RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- RESIDENCE OF INDIVIDUALS IN GOVERNMENT, CUSTODY ACT
Impact
The enactment of H7668 aims to address a significant discrepancy in how incarcerated populations are accounted for in the census. Currently, many incarcerated individuals are counted as residing at their facility rather than their home addresses. By amending how these individuals are represented during redistricting, the bill seeks to enhance electoral representation for communities with high incarceration rates, thereby ensuring that the political voice of these communities is not diluted by the census practices that classify incarcerated individuals as residents of correctional facilities.
Summary
House Bill H7668, known as the Residence of Individuals in Government Custody Act, mandates that the actual residences of persons in government custody be used for state redistricting purposes. The bill obligates the Department of Corrections to collect and maintain electronic records of the legal residences of individuals entering its custody after January 1, 2027. This information, along with demographic data, is to be reported annually to the Division of Statewide Planning, which will utilize it in redistricting population data applicable to various electoral districts.
Contention
The bill has sparked discussions about the implications of accurately representing individuals in custody in the electoral process. Supporters argue that it is a crucial step toward more equitable representation, allowing communities with a significant number of incarcerated residents to better reflect their population in legislative districts. Critics may express concerns about the potential for politicization of incarceration data and highlight challenges regarding the accuracy of records maintained by the Department of Corrections, including issues related to confidentiality and data management.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Allows a minor between the ages of 14 -17 without a permanent residence/in custody of the DCYF to get state identification card without a signature from parent, guardian or foster parent as well as a certified copy of minor's birth certificate at no cost.
Allows a minor between the ages of 14 - 17 without a permanent residence/in custody of the DCYF to get state identification card without a signature from parent, guardian or foster parent as well as a certified copy of minor's birth certificate at no cost
Provides for a cause of action against an individual or entity that prohibits the possession of firearms on real property, except residences, by an individual that is authorized and licensed to carry a firearm.
Permits the division of unclaimed property within the office of the general treasurer to accept miscellaneous intangible property belonging to Rhode Island residents.