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RI S2144
Bill
Status
1/16/2026
Primary Sponsor
Matthew LaMountain
Click for details
AI Summary
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Removes the requirement that defendants pay for batterer's intervention programs "at his or her own expense," giving courts discretion over whether to impose program costs on offenders
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Changes the minimum 40 contact hours over 20 weeks requirement for batterer's intervention programs from mandatory ("shall") to permissive ("may"), allowing courts to set program duration
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Makes the requirement that programs charge fees to mandated batterers permissive rather than mandatory, while retaining provisions for sliding-fee scales and payment alternatives
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Retains all existing provisions for $125 assessments (80% to RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 20% to general revenue), firearm prohibitions, and escalating penalties for repeat offenses
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Takes effect immediately upon passage
Legislative Description
Permits the court to determine the number of hours a person would have to complete of a batters intervention program and gives the court discretion as to whether that person would be personally financially responsible for the costs thereof.
Criminal Procedure
Last Action
Committee recommended measure be held for further study
3/12/2026