S.3217

Permits the family court to award possession of household pets to the plaintiff in a domestic abuse complaint, including the enforcement remedy of a restraining order or other injunctive relief.

Introduced·4/14/26
Introduced Text

Rhode Island S3217 allows family courts to award possession of household pets to the plaintiff in domestic abuse complaints.

Rhode Island S3217 amends the state's domestic abuse prevention laws to allow family courts to award possession of household pets to the plaintiff in domestic abuse complaints. This includes the enforcement remedy of a restraining order or other injunctive relief. The bill also outlines procedures for the surrender, storage, and potential return of firearms to individuals restrained under protective orders. The act takes effect upon passage.

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  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
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Where it stands

Current
Judiciary Committee
Next
Session adjourned — paused until it reconvenes

Sponsors

D
1
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

Senate Committee on Judiciary: Be held for further study

8 Yea

DDDDDDRD

0 Nay

2 Absent

DD

Calendar

May 19

12:00 AM

Senate Judiciary Hearing

History

May 19

Senate

Committee recommended measure be held for further study

May 15

Senate

Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (05/19/2026)

Apr 14

Senate

Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary