Rhode Island 2022 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2257

Introduced
2/11/22  

Caption

Residence Of Individuals In Government Custody Act

Impact

Upon enactment, S2257 would mandate the Department of Corrections to maintain a comprehensive electronic record of incarcerated individuals' last known addresses prior to their incarceration. This data would inform the secretary of state for accurate population counts during federal decennial censuses. The bill emphasizes the confidentiality of individual identities, ensuring the information collected does not allow for identification outside of the Department of Corrections. By incorporating this demographic data, the legislation aims to create more equitable representation in the state’s legislative districts.

Summary

Bill S2257, titled the 'Residence of Individuals in Government Custody Act,' aims to amend election laws to better reflect the actual residences of individuals who are in government custody, particularly those incarcerated in correctional facilities. The bill's primary objective is to ensure that these individuals are counted at their home addresses rather than their correctional facility addresses during population counts used for redistricting purposes. This legislative change is designed to correct discrepancies observed in census data outcomes, which traditionally classify incarcerated persons as residents of their places of incarceration instead of their actual residences.

Contention

While the bill proposes a significant adjustment to how incarcerated individuals are counted for electoral purposes, it may face challenges regarding implementation and public perception. Critics could raise concerns about the potential implications of counting incarcerated individuals at their home addresses, particularly in communities where incarceration rates are high. Furthermore, discussions during committee considerations highlight a possible resistance from those who believe that redistricting should naturally account for demographic shifts rather than intervening through specific legislation aimed at individuals in custody.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5538

Requires state use actual residences of persons in government custody for redistricting purposes. Information would be collected by the department of corrections and forwarded to the division of statewide planning, to be utilized for redistricting.

RI H5274

Requires state use actual residences of persons in government custody for redistricting purposes. Information would be collected by the department of corrections and forwarded to the secretary of state to be utilized for redistricting.

RI S0524

Requires state use actual residences of persons in government custody for redistricting purposes. Information would be collected by the department of corrections and forwarded to the division of statewide planning, to be utilized for redistricting.

RI H7668

Requires state use actual residences of persons in government custody for redistricting purposes. Information would be collected by the department of corrections and forwarded to the division of statewide planning, to be utilized for redistricting.

RI S2304

Requires state use actual residences of persons in government custody for redistricting purposes. Information would be collected by the department of corrections and forwarded to the division of statewide planning, to be utilized for redistricting.

RI SB874

In election districts and polling places, providing for residence of incarcerated individuals.

RI HB7335

Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in ICE and CBP Custody Act

RI S0299

Prohibits members of law enforcement from engaging in sexual penetration with individuals in their custody. The act also provides that a person convicted of custodial law enforcement sexual penetration would face imprisonment for not more than 3 years.

RI HB1147

Supporting civic engagement for incarcerated and institutionalized individuals in state custody to promote inclusion and rehabilitation.

RI SB291

An Act To Amend Title 11 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Reporting And Review Of Deaths Of Individuals In Custody Of Law Enforcement.

Similar Bills

CA AB1140

An act to add Section 2069 to the Penal Code, relating to prisons.

LA HB432

Provides relative to redistricting data involving incarcerated individuals

NC S421

Prison Reform Omnibus

ME LD1616

An Act to Eliminate Requirements for Drivers to Surrender Their Physical Driver's Licenses During a Temporary Suspension

US HB8044

Get Justice-Involved Veterans BACK HOME Act Get Justice-Involved Veterans Behavioral Assistance and Care for Key Health Outcomes to Maintain Empowerment Act

US SB4162

Get Justice-Involved Veterans BACK HOME Act Get Justice-Involved Veterans Behavioral Assistance and Care for Key Health Outcomes to Maintain Empowerment Act

RI H5274

Requires state use actual residences of persons in government custody for redistricting purposes. Information would be collected by the department of corrections and forwarded to the secretary of state to be utilized for redistricting.

CA SB1446

Incarcerated persons: release and parole.