Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2157

Introduced
1/16/26  

Caption

Makes sexual contact or penetration between any law enforcement officer that is on duty and a person that is a detainee, arrestee, in custody or a suspect a felony.

Impact

The bill seeks to enhance legal protections for vulnerable populations who are often in a position that makes them susceptible to potential abuse by authority figures. By making such conduct a felony, it establishes a significant legal deterrent against such misconduct and positions Rhode Island as taking a firm stand against abuses of power by law enforcement. The maximum punishment for law enforcement sexual penetration is set at five years, while sexual contact carries a maximum of 18 months. Notably, consent from victims is not a defense in these cases, reinforcing the law's commitment to protecting detainees and arrestees from exploitation.

Summary

Bill S2157 introduces stringent measures against law enforcement sexual misconduct by criminalizing sexual contact and penetration between officers on duty and individuals in custody, including detainees and arrestees. The legislation adds a new chapter to Title 11 of the General Laws, defining key terms related to sexual offenses and outlining the specific conditions under which an officer can be prosecuted for these acts. This bill aims to close loopholes that allowed these offenses to be inadequately prosecuted under existing laws.

Contention

As with many criminal justice reform bills, discussions surrounding S2157 may reveal a divide in opinions on the impact of such legislative measures. While supporters argue that the bill is a necessary reform to protect individuals under the supervision of law enforcement, opponents might raise concerns about the implications for police conduct and the potential for alienating officers in their duty. The effectiveness of the bill in preventing misconduct and its impact on law enforcement practices will likely be a focal point in legislative discussions and community feedback.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0299

Prohibits members of law enforcement from engaging in sexual penetration with individuals in their custody. The act also provides that a person convicted of custodial law enforcement sexual penetration would face imprisonment for not more than 3 years.

RI H5923

Prohibits the distribution, transfer, or possession of any material that depicts a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct and is obscene and lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.

RI S0563

Prohibits the distribution, transfer, or possession of any material that depicts a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct and is obscene and lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.

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 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 S0552

Makes it a felony for any person to remove or attempt to remove any firearm or other weapon or any communication device from any peace officer or investigator of the department of attorney general.

RI H5909

Makes all causes of action based on sexual abuse or exploitation of a child not subject to any statute of limitations whether the claim has lapsed or was previously time-barred.

RI S0739

Makes all causes of action based on sexual abuse or exploitation of a child not subject to any statute of limitations whether the claim has lapsed or was previously time-barred.

RI H5046

Criminalizes the unauthorized dissemination of sexually explicit images of another person that are created by digital devices or created without the consent of the person depicted.

RI S0355

Criminalizes the unauthorized dissemination of sexually explicit images of another person that are created by digital devices or created without the consent of the person depicted.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.