Rhode IslandRhode Island sets one-year sentence limits at 364 days starting July 2027
Starting July 1, 2027, Rhode Island courts must apply a 364-day limit wherever state law sets a maximum jail or prison sentence of one year.
What it does
Starting July 1, 2027, courts must treat a maximum jail or prison sentence described in Rhode Island law as “one year” as 364 days.
Starting July 1, 2027, the law classifies crimes by their possible jail time or fines. Misdemeanors carry more than six months through 364 days, fine-only penalties above $1,000, or both.
Argument forThe 364-day limit could slightly reduce time behind bars for people receiving the maximum sentence for covered crimes.
Argument againstThe 364-day limit could leave judges less room to set jail terms when they consider a full year appropriate.
More detail
Courts must read a maximum jail or prison sentence stated as “one year” as 364 days. The rule covers references to a one-year maximum sentence of imprisonment anywhere in Rhode Island's general or public laws. The law takes effect on July 1, 2027.
The law labels offenses as felonies, misdemeanors, or petty misdemeanors based on their possible penalties. These definitions apply to Rhode Island criminal offenses unless another law provides otherwise. A felony can carry more than one year in jail or prison. A misdemeanor can carry more than six months through 364 days, only a fine above $1,000, or both. A petty misdemeanor can carry up to six months or only a fine above $500 and up to $1,000. The offense definitions take effect on July 1, 2027.
Where do you stand?
Choose your position
Tell your reps
Take a position to see your representatives and ways to contact them.
Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jun 2206/22/2026 Signed by Governor Dan McKeeBecame Law
- Jun 1806/18/2026 Transmitted to GovernorTo Governor
- Jun 1106/11/2026 Senate passed Sub A in concurrenceMajor
- Vote recorded In Concurrence. Result: pass.Upper
- Jun 1006/10/2026 Placed on Senate Calendar (06/11/2026)Minor
- Vote recorded PASSAGE. Result: pass.Upper
- Jun 1006/10/2026 House passed Sub APassed House
- Jun 806/08/2026 Placed on House Calendar (06/10/2026)Minor
- Jun 806/08/2026 Committee recommends passage of Sub AMinor
- Jun 606/06/2026 Proposed SubstituteMajor
- Jun 606/06/2026 Scheduled for consideration (06/08/2026)
- May 1305/13/2026 Referred to House JudiciaryMinor
- May 1205/12/2026 Senate read and passedPassed Senate
- Vote recorded Passage. Result: pass.Upper
- May 605/06/2026 Placed on Senate Calendar (05/12/2026)Minor
- May 505/05/2026 Committee recommends passageMinor
- May 105/01/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (05/05/2026)
- Jan 901/09/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate JudiciaryIntroduced
Criminal Justice