2026 -- H 8063

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LC005198

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- SEXUAL ASSAULT

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Roberts, Hull, McNamara, Edwards, Bennett, Casey,
Solomon, Serpa, Azzinaro, and Costantino

     Date Introduced: February 27, 2026

     Referred To: House Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Sections 11-37-3 and 11-37-8.2 of the General Laws in Chapter 11-37 entitled

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"Sexual Assault" are hereby amended to read as follows:

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     11-37-3. Penalty for first degree sexual assault.

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     Every person who shall commit sexual assault in the first degree shall be imprisoned for a

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period not less than ten (10) years and may be imprisoned for life; provided, however, that the

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sentencing court shall ensure that the victim or victims approve of any negotiated sentence imposed

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on the offender.

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     11-37-8.2. Penalty for first degree child molestation sexual assault.

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     Every person who shall commit first degree child molestation sexual assault shall be

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imprisoned for a period of not less than twenty-five (25) years and may be imprisoned for life;

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provided, however, that the sentencing court shall ensure that the victim or victims, or their parents

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or guardian, approve of the any negotiated sentence imposed on the offender.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- SEXUAL ASSAULT

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     This act would require that any court sentencing a person for first degree sexual assault or

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first degree child molestation, have the approval of the victim before imposing any negotiated

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sentence upon the offender.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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