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SB 3217

AN ACT RELATING TO DOMESTIC RELATIONS -- DOMESTIC ABUSE PREVENTION

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sam Bell

Strengthens protective orders by mandating firearm surrender, expanding protections for survivors and pets, and toughening enforcement and penalties for violations.

05/19/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · SB 3217

Overview

  • Bill: SB 3217
  • Session: 2026
  • Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
  • Committee referral: Senate Judiciary
  • Lead sponsor: Senator Samuel W. Bell (co-sponsor)
  • Effective date: Upon passage

Purpose: This act amends Rhode Island’s Domestic Abuse Prevention law to clarify definitions, strengthen protective orders, expand remedies (including protection of household pets), reinforce firearm surrender provisions, and enhance enforcement and prosecution related to domestic abuse and violations of protective orders.

Main purposes and intent

  • Modernize and clarify key terms used in domestic abuse prevention.
  • Expand protective and support options for survivors, including safer housing and pet protection.
  • Strengthen firearm-related provisions tied to protective orders to enhance survivor safety.
  • Improve enforcement, penalties, and prosecutorial standards for violations of protective orders.

Key provisions and changes

Definitions (Section 15-15-1)

  • Reiterates and clarifies terms used in the Domestic Abuse Prevention chapter, including:
    • Course of conduct: pattern of acts over time; excludes constitutionally protected activity.
    • Domestic abuse: includes attempts or acts of physical harm, fear of imminent harm, forced sexual relations, stalking/cyberstalking, within specified familial/dating contexts.
    • Harassing: repeated conduct directed at a person that would cause substantial emotional distress or fear.
    • Present or former family member; substantively dating/engagement relationships and related factors to determine such relationships.
    • Sexual exploitation and stalking definitions, tailored to protections for minors.
    • Household pet: defined for use in protective orders.

Protective orders — Penalty — Jurisdiction (Section 15-15-3)

  • Plaintiffs (or their representatives such as DCYF on behalf of a child) can file for protective orders in family court to protect against domestic abuse or sexual exploitation.
  • Orders may include:
    • Restraining the defendant from contacting or harming the plaintiff.
    • Immediate eviction of the defendant from the household and protections for pets.
    • Custody determinations for minor children.
    • Possession of household pets.
    • Surrender of firearms by the restrained party; firearms must be surrendered within 24 hours of the order and stored with law enforcement or a licensed dealer.
    • Provisions governing transfer or sale of firearms to a qualified non-household individual, with rules for validity and penalties for violations.
    • Temporary child support payments for up to 90 days, with specific processes for cases involving public assistance.
  • For protective orders issued after or renewed on/after July 1, 2017, courts may extend the firearm surrender and prohibit purchase/receipt of firearms during the order.
  • Notices and hearings: mandatory notices to the survivor and relevant law enforcement; both parties may testify.
  • Restoration of firearm rights: survivor burden of proof is clear and convincing; the court may lift firearm prohibitions if the restrained person would not pose a danger, and issue written notice if rights are restored.
  • Exemptions: peace officers and active military personnel may possess firearms on duty; such firearms must be stored properly when not in use.
  • Address release: survivor’s address can be released at the judge’s discretion.
  • Violations and penalties:
    • Contempt of court for violations; remedies may be time-limited (up to 3 years) with potential extensions.
    • Violations of protective orders are misdemeanors with fines up to $1,000 and/or up to 1 year imprisonment; starting July 1, 2025, prosecutions for violations must be handled by prosecutors who have completed specialized domestic violence prosecution training.
    • Initial appearance for violations post-2025 must be conducted by law enforcement or prosecutor with trained personnel.
  • Jurisdiction: District Court handles adult offenses; Family Court handles juvenile offenses.

Administration and procedures

  • The Rhode Island State Police and local departments are empowered to develop storage and return rules for firearms surrendered under protective orders.
  • Protective orders cannot modify other existing orders, and defendants retain rights to petition for modification.
  • Notices and hearings are prioritized, with a 15-day window for hearings after surrender of firearms.

Who is affected

  • Survivors of domestic abuse or sexual exploitation seeking protection.
  • Defendants subject to protective orders (including provisions on firearm surrender, immigration of order, and potential penalties).
  • Minor children and DCYF-appointed guardians (on behalf of children) who may be involved in protective orders and related support.
  • Households with pets, as pets may be ordered as part of protective relief.
  • Law enforcement and prosecutors, who gain enhanced duties and training requirements for handling protective-order violations starting in 2025.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: The act takes effect upon passage.
  • Firearm-related provisions: mandatory surrender within 24 hours; specific timelines for proof of surrender (72 hours to file receipts or attest no firearms exist).
  • Enforcement and training: Beginning July 1, 2025, prosecutions for protective-order violations must be handled by prosecutors who completed specialized domestic violence training, with ongoing updates every four years.
  • Protective order duration: relief orders may be for a fixed period up to 3 years, with potential extensions upon motion.
  • Hearing timelines: hearings after surrender of firearms must occur within 15 days; notices to survivor and law enforcement are required.

Potential impacts

  • Enhanced safety for survivors, particularly through mandatory firearm surrender and stricter enforcement.
  • Increased protections for pets and custodial arrangements related to domestic incidents.
  • Clarified and strengthened definitions to reduce ambiguity in filing and enforcing protective orders.
  • Higher professional standards for prosecutors handling domestic violence cases.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with current Rhode Island law or a plain-language FAQ for survivors and practitioners.

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

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