Bill > S1073

This bill amends Rhode Island's existing law regarding resisting arrest to specifically make it unlawful for individuals in the custody of the Rhode Island Department of Corrections to use force or weapons to resist a lawful request or directive from a corrections officer. The bill adds a new subsection to an existing statute that already prohibits resisting arrest by peace officers, expanding the legal restrictions to include situations within correctional facilities. Currently, individuals who violate this provision can be punished by a fine of up to $500, imprisonment for up to one year, or both. The new language explicitly criminalizes the use of force or weapons when a corrections officer gives a lawful instruction, which helps ensure the safety and order of correctional facilities by creating a clear legal deterrent against potential resistance or violence by inmates. The bill will take effect immediately upon its passage.

Justice

https://status.rilegislature.gov/