S.2156

Adds a rebuttable defense if any person shall die or sustain a personal injury while committing robbery of the owner, lessor, or occupant of a motor vehicle and that the owner or occupant of the vehicle acted in self-defense.

Introduced·1/16/26
Introduced Text

Rhode Island S2156 adds a rebuttable defense for vehicle owners or occupants who injure or kill a robber in self-defense.

Rhode Island S2156 amends the state's laws to provide a rebuttable defense for vehicle owners, lessees, or occupants who cause injury or death to a person committing robbery against them. This defense applies if the owner or occupant acted in self-defense and reasonably believed the robber intended to cause serious harm or death. The law removes any duty to retreat for vehicle owners or occupants during such criminal offenses. This act would take effect immediately upon passage.

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  • Core Provisions
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  • Impact
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Where it stands

Current
Judiciary Committee
Next
Session adjourned — paused until it reconvenes

Sponsors

D
1
3
RRR
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

Senate Committee on Judiciary: Be held for further study

10 Yea

DDDDDDDDRD

0 Nay

Calendar

May 12

12:00 AM

Senate Judiciary Hearing

History

May 12

Senate

Committee recommended measure be held for further study

May 8

Senate

Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (05/12/2026)

Jan 16

Senate

Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary