S.2723

Includes animal cruelty offenses to the domestic violence crimes committed by a family or household members against another.

Introduced·2/27/26
Introduced Text

Rhode Island S2723 expands the definition of domestic violence to include animal cruelty offenses committed by family or household members.

Rhode Island S2723 amends the Domestic Violence Prevention Act to include animal cruelty offenses among the crimes considered domestic violence when committed by family or household members. This bill defines domestic violence to encompass acts such as simple assault, felony assaults, vandalism, and other specified crimes, including unnecessary cruelty to an animal, malicious injury to or killing of an animal, and abandonment of an animal owned or cared for by a household member. The act takes effect upon passage.

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Where it stands

Current
Judiciary Committee
Next
Session adjourned — paused until it reconvenes

Sponsors

DDDDD
5
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)

Feb 27

Senate

Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary