Bill > H5888

This bill modifies Rhode Island's domestic violence law by changing the penalties for repeat domestic violence offenders. Specifically, the bill expands the definition of a third domestic violence offense to include both prior felony and misdemeanor convictions, making such a third offense punishable as a felony. Under the revised law, a person convicted of a third domestic violence offense would be required to serve a mandatory prison sentence of at least one year and up to ten years. The bill emphasizes that no jail sentence for these offenses can be suspended, meaning the offender must serve the full prescribed time. Additionally, the law continues to require domestic violence offenders to attend batterer intervention programs and pay a mandatory assessment, with 80% of the funds going to the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence and 20% deposited as general revenue. The legislation also maintains provisions related to firearm restrictions for domestic violence offenders, including mandatory surrender of firearms and prohibition from purchasing or possessing weapons after certain convictions. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Justice

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