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SB 552

AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- DISARMING A PEACE OFFICER

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Pete Appollonio and 4 co-sponsors

Rhode Island Senate passed SB 552 establishing or enhancing criminal penalties for forcibly removing weapons from peace officers during enforcement actions.

06/12/2025 Senate passed Sub A
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Bill Summary · SB 552

Legislative bill overview

SB 552 creates or modifies criminal penalties related to disarming a peace officer in Rhode Island. The bill has progressed through Senate committee with a substitute amendment and was passed by the full Senate on June 12, 2025. The specific language of the substitute amendment determines whether this increases penalties, adds new offense categories, or clarifies existing law regarding forcible removal of weapons from police officers.

Why is this important

Disarming incidents pose significant safety risks to law enforcement and can escalate confrontations. This legislation directly affects criminal liability for individuals who attempt to remove weapons from officers during arrests or enforcement actions. The law also signals legislative priorities regarding officer safety and may influence sentencing guidelines and prosecution strategies.

Potential points of contention

  • Penalty severity: Whether enhanced penalties are proportionate to the offense or risk overreach, particularly if charges apply to minor or accidental contact with an officer's weapon
  • Definitional clarity: How "disarming" is legally defined—whether it requires intent, physical contact, or actual weapon removal—affecting who qualifies as criminal under the statute
  • Officer training implications: Questions about whether increased criminal liability should correlate with mandatory de-escalation and weapon-retention training requirements for law enforcement

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

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