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RI H7133
Bill
Status
1/15/2026
Primary Sponsor
John Lombardi
Click for details
AI Summary
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Adds "household pet" as a defined term in Rhode Island's Domestic Abuse Prevention statute, meaning a domesticated or tamed animal kept for companionship or pleasure.
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Authorizes family courts to award custody of household pets to plaintiffs filing domestic abuse complaints, with enforcement available through restraining orders or injunctive relief.
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Requires protective orders addressing defendant eviction from the household to also provide for the safety and welfare of all household animals and pets.
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Takes effect immediately upon passage.
Legislative Description
Permits the family court to award custody of household pets to the plaintiff in a domestic abuse complaint, including the enforcement remedy of a restraining order or other injunctive relief.
Domestic Relations
Last Action
Committee recommended measure be held for further study
2/5/2026