Rhode IslandRhode Island law bans forcibly resisting corrections officers’ lawful orders
People in Rhode Island corrections custody cannot forcibly resist officers’ requests or orders made within their official duties and consistent with state law and department rules.
What it does
People in Rhode Island corrections custody cannot use force or weapons to resist corrections officers’ lawful requests or orders. Violations carry up to $500 in fines, one year in jail, or both.
Argument forBanning force against lawful orders could help protect corrections officers and people in custody from injuries during confrontations.
Argument againstPeople in custody could face up to a year in jail for using any force to resist a lawful request, even without a weapon.
More detail
People in corrections custody cannot use force or weapons to resist a corrections officer’s lawful request or order. The rule covers people in the custody of the Rhode Island Department of Corrections. The request or order must fall within the officer’s official duties and follow state law and department rules. A violation carries a fine of up to $500, imprisonment for up to one year, or both. The act takes effect upon passage; the recorded action history confirms the governor signed it on June 22, 2026.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- 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 concurrencePassed Senate
- Jun 1106/11/2026 Placed on Senate Calendar (06/11/2026)Minor
- Jun 1006/10/2026 House passed Sub APassed House
- Vote recorded PASSAGE. Result: pass.Lower
- 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)
- Apr 3004/30/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further studyMinor
- Apr 2404/24/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/30/2026)
- Apr 1704/17/2026 Introduced, referred to House JudiciaryIntroduced
Criminal JusticePublic Safety