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SB 818

AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- SENTENCE AND EXECUTION

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Bissaillon and 2 co-sponsors

Rhode Island bill addressing criminal sentencing and execution procedures stalled in committee for further study in May 2025.

05/13/2025 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · SB 818

Legislative bill overview

SB 818 addresses criminal procedure regarding sentencing and execution in Rhode Island. The bill was introduced in March 2025 and referred to Senate Judiciary but lacks publicly available detailed text specifying exact provisions. As of May 2025, the judiciary committee recommended the measure be held for further study rather than advanced.

Why is this important

Criminal procedure bills directly affect how sentences are imposed, carried out, and potentially challenged—impacting defendants, victims, courts, and public safety outcomes. Rhode Island's approach to sentencing and execution procedures influences both individual cases and broader criminal justice policy direction for the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Execution procedures: Any changes to Rhode Island's capital punishment framework (Rhode Island abolished capital punishment in 1984, so this likely addresses non-execution sentencing execution/implementation)
  • Sentencing discretion: Modifications to judicial discretion in sentencing length, type, or conditions could affect consistency and fairness concerns
  • Retroactive application: Whether changes apply to existing sentences or only future cases raises due process questions

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

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