AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- SEARCH WARRANTS (Requires law enforcement to obtain consent before placing audio or video recorders on the private property of another.)

H7433

2026 -- H 7433
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LC004521
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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 PROCEDURE -- SEARCH WARRANTS

Introduced By:
Representatives Place, and J. Lombardi

Date Introduced:
January 30, 2026

Referred To:
House Judiciary
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
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SECTION 1. Chapter 12-5 of the General Laws entitled "Search Warrants" is hereby
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amended by adding thereto the following section:
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12-5-11. Audio and video recording of private property prohibited.

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(a) It shall be unlawful for any law enforcement officer or peace officer as defined in § 12-
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7-21, to place on the private property of another, any audio or video recording device(s) to capture,
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generate, preserve, transmit or otherwise document the activities on that person’s property without
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their consent or without a valid search warrant issued by a neutral and detached magistrate or judge
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upon a finding of probable cause.
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(b) Any audio or video evidence generated in violation of subsection (a) of this section
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shall be inadmissible in any criminal or civil proceeding filed against the property owner and/or
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their tenants or guests.
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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 PROCEDURE -- SEARCH WARRANTS
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This act would require law enforcement to obtain consent or a warrant before placing audio
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or video recorders on the private property of another. A violation of this act would make any
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evidence inadmissible in any court proceedings.
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This act would take effect upon passage.
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