Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H5733

Introduced
2/21/23  

Caption

Powers And Operations

Impact

The passage of H5733 would significantly impact state laws governing the investment behaviors of financial institutions. By preventing investments in private detention centers, the bill asserts a strong stance against the commercialization of prison management, signaling the state's intent to prioritize ethical considerations over financial gains associated with for-profit incarceration. Furthermore, by mandating the divestment of existing securities related to these entities within a year, the bill seeks to enforce a more immediate transition away from such financial engagements.

Summary

House Bill 5733 addresses the operations of financial institutions in relation to private detention centers. The bill explicitly prohibits these institutions from providing financing or investing in any company that owns or manages a private detention facility under contract with the government. This legislative measure aims to curtail the financial support for the privatization of prison management by disallowing institutions from maintaining any financial stakes in such operations.

Contention

Discussion surrounding H5733 has revealed notable points of contention. Proponents of the bill argue that it is a necessary step toward dismantling the profit-driven motivations behind incarceration and ensuring that prison management prioritizes rehabilitation over revenue. However, opponents may raise concerns about the implications for financial markets, arguing that the restriction could impede investment opportunities and hamper the financial health of institutions previously engaged in such investments. There are broader social justice implications at play, particularly regarding accountability and ethical governance in the management of prisons.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H358

Continuing Budget Operations Part II

RI SB3992

GOV OPERATIONS PROTECTION ACT

RI SB2366

GOV OPERATIONS PROTECTION ACT

RI SF4147

Certain powers removal and reallocation

RI HB1727

State Security Operations Center; create within ITS to serve as operational arm of statewide cybersecurity.

RI HB1592

The appointments, operations, and powers of the lignite research council, the powers of the industrial commission, and public record exemptions.

RI H0335

Spaceport Operations

RI S449

Continuing Budget Operations Part IV

RI H125

Continuing Budget Operations

RI HB5696

Property tax: exemptions; personal property used in agriculture operations; exclude property used to cultivate marihuana. Amends sec. 9 of 1893 PA 206 (MCL 211.9).

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