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SB 2156

AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- BURGLARY AND BREAKING AND ENTERING

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Elaine Morgan and 3 co-sponsors

SB 2156 modifies Rhode Island's burglary and breaking-and-entering criminal statutes, affecting property crime prosecution and sentencing standards.

05/12/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · SB 2156

Legislative bill overview

SB 2156 is a Rhode Island bill that modifies criminal statutes related to burglary and breaking and entering offenses. Without access to the full bill text, the specific changes—whether they involve sentencing adjustments, definitional clarifications, or expanded/narrowed criminal liability—cannot be determined from the introduction date alone.

Why is this important

Burglary and breaking-and-entering laws directly affect criminal sentencing, property crime prosecution, and how law enforcement distinguishes between related property crimes. Changes to these statutes can significantly impact incarceration rates, victim protections, and the consistency of criminal penalties across similar offenses.

Potential points of contention

  • Sentencing severity: Whether the bill increases or decreases penalties, creating debates between law-and-order advocates and criminal justice reform supporters
  • Definitional scope: Changes to what constitutes "burglary" versus "breaking and entering" could affect charging decisions and plea negotiations
  • Prosecutorial discretion: Modifications may expand or limit prosecutors' ability to charge crimes, impacting consistency in the justice system

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

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