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Bill > H7386
RI H7386
RI H7386JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- JURY NULLIFICATION AS PROPER TRIAL DEFENSE ARGUMENT (Proposes to the voters a constitutional amendment which would allow a criminal defendant to argue jury nullification as a defense.)
summary
Introduced
01/28/2026
01/28/2026
In Committee
01/28/2026
01/28/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution -- Jury Nullification As Proper Trial Defense Argument (proposes To The Voters A Constitutional Amendment Which Would Allow A Criminal Defendant To Argue Jury Nullification As A Defense.)
AI Summary
This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to allow criminal defendants to argue "jury nullification" as a defense during their trials. Jury nullification occurs when a jury, despite believing the defendant violated the law, chooses to acquit them because they believe the law itself is unjust, outdated, or unfair. If approved by voters, this amendment would grant defendants the right to ask juries to consider not only the facts and the law but also the morality and fairness of the law they are accused of breaking, or if the law is unconstitutional, as part of their defense. The resolution outlines the process for submitting this proposed amendment to the voters for approval at the next statewide general election, including requirements for publication and how the election will be conducted.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (7)
David Place (R)*,
Jon Brien (I),
Michael Chippendale (R),
Richard Fascia (R),
Leo Felix (D),
Marie Hopkins (R),
Paul Santucci (R),
Last Action
Introduced, referred to House State Government & Elections (on 01/28/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://status.rilegislature.gov/ |
| BillText | https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText26/HouseText26/H7386.pdf |
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