RI S2941

Prohibits use of handcuffs, shackles, chains, or other restraints on juveniles during transport to/from court, transport outside the Rhode Island Training School for Youth, or while appearing in court proceedings, except under specific circumstances

Permits restraints during transportation only when there is an immediate and credible escape risk that cannot be mitigated through less restrictive means, or when the juvenile poses a safety threat to themselves or others

Requires courts to make a specific on-the-record finding before restraining a juvenile in court proceedings, based on escape risk, safety threat, or necessity to maintain courtroom order and security

Mandates the sheriff submit a report to the Director of Public Safety within 5 days when restraints are used during transport, explaining the grounds for use

Requires both the Department of Public Safety and the court to submit annual reports to the General Assembly each January disclosing the number of juveniles restrained and the grounds for restraint use, with no identifying information included