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RI S2489
Bill
Status
2/6/2026
Primary Sponsor
Walter Felag
Click for details
AI Summary
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Adds "coercive control" as a new category of domestic abuse under Rhode Island's Domestic Abuse Prevention law, defined as a pattern of behavior that unreasonably interferes with a person's free will and personal liberty
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Coercive control includes isolating someone from friends and family, depriving them of basic necessities, and controlling their movements, communications, finances, or access to services
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Covers compelling someone through force, threat, or intimidation—including threats based on immigration status—to engage in or abstain from conduct
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Includes committing or threatening cruelty to animals as a form of intimidation, as well as forced sex acts and threats to release sexual images
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Takes effect immediately upon passage
Legislative Description
Amends the definition of "domestic violence" to include the coercive control of another resulting in a pattern of behavior that in purpose or effect unreasonably interferes with another person's free will or personal liberty.
Domestic Relations
Last Action
Committee recommended measure be held for further study
3/12/2026