2022 -- H 7411

========

LC003954

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2022

____________

A N   A C T

RELATING TO CRIMINALS -- CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS -- LOSS OF RIGHTS BY

PRISONERS

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Shanley, Amore, Craven, and Batista

     Date Introduced: February 09, 2022

     Referred To: House Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

1

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

2

by Prisoners" is hereby repealed.

3

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

4

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

5

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

6

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

7

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

8

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

9

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

10

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

========

LC003954

========

 

EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO CRIMINALS -- CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS -- LOSS OF RIGHTS BY

PRISONERS

***

1

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

2

sentence civilly dead.

3

     This act would take effect upon passage.

========

LC003954

========

 

LC003954 - Page 2 of 2