AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- SEXUAL ASSAULT (Requires that court sentencing a person for first degree sexual assault of first degree child molestation, have the approval of the victim before imposing any negotiated sentence upon the offender.)

H8063

2026 -- H 8063
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LC005198
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
____________
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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LC005198
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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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LC005198
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