2023 -- S 0402
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LC001483
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S TATE OF RHODE IS LAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023
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A N A C T
RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- CRIMINAL SEXUAL ACTIVITY
Introduced By: Senator Melissa A. Murray
Date Introduced: February 16, 2023
Referred To: Senate Judiciary
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
SECTION 1. Chapter 11-34.1 of the General Laws entitled "Commercial Sexual Activity" 1
is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section: 2
11-34.1-6.1. Immunity from criminal prosecution. 3
In the event a person is the victim of or a witness to a crime, including an individual who 4
becomes aware that another person is a victim of a crime, and has engaged or is alleged to have 5
engaged in an act prohibited pursuant to §§ 11-34.1-2, 11-34.1-3, 11-34.1-4, or 11-34.1-6, or in 6
reasonable proximity to the time of the crime or under circumstances reasonably related to the 7
crime, that person shall not be charged with a violation of §§ 11-34.1-2 through 11-34.1-4 or 11-8
34.1-6 if that person, in good faith, reports the crime to a criminal law enforcement agency, seeks 9
or receives health care services as a result of the crime, or assists or attempts to assist in the 10
investigation or prosecution of the crime. If the victim or witness later withdraws cooperation due 11
to safety concerns, physical or emotional health, or any other reason, the victim or witness shall not 12
be charged under those sections. As used in this section, "crime" shall include an act that reasonably 13
appears to be a crime, regardless of whether it results in conviction. 14
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage. 15
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EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
A N A C T
RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- CRIMINAL SEXUAL ACTIVITY
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This act would grant immunity to people engaged in commercial sexual activity if they 1
report to law enforcement that they are victims of or witnesses to a crime. This act would ensure 2
that they feel safe in coming forward to report crimes and are able to report exploitation or violence 3
committed against others. 4
This act would take effect upon passage. 5
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