Bill > S0299

This bill creates a new chapter in Rhode Island's criminal code that specifically prohibits law enforcement officers from engaging in sexual penetration with individuals under their custody or supervision. The bill defines key terms such as "force or coercion," "peace officer," and "sexual penetration" by referencing existing state legal definitions. Under the proposed law, a peace officer would be guilty of custodial law enforcement sexual penetration if they engage in sexual penetration with someone who is detained, arrested, confined, or under their supervision for parole, probation, or community confinement. The bill establishes that a person convicted of this offense would face imprisonment for up to three years, and notably, such a conviction would not be subject to provisions of another existing criminal statute. The bill also includes an affirmative defense if the sexual penetration resulted from force or coercion by the alleged victim, and specifies that any sentence imposed would run concurrently with other sentences in the same case. The legislation is designed to protect individuals in custody from sexual abuse by law enforcement officers and provides a specific legal mechanism to prosecute such misconduct.

Justice

https://status.rilegislature.gov/