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RI H7194
Bill
Status
1/21/2026
Primary Sponsor
William O'Brien
Click for details
AI Summary
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Adds three animal cruelty offenses to Rhode Island's definition of "domestic violence" under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act when committed by one family or household member against another
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Includes unnecessary cruelty to an animal owned or cared for by a household member (§ 4-1-3) as a qualifying domestic violence offense
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Includes malicious injury to or killing of an animal owned or cared for by a household member (§ 4-1-5) as a qualifying domestic violence offense
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Includes abandonment of an animal owned or cared for by a household member (§ 4-1-26) as a qualifying domestic violence offense
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Takes effect immediately upon passage
Legislative Description
Includes animal cruelty offenses to the domestic violence crimes committed by a family or household members against another.
Criminal Procedure
Last Action
Committee recommended measure be held for further study
2/5/2026