Rhode IslandPeople in Rhode Island corrections custody cannot forcibly resist lawful instructions
People in Rhode Island corrections custody cannot forcibly resist officers' requests or orders that fall within official duties and follow state law and department rules.
What it does
People in Rhode Island corrections custody cannot use force or weapons to resist officers' requests or orders that fall within official duties and follow state law and department rules. Violations carry up to a $500 fine, up to one year in jail, or both.
Argument forBarring force or weapons when resisting lawful orders could protect corrections officers and people in custody by discouraging physical resistance.
Argument againstPeople in custody could face up to a year in jail for using force to resist a lawful order, 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 anyone 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. Violations carry a fine of up to $500, up to one year in jail, or both. The act takes effect upon passage.
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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 1606/16/2026 Transmitted to GovernorTo Governor
- Jun 1106/11/2026 House passed Sub A in concurrencePassed House
- Vote recorded IN CONCURRENCE. Result: pass.Upper
- Vote recorded Passage. Result: pass.Upper
- Jun 1106/11/2026 Placed on House Calendar (06/11/2026)Minor
- Jun 1106/11/2026 Senate passed Sub APassed Senate
- Jun 906/09/2026 Placed on Senate Calendar (06/11/2026)Minor
- Jun 906/09/2026 Committee recommends passage of Sub AMinor
- Jun 806/08/2026 Proposed SubstituteMajor
- Jun 506/05/2026 Scheduled for consideration (06/09/2026)
- Mar 1003/10/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further studyMinor
- Mar 603/06/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/10/2026)
- Feb 2702/27/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate JudiciaryIntroduced
Criminal Justice