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RI S2162
Bill
Status
1/16/2026
Primary Sponsor
Meghan Kallman
Click for details
AI Summary
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Courts must determine whether a defendant is a parent of a child whose well-being will be negatively affected by the parent's absence before imposing any sentence
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Judges must consider specific factors including whether the parent is breastfeeding, the child's age, the parent's role in educational and medical needs, the parent-child relationship, special needs of the child, and the parent's financial support role
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Defendants may present a family impact statement at sentencing, which may include testimony from family and community members, written statements, videos, and other documentation
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Unless the court finds the parent poses a significant community risk that outweighs harm to the child from the parent's removal, the court must impose probation, a suspended sentence, or home confinement instead of imprisonment
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Act takes effect upon passage
Legislative Description
Requires the courts to consider the parental status of the defendant at the time of sentencing and allows the defendant to present a family impact statement, including testimony, videos and documents relative to their parental status.
Criminal Procedure
Last Action
Committee recommended measure be held for further study
3/10/2026