2019 -- H 5491

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LC001426

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2019

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO CRIMINALS -- CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS

     Introduced By: Representatives Shanley, Knight, Casimiro, Barros, and Blazejewski

     Date Introduced: February 14, 2019

     Referred To: House Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 13-6-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 13-6 entitled "Loss of

Rights by Prisoners" is hereby repealed.

     13-6-1. Life prisoners deemed civilly dead.

     Every person imprisoned in the adult correctional institutions for life shall, with respect

to all rights of property, to the bond of matrimony and to all civil rights and relations of any

nature whatsoever, be deemed to be dead in all respects, as if his or her natural death had taken

place at the time of conviction. However, the bond of matrimony shall not be dissolved, nor shall

the rights to property or other rights of the husband or wife of the imprisoned person be

terminated or impaired, except on the entry of a lawfully obtained decree for divorce.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC001426

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO CRIMINALS -- CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS

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     This act would repeal the provision of the general laws declaring prisoners serving a life

sentence civilly dead.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC001426

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