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SR 2707

JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING THE IMMIGRANT IMPACT TASK FORCE

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jonathon Acosta and 7 co-sponsors

Creates an 11-member task force to study Rhode Island's immigration enforcement, services, language access, and policy impacts, with findings due Jan 5, 2027.

05/05/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · SR 2707

Summary of Rhode Island SR 2707 (Session 2026) — Joint Resolution Creating the Immigrant Impact Task Force

Basic purpose

  • Establishes an 11-member special joint legislative task force to study immigration enforcement and support activities in Rhode Island.
  • Aims to produce findings and policy recommendations to the General Assembly, focusing on the operations of federal immigration enforcement, state cooperation, immigrant rights and access to services, and language access.
  • Ends subsequent to March 5, 2027, with a reporting deadline to the General Assembly by January 5, 2027.

Key provisions and changes

  • Task force composition (11 members):

    • 1 Senate member appointed by the President of the Senate.
    • 1 House member appointed by the Speaker of the House.
    • 1 member appointed by the Governor.
    • 1 member appointed by the Lt. Governor.
    • 2 members from the Rhode Island Black Legislators in Action (RIBLIA) Caucus (one from the Senate, one from the House), appointed by the RIBLIA Co-Chairs.
    • 5 representatives from organizations that provide aid or services to immigrants (3 appointed by the President of the Senate; 2 appointed by the Speaker of the House).
    • Note: In lieu of a legislator appointment to a legislative study commission or a General Assembly-created task force, an appointing authority may designate a member of the general public.

  • Scope of study and topics (comprehensive study areas):

    • Public record creation of federal agents’ conduct regarding military-style immigration enforcement operations in Rhode Island.
    • Practices and procedures of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) within the state, and the use/condition of detention centers in Rhode Island.
    • Extent of discrimination against immigrants in the state; provide policy recommendations to improve relations and prevent harm.
    • Rhode Island’s current efforts to proactively assist immigrant communities, including pathways to citizenship.
    • Evaluation of whether laws intended to aid immigrant populations are having beneficial effects.
    • Status and resource adequacy for immigrant communities across urban, suburban, and rural areas.
    • Review of all state contracts with ICE (including private detention centers), State Police, Secretary of State’s Office, and the Division of Motor Vehicles.
    • Assessment of language access across state agencies and identification of regions where language access barriers hinder non-English speakers from obtaining state services.

  • Operational provisions:

    • Upon passage, the task force must organize promptly, elect co-chairs from among the legislators, and fill vacancies in the same manner as original appointments.
    • Members serve without compensation.
    • State departments and agencies must provide needed information and cooperation to the task force.

  • Support and logistics:

    • The Joint Committee on Legislative Services will provide suitable quarters.
    • The task force shall report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly by January 5, 2027.
    • The task force expires on March 5, 2027.

Who is affected or implicated

  • Immigrant communities in Rhode Island and organizations serving them (due to focus on services, discrimination, citizenship, and language access).
  • State agencies and contractors involved with immigration enforcement or related services (ICE, detention centers, State Police, DMV, Secretary of State, etc.) due to data requests and contract review.
  • Legislators and policymakers who will receive and act on the task force’s recommendations.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: Introduced February 27, 2026; referred to Senate Judiciary.
  • Appointment and organizational process: The task force must convene “Forthwith upon passage,” select co-chairs, and establish its governance structure.
  • Reporting deadline: Findings and recommendations due to the General Assembly by January 5, 2027.
  • Expiration: The task force expires March 5, 2027.
  • Compensation: Members receive no compensation.

Potential impact (high-level)

  • Provides a formal mechanism for oversight of federal immigration enforcement practices in Rhode Island and how they intersect with state services.
  • Could influence state policy by highlighting gaps in language access, resources for immigrant communities, and the effectiveness of current laws and programs.
  • May result in policy recommendations or proposed legislation addressing detention practices, collaboration with federal authorities, and the expansion of support services for immigrants.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary for a particular audience (e.g., policymakers, advocates, or the general public) or add a short pros/cons outlook based on typical legislative analysis.

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

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