H 8063

2026 -- H 8063
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 LC005198
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  STATE  OF        RHODE  ISLAND
  IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
  JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
  ____________
  AN ACT
  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:
1SECTION 1. Sections 11-37-3 and 11-37-8.2 of the General Laws in Chapter 11-37 entitled
2 "Sexual Assault" are hereby amended to read as follows:
311-37-3. Penalty for first degree sexual assault.
4Every person who shall commit sexual assault in the first degree shall be imprisoned for a
5 period not less than ten (10) years and may be imprisoned for life; provided, however, that the
6 sentencing court shall ensure that the victim or victims approve of any negotiated sentence imposed
7 on the offender.
811-37-8.2. Penalty for first degree child molestation sexual assault.
9Every person who shall commit first degree child molestation sexual assault shall be
10 imprisoned for a period of not less than twenty-five (25) years and may be imprisoned for life;
11 provided, however, that the sentencing court shall ensure that the victim or victims, or their parents
12 or guardian, approve of the any negotiated sentence imposed on the offender.
13SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
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 LC005198
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  EXPLANATION
  BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
  OF
  AN ACT
  RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- SEXUAL ASSAULT
  ***
1This act would require that any court sentencing a person for first degree sexual assault or
2 first degree child molestation, have the approval of the victim before imposing any negotiated
3 sentence upon the offender.
4This act would take effect upon passage.
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LC005198
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