S.2307

Provides a rebuttable defense if a person dies or sustains a personal injury while committing any violent criminal offense of a person.

Introduced·1/23/26
Introduced Text

Provides a rebuttable defense for those lawfully present if they die or are injured while committing a violent crime in self-defense.

This bill amends the Rhode Island General Laws to provide a rebuttable defense for individuals who die or sustain personal injury while committing a violent crime if they were lawfully present, acted in self-defense, and reasonably believed the person they were defending against was about to cause great bodily harm or death. The bill removes any duty for owners, tenants, or occupiers to retreat from a person committing a violent crime if they are lawfully present. The changes take effect 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

DDD
3
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 23

Senate

Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary