for individuals convicted of domestic violence. The bill allows courts to determine the number of hours required for a person to complete a mandated batterer's intervention program while also granting judges discretion over the financial responsibility for costs associated with these programs. The essence of the legislation is to improve accountability among offenders by tailoring intervention measures to better suit individual circumstances and behavior risks.

Contention

Some points of contention may arise from the new financial responsibility provisions and the discretion afforded to the courts. Critics might argue that imposing costs on offenders could disproportionately impact those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, potentially deterring participation in necessary intervention programs. Additionally, there might be concerns regarding whether the discretion given to judges could lead to inconsistencies in sentencing practices across different jurisdictions. Advocates for victims may be wary of the potential for leniency if the financial aspect becomes a barrier to mandatory program attendance.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0204

Permits the court to determine the number of hours a person would have to complete of a batters intervention program and gives the court discretion as to whether that person would be personally financially responsible for the costs thereof.

RI S0876

Permits those individuals convicted of multiple felonies and misdemeanors to have their records expunged and provide criteria for the court to consider in determining whether the person is of good moral character.

RI H5647

Permits those individuals convicted of multiple felonies and misdemeanors to have their records expunged and provide criteria for the court to consider in determining whether the person is of good moral character.

RI H5888

Provides that a defendant's third and subsequent violation of domestic violence offenses, including both prior felony and misdemeanor convictions, would be punishable as a felony.

RI S1152

Provides that law enforcement officers who appears before the court for prosecution of a violation of a protective order shall self-certify that the officer has successfully completed a specialized domestic violence prosecution training course.

RI H6286

Provides that law enforcement officers who appears before the court for prosecution of a violation of a protective order shall self-certify that the officer has successfully completed a specialized domestic violence prosecution training course.

RI H5648

Requires sentencing court to consider whether defendant is parent of child, or caregiver of elderly, disabled or terminally ill person whose well-being would be adversely affected by the person's incarceration and if so, shall impose a non-jail sentence.

RI S1038

Establishes requirements which would have to be met by an applicant prior to the issuing of permits for an activity that would have an environmental impact on or would increase the cumulative impacts on an environmental justice area.

RI S0733

Requires the court to set reasonable bail for all those individuals who appear before it as probation violators and establish a presumption of personal recognizance unless the new alleged offense is a crime of violence as defined in the act.

RI S0732

Permits retired superior court magistrates to be assigned to perform service pursuant to ยงยง 8-2-11.1, 8-2-39, 8-2-39.1 or 8-2-39.2 and be reemployed by the superior court without any forfeiture or reduction of any retirement benefits.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.