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SB 930

AN ACT RELATED TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- SENTENCING RECONSIDERATION ACT

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Bissaillon and 1 co-sponsor

Establishes judicial process for Rhode Island inmates to petition courts for criminal sentence reduction based on rehabilitation, changed circumstances, or sentencing law reforms.

05/27/2025 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · SB 930

Legislative bill overview

SB 930 is Rhode Island's Sentencing Reconsideration Act, which would establish a mechanism allowing individuals convicted of crimes to petition courts for sentence reduction or modification under specified circumstances. The bill aims to provide a legal pathway for addressing sentences that may have become excessive or inappropriate given changed circumstances, rehabilitation, or new sentencing guidelines.

Why is this important

Sentencing reconsideration laws affect thousands of incarcerated individuals and their families by potentially reducing time served. This addresses concerns about disproportionate sentences, aging prisoners with health issues, and individuals convicted under now-outdated laws or before sentencing reform guidelines were established. The policy reflects broader national debates about criminal justice reform and rehabilitation versus purely punitive incarceration.

Potential points of contention

  • Victims' rights concerns: Victims and their advocates may worry that sentence reductions diminish accountability or cause additional trauma through legal proceedings
  • Judicial resources and burden: Courts would face increased petition workload, requiring additional time and resources to evaluate reconsideration requests
  • Specificity of criteria: The bill's scope remains unclear without full text—unclear eligibility standards (age served, crime type, behavioral records) could create either overly broad or overly restrictive access to relief

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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