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Rhode IslandH71982026 Regular SessionHouse

AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- GENERAL PROVISIONS .

Sponsored By: Leonela Felix (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

New crime classes and jail limits

The law resets how Rhode Island labels minor crimes. It replaces the old one-year felony line with three classes: misdemeanor, petty misdemeanor, and violation. A misdemeanor means jail for more than 6 months and up to 364 days, or a fine up to $1,000; some fine-only offenses with fines over $1,000 are also misdemeanors. A petty misdemeanor means up to 6 months in jail or a fine up to $500. A violation means a fine only, up to $500. When a statute says "one year" for a max jail term, it now means 364 days. These rules take effect upon passage.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Leonela Felix

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Karen Alzate

    Democratic • House

  • Cherie L. Cruz

    Democratic • House

  • Jenni A. Furtado

    Democratic • House

  • John J. Lombardi

    Democratic • House

  • Jason Knight

    Democratic • House

  • Carol Hagan McEntee

    Democratic • House

  • David Morales

    Democratic • House

  • David J. Place

    Republican • House

  • Brandon C. Potter

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 95 • No: 15

Senate vote • 6/11/2026

RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- GENERAL PROVISIONS In Concurrence

Yes: 32 • No: 6

House vote • 6/10/2026

CRIMINAL OFFENSES-GEN PROVISIONS PASSAGE

Yes: 63 • No: 9

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor — Chapter 189

    6/22/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/18/2026Governor

  3. Senate passed Sub A in concurrence

    6/11/2026Senate

  4. Placed on Senate Calendar (06/11/2026)

    6/10/2026Senate

  5. House passed Sub A

    6/10/2026House

  6. Placed on House Calendar (06/10/2026)

    6/8/2026House

  7. Committee recommends passage of Sub A

    6/8/2026

  8. Proposed Substitute

    6/6/2026

  9. Scheduled for consideration (06/08/2026)

    6/6/2026

  10. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    3/4/2026

  11. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/04/2026)

    2/27/2026

  12. Introduced, referred to House Judiciary

    1/21/2026House

Bill Text

  • H7198 - As Introduced

    1/21/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • H7198 - Substitute

    1/21/2026

    HTMLPDF

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