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Bill

SB 3339

AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- CONDUCT OF ELECTION AND VOTING EQUIPMENT, AND SUPPLIES

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jonathon Acosta and 4 co-sponsors

Prohibits ICE personnel from entering or remaining within 200 feet of any polling place during voting, including early voting and election day.

06/22/2026 Signed by Governor
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 3339

Summary of SB 3339 (Session 2026) – Rhode Island

Purpose and intent

  • This bill aims to enhance the security and integrity of polling places by restricting the proximity of Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel to polling locations during voting.

Key provisions and changes

  • Adds a new section to Rhode Island General Laws, Chapter 17-19 (Conduct of Election and Voting Equipment, and Supplies).
  • Provisions (new § 17-19-55 – Voting interference):
    • ICE employees, agents, or officials are prohibited from entering or remaining within 200 feet of any polling place where voting is taking place.
    • This restriction applies to all voting, including early voting and election day voting.
    • The prohibition does not apply if ICE personnel are present to vote in compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
  • Effective date: The act takes effect upon passage.

Who or what would be affected

  • Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel, agents, and officials are the primary subjects of the restriction.
  • Polling places in Rhode Island during any period of voting (early voting and election day voting) would be subject to the 200-foot exclusion zone.
  • Voters, poll workers, and voters’ families or observers at polling places could be indirectly affected by changes in security dynamics and potential access considerations.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: June 1, 2026.
  • Referred to Senate Judiciary.
  • Scheduled for hearing/consideration on June 3, 2026.
  • If enacted, the act would take effect immediately upon passage.

Practical impact and considerations

  • Creates a clear geofence (200 feet) around polling places to minimize potential interference or security concerns involving ICE personnel during voting periods.
  • Aligns with broader policies affecting access to polling places by federal personnel not participating in the voting process.
  • May require polling place coordinators and law enforcement to assess and enforce the 200-foot boundary during all voting activities, including early voting sites.

Notable specifics

  • No new funding, penalties, or enforcement mechanisms are detailed in the text provided; the summary focuses on the geographic restriction and its applicability to polling places during voting.

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

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