Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2416

Introduced
2/12/24  

Caption

SENATE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY THE IMPACT AND POTENTIAL ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF BAIL REFORMS ON BLACK RHODE ISLANDERS AND THE STATE (Creates an eleven (11) member commission to study the impact and potential economic benefits of bail reforms on Black Rhode Islanders and the State, and would report back by February 5, 2025, and expire on April 5, 2025.)

Impact

If enacted, SB S2416 could lead to substantial changes in how bail is approached within the state, potentially shifting towards reforms that intend to reduce the pretrial detention rate and the associated negative consequences. By assessing data around the economic and social aspects of bail reforms, it may catalyze legislative changes that could refine how justice is administered. Importantly, this bill may also encourage a dialogue on systemic inequalities present in the current bail system affecting marginalized communities.

Summary

Senate Bill S2416 proposes the creation of a special legislative commission tasked with studying the impact and potential economic benefits of bail reforms specifically for Black Rhode Islanders and the broader state context. The resolution outlines that pre-trial detention often significantly affects individuals legally presumed innocent yet confined due to inability to post bail, disproportionately impacting Black and Hispanic communities. The commission is intended to understand and analyze these dynamics, aiming to provide evidence-based recommendations regarding pre-trial supervision as an alternative to detention.

Contention

However, the proposal may face differing opinions around its implementation and efficacy. Critics may argue that while the intent is beneficial, the practical execution of such reforms could be complex, and the balance between public safety and the risk of reoffending remains a contentious subject. Therefore, fostering cooperation between various stakeholders, including legislators, justice officials, and community leaders, will be essential to ensure that the objectives of the commission lead to practical and equitable outcomes.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0634

Senate Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Commission To Study The Impact And Potential Economic Benefits Of Bail Reforms On Black Rhode Islanders And The State (creates An Eleven (11) Member Commission To Study The Impact And Potential Economic Benefits Of Bail Reforms On Black Rhode Islanders And The State, And Would Report Back By February 5, 2024, And Expire On April 5, 2024.)

RI S0142

Senate Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Commission To Study And Review Rhode Island's Minimum Wage (creates An Eleven (11) Member Special Legislative Study Commission Whose Purpose It Would Be To Study Rhode Island's Minimum Wage, And Who Reports Back To The Senate No Later Than May 4, 2024, And Whose Life Expires On January 4, 2025.)

RI H5224

House Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations Pertaining To Services And Coordination Of State Programs Relating To Older Adult Rhode Islanders (creates A 16 Member Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations For Services And The Coordination Of State Programs For Older Adult Rhode Islanders, And Report Back By May 7, 2024, And Expire On August, 2024.)

RI H6401

House Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations And Comments For Healthcare Liability Reform (creates A 15 Member Legislative Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations And Annotations For Healthcare Liability Reform In Rhode Island, And Report Back To The House By January 15, 2024, And Expire On April 15, 2024.)

RI H5424

House Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations For The Development And Implementation Of An Anti-littering Education Program For Rhode Island Public Elementary School Students (creates A 9 Member Commission To Study And Make Recommendations For The Development And Implementation Of An Anti-littering Program For Students, Who Would Report Back By February 2, 2024, And Expire On April 2, 2024.)

RI H6422

House Resolution Creating A Legislative Study Commission To Evaluate And Provide Recommendations On Mandated Safety Protocols For Rhode Island Schools (creates A 21 Member Commission To Evaluate And Provide Recommendations On Mandated Safety Protocols For Ri Schools, And Who Would Report Back To The House By February 28, 2024, And Expire On April 30, 2024.)

RI H6449

House Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Commission To Review And Provide Recommendations For Policies That Deal With Numerous Economic And Social Short-term Rentals Issues Concurrently (creates A 15 Member Commission To Review And Provide Recommendations For Concurrent Policies Dealing With Numerous Economic And Social Short-term Rentals Issues, And Report Back By March 15, 2024, Would Expire On April 15, 2026.)

RI S1004

Senate Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations For Improving The Pawtucket Corridor (creates A Thirteen (13) Member Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations For Improving The Pawtucket Corridor, And Reports Back To The President Of The Senate On Or Before May 7, 2024, And Expires On June 7, 2024.)

RI H6342

House Resolution Creating A Legislative Study Commission To Evaluate And Provide Recommendations On Proper Forest Management For Fire Prevention (creates A 12 Member Commission To Evaluate And Provide Recommendations On Proper Forest Management For Fire Prevention, And Who Would Report Back To The House By February 28, 2024, And Expire On April 30, 2024.)

RI S0620

Joint Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Task Force To Improve The Long-term Outcomes And Reduce Recidivism Of Females Within The Criminal Justice Population (creates A 19 Member Task Force Whose Purpose It Would Be To Improve Outcomes And Reduce Recidivism Of Females In The Criminal Justice System, And Who Would Report Back By February 5, 2024, And Expire On April 5, 2024.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.