IMPORTANT LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
There are three major pieces of legislation that the Council is advocating for that have not yet had floor votes.
Given that the General Assembly is scheduled to wrap up on June 12th, it is URGENT to have folks call their representatives and encourage them to take action.
The Protect Our Courts Act (H7360)
This legislation would protect individuals who are attending court proceedings from civil arrest without a judicial warrant.
Who Should I Email?
House Speaker Blazejewski – rep-blazejewski@rilegislature.gov
House Majority Leader Kazarian – rep-kazarian@rilegislature.gov
House Judiciary Committee Chair McEntee – rep-mcentee@rilegislature.gov
Your House Representative – Click here to find your representative
Sample Email Message:
Dear Speaker Blazejewski,
In the waning days of the session, I am writing in support of H7360. Please pass this bill. People must be able to safely come to court.
Respectfully,
Your Name
Additional Talking Points:
H7360 protects individuals who are attending court proceedings from civil arrest without a judicial warrant.
Without the protections in this bill, the consequences are immediate and concrete. Victims may not seek restraining orders. Witnesses may not appear. Tenants may not assert their rights. People facing eviction, domestic violence, wage theft, or family court proceedings make a rational calculation that the risk of showing up is greater than the benefit of being heard.
The Act also reflects well-established legal norms. Courts have long recognized privileges from arrest to protect judicial proceedings. The provisions here do not invent a new concept. They clarify and enforce it in a modern context where enforcement practices have begun to interfere with court access itself.
Recent litigation from New York underscores the strength and viability of this approach. In United States v. New York, Judge Mae Avila D'Agostino of the Northern District of New York dismissed a lawsuit brought by the federal government challenging New York State’s Protect Our Courts framework enacted in 2020.
The Rhode Island Protect our Court Act, preserves the integrity of Rhode Island’s courts while respecting lawful authority and judicial oversight. Of note, is that this law would not interfere with federal authority in federal courthouses. Instead, it reinforces a clear and workable boundary between federal enforcement authority and the states’ responsibility to ensure their courts remain accessible and functional.
364 Day Bill (H7198)
This act would further delineate the definitions of felony, misdemeanor, and petty misdemeanor to protect immigrants from deportation for minor offenses, except for crimes of “moral turpitude” such as domestic violence, drug trafficking, and assault.
Who Should I Email?
House Speaker Blazejewski – rep-blazejewski@rilegislature.gov
House Majority Leader Kazarian – rep-kazarian@rilegislature.gov
House Judiciary Committee Chair McEntee – rep-mcentee@rilegislature.gov
Your House Representative – Click here to find your representative
Sample Email Message:
Dear Speaker Blazejewski,
I am writing in strong support of H7198. Rhode Islanders should not be separated from their families for traffic violations.
Please pass H7198 and ensure that its protections go into immediate effect.
Respectfully,
Your Name
Additional Talking Points:
Under federal immigration law, certain misdemeanor convictions that carry a sentence of one year or more may result in detention, denial of immigration relief, or deportation.
This means that a one-day difference in sentencing can be the deciding factor in whether a longtime Rhode Islander is able to stay with their family and community or faces permanent separation for a misdemeanor, such as a traffic violation.
Rhode Island Voting Rights Act (H8334/S3143)
The Rhode Island Voting Rights Act will be an important step toward ensuring that the victories of the civil rights movement endure and will enshrine many of those essential protections in state law.
Who Should I Email?
House Side:
House Speaker Blazejewski – rep-blazejewski@rilegislature.gov
House Majority Leader Kazarian – rep-kazarian@rilegislature.gov
House Judiciary Chair Shanley – rep-shanley@rilegislature.gov
Your House Representative – Click here to find your representative
Senate Side:
Senate President Lawson – sen-lawson@rilegislature.gov
Senate Majority Leader Ciccone – sen-ciccone@rilegislature.gov
Senate Judiciary Committee LaMountain – sen-lamountain@rilegislature.gov
Your Senate Representative – Click here to find your representative
Sample Email Message:
Dear Speaker Blazejewski,
In the waning days of the session, I am writing in support of the Rhode Island Voting Rights Act. Defending our voting rights, especially in light of recent Supreme Court action, is essential for the defense of democracy and equitable representation.
Respectfully,
Your Name
Additional Talking Points:
Prohibition of Voter Suppression: Voter suppression refers to barriers that deny voting opportunities to voters of color — these tactics must be identified and addressed.
Prohibition of Vote Dilution: Racial vote dilution happens when districts or election systems weaken or drown out people’s voices based on their race.
Protections Against Voter Intimidation: There must be strong protections in place against voter intimidation, deception, or obstruction at the ballot box.
Protections Against Discrimination: Prohibits discrimination based on religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age, country of ancestral origin, or change in marital status.
Language Access: Language assistance must be available in qualified communities for voters with limited English proficiency so every eligible voter can participate effectively.
Statewide Database: A central public repository for election and demographic data fosters transparent, evidence-based practices in election administration.
Democracy Canon: Clear instructions guide judges to interpret laws and rules in the most pro-voter, pro-democracy way possible.
