Establishes the crime of attempted kidnapping of a minor.
Impact
If passed, this bill would enhance the penalties associated with attempted kidnapping of a minor, categorizing it as a felony punishable by up to twenty years of imprisonment. The imposition of heavy penalties signals a strong stance by the state on safeguarding minors and discouraging any attempts at kidnapping. It reflects legislative efforts to tighten laws surrounding child safety and address the potential rise in such criminal activities, thereby affecting existing legal frameworks and enhancing law enforcement's ability to prosecute these cases.
Summary
Senate Bill S0950 aims to establish a new crime related to the attempted kidnapping of minors. The bill amends Chapter 11-26 of the General Laws concerning kidnapping, adding a new section that explicitly addresses attempts to commit this offense. It defines attempted kidnapping of a minor as any action taken towards the commission of the kidnapping offense outlined in the existing laws, even if those actions do not result in a completed kidnapping. This legislative action underscores the seriousness with which the state views protections for minors against kidnapping, expanding legal definitions and ramifications for such attempts.
Contention
Although the text of the bill does not explicitly mention any areas of contention, considerations could arise regarding its potential implications on judicial resources and the definitions of criminal intent. Discussions may focus on the balance between ensuring child safety and the rights of individuals accused of attempts that do not culminate in actual kidnapping. Critics may raise concerns about the broadening scope of criminality and the impact on individuals who may inadvertently fall into this category, suggesting a need for adequate safeguards and definitions to prevent misuse of the law.
Establishes, as an affirmative defense to the crimes of circulating obscene publications or shows and selling or exhibiting obscene publications to minors, the person’s employment status as an employee of a school, museum, or library.
Establishes, as an affirmative defense to the crimes of circulating obscene publications or shows and selling or exhibiting obscene publications to minors, the person's employment status as an employee of a school, museum, or library.
Establishes concurrent jurisdiction between the Rhode Island Family Court and the Federal Government for the purposes of adjudicating minors who have allegedly committed a crime while residing on a military installation located in Rhode Island.
Defines "crime gun" and requires law enforcement to submit crime gun or 2 fired cartridge cases seized to state crime laboratory or the BATF for testing and tracing and also requires 2 test-fired cartridge cases to be entered into NIBIN.
Requires the court to set reasonable bail for all those individuals who appear before it as probation violators and establish a presumption of personal recognizance unless the new alleged offense is a crime of violence as defined in the act.
Defines "crime gun" and requires law enforcement to submit crime gun or 2 fired cartridge cases seized to state crime laboratory or the BATF for testing and tracing and also requires 2 test-fired cartridge cases to be entered into NIBIN.
Requires the court to set reasonable bail for all those individuals who appear before it as probation violators and establish a presumption of personal recognizance unless the new alleged offense is a crime of violence as defined in the act.