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SB 2988

AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION

2026 Regular Session Introduced by John Burke and 5 co-sponsors

The bill updates the Criminal Injuries Compensation program to clarify eligibility and benefits so victims receive timely, fair compensation for crime-related losses.

06/04/2026 Referred to House Finance
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2988

Summary of SB 2988 (Rhode Island, 2026) – AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE — CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION

Purpose and intent

  • The bill is proposed within the Rhode Island criminal procedure framework to modify or address aspects of the Criminal Injuries Compensation program.
  • The overarching goal is to update provisions related to compensation for victims of crime, ensuring timely, fair, and adequate support for those harmed by criminal activity.

Key provisions and changes (as implied by title and typical structure)

Note: The text provided does not include the full bill language. The summary reflects common elements found in “Criminal Injuries Compensation” amendments and the bill’s placement within Criminal Procedure. If enacted, expect provisions such as:
- Eligibility criteria for victims: who qualifies to receive compensation (e.g., victims of violent crime, dependents, or individuals harmed in the course of law enforcement investigations).
- Scope of compensation: types of losses covered (e.g., medical expenses, income loss, funeral costs, counseling, rehabilitation, and related out-of-pocket expenses).
- Causation and filing requirements: procedures for establishing a link between the crime and the injury, and the timeline for filing claims.
- Benefit calculation and caps: how awards are determined, any statutory caps, and whether awards cover enhanced damages or punitive elements are excluded.
- Priority or special categories: potential prioritization for certain victims (e.g., children, elderly, dependent spouses) or for crimes with particular characteristics.
- Coordination with other programs: whether awards offset other benefits (subrogation rules), and how this program interacts with federal Crime Victims’ Funds or state social services.
- Enforcement and penalties: mechanisms for compliance, fraud prevention, and consequences for false claims.

Who would be affected

  • Crime victims or their immediate family members seeking compensation for crime-related injuries or losses.
  • Healthcare providers, employers, and service organizations supporting victims (through documentation and claims processes).
  • Insurance carriers or employers who may interact with the program through benefit offsets or documentation requirements.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: bill introduced and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
  • Scheduled hearings: hearings planned (as indicated by the action history) with potential consideration by the committee.
  • Committee actions: the committee recommended the measure be held for further study (March 26, 2026), suggesting ongoing review rather than immediate passage at that stage.
  • Future steps: if advanced, the bill would move to the Senate floor for debate, potential amendments, and votes; otherwise, the bill could be revised or promoted in subsequent sessions.

Legislative context and sponsor information

  • Joint/Co-sponsors: Walter Felag, Matt LaMountain, Andrew Dimitri, Todd Patalano, John Burke, and Frank Ciccone.
  • The bill has been processed through standard legislative stages: introduction, committee referral, committee work (held for further study), and scheduled consideration.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Clarity on eligibility and benefits could enhance accessibility to compensation for crime victims.
  • Financial implications for the state budget, depending on proposed funding levels, caps, and administration costs.
  • Administrative workload for the Criminal Injuries Compensation program in processing claims, audits, and subrogation.
  • Policy considerations around fraud prevention and ensuring appropriate use of state funds.

If you can share the full text or specific sections of SB 2988, I can provide a more precise and section-by-section analysis, including exact eligibility criteria, benefit amounts, application procedures, timelines, and fiscal impact.

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

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