2026 -- S 2941

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LC005319

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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 DELINQUENT AND DEPENDENT CHILDREN -- RESTRAINT OF

JUVENILES

     Introduced By: Senators Vargas, Kallman, Lauria, Mack, and Bissaillon

     Date Introduced: March 04, 2026

     Referred To: Senate Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 14-1 of the General Laws entitled "Proceedings in Family Court" is

hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

     14-1-72. Restraint of juveniles.

     (a) No handcuffs, shackles, chains, irons, or other restraints shall be used on a juvenile

during transport to or from a court proceeding, during transport to any facility outside of the Rhode

Island training school for youth, or while appearing in a court proceeding, except in accordance

with the provisions of this section.

     (b) A juvenile shall not be placed in physical restraints during transportation unless there

is a determination that such restraints are necessary due to one or more of the following

circumstances:

     (1) There is reason to believe that the juvenile presents an immediate and credible risk of

escape that cannot be adequately mitigated through less restrictive means; or

     (2) The juvenile poses a threat to the juvenile’s own safety or to the safety of others.

     (3) If restraints are used on a juvenile pursuant to this section, the sheriff shall submit to

the director of the department of public safety within five (5) days a report articulating the grounds

that dictated the use of restraints.

     (4) The department shall submit to the general assembly in January of each year a report

disclosing the number of juveniles who were subjected to restraints pursuant to this section, and

the grounds for their use. No individually identifying information of any juvenile shall be included

in the report.

     (c) A juvenile shall not be placed in physical restraints during any court proceeding unless

the court presiding over the proceeding makes a specific finding, on the record, that such restraints

are necessary due to one or more of the following circumstances:

     (1) The court has reason to believe that the juvenile presents an immediate and credible

risk of escape that cannot be adequately mitigated through less restrictive means; or

     (2) The juvenile poses a threat to the juvenile’s own safety or to the safety of other persons

present in the courtroom.

     (3) The use of restraints is reasonably necessary to maintain order and security in the

courtroom.

     (4) The court shall submit to the general assembly in January of each year a report

disclosing the number of juveniles who were subjected to restraints pursuant to this section, and

the grounds for their use. No individually identifying information of any juvenile shall be included

in the report.

     (d) If a determination is made that restraints are necessary, the least restrictive form of

restraint shall be used consistent with the legitimate security needs of each juvenile.

     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 DELINQUENT AND DEPENDENT CHILDREN -- RESTRAINT OF

JUVENILES

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     This act would limit use of restraints on juveniles in transport and court proceedings to

safety or escape risks, require least restrictive methods, and mandate reporting on when and why

restraints were used.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC005319

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