S.2298

Increases the penalty for cruelty to animals, first offense, from eleven months to twelve months incarceration.

Introduced·1/23/26
Introduced Text

Rhode Island S2298 increases the penalty for a first offense of animal cruelty from eleven months to twelve months incarceration.

Rhode Island S2298 amends the General Laws to increase the penalty for a first offense of animal cruelty from eleven months to twelve months incarceration. The bill also mandates that individuals convicted of a second or subsequent offense within ten years serve one hundred hours of community restitution, which cannot be suspended or deferred. The act takes effect immediately upon passage.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
Judiciary Committee
Next
Session adjourned — paused until it reconvenes

Sponsors

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10
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

Senate Committee on Judiciary: Be held for further study

11 Yea

DDRDRDDDDRD

0 Nay

1 Absent

D

Calendar

Apr 14

12:00 AM

Senate Judiciary Hearing

History

Apr 14

Senate

Committee recommended measure be held for further study

Apr 10

Senate

Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/14/2026)

Jan 23

Senate

Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary