S.2162

Requires the courts to consider the parental status of the defendant at the time of sentencing and allows the defendant to present a family impact statement, including testimony, videos and documents relative to their parental status.

Introduced·1/16/26
Introduced Text

Rhode Island S2162 requires courts to consider parental status at sentencing and allows family impact statements.

Rhode Island S2162 mandates that courts consider the parental status of defendants at sentencing and permits them to present a family impact statement. This statement can include testimony, videos, and documents related to their parental status. The court must weigh the risk to the community against the harm of the parent's absence from the child's life before imposing a sentence. If the court finds that the parent poses a significant risk to the community, it may impose a sentence that does not include imprisonment. This act takes effect upon passage.

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Where it stands

Current
Judiciary Committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

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10
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

Senate Committee on Judiciary: Be held for further study

10 Yea

DDDDRDDDDD

0 Nay

1 Absent

R

Calendar

Mar 10

12:00 AM

Senate Judiciary Hearing

History

Mar 10

Senate

Committee recommended measure be held for further study

Mar 6

Senate

Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/10/2026)

Jan 16

Senate

Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary