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RI S2157

Bill

Status

Introduced

1/16/2026

Primary Sponsor

Samuel Bell

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Creates new Chapter 71 under Rhode Island criminal offenses establishing "Law Enforcement Sexual Misconduct" as a distinct crime category

  • Prohibits peace officers from engaging in sexual penetration or sexual contact while on duty with any person who is seized, detained, in custody, under arrest, confined in a correctional/law enforcement facility or vehicle, or subject to investigation or questioning

  • Sexual penetration violations carry imprisonment up to 5 years; sexual contact violations carry imprisonment up to 18 months

  • Consent of the victim is explicitly not a defense; the only affirmative defense is if the sexual act resulted from force or coercion by the alleged victim

  • Effective upon passage

Legislative Description

Makes sexual contact or penetration between any law enforcement officer that is on duty and a person that is a detainee, arrestee, in custody or a suspect a felony.

Criminal Offenses

Last Action

Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary

1/16/2026

Committee Referrals

Judiciary1/16/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available