Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H8090

Introduced

2/27/26

Refer

2/27/26

Caption

RELATING TO DELINQUENT AND DEPENDENT CHILDREN -- PROCEEDINGS IN, FAMILY COURT

Impact

If enacted, HB 8090 would significantly alter the procedures and conduct of law enforcement during juvenile interrogations. It establishes a framework that presumes any statement obtained through prohibited tactics is inadmissible in court, thereby emphasizing the necessity for law enforcement to adhere to ethical interrogation practices. This bill reflects an increasing recognition of the vulnerabilities of youth within the justice system and is likely to cause a shift in how police training focuses on juvenile interactions.

Summary

House Bill 8090 seeks to amend existing family court proceedings related to delinquent and dependent children by prohibiting peace officers from using coercive interrogation tactics during the custodial interrogation of juveniles. Specifically, the bill disallows practices such as threats, physical harm, deceit, coercion, and psychologically manipulative tactics that could unduly influence a juvenile’s statement. This legislation aims to protect young individuals from practices that may lead to false confessions or involuntary statements, which can undermine the integrity of justice for minors.

Contention

While proponents argue that this bill will provide needed safeguards for juveniles and promote fairer treatment in the justice system, there are concerns expressed by some law enforcement officials regarding the implications for the investigation process. Some worry that the restrictions might hinder their ability to effectively gather crucial information, thus complicating ongoing investigations. Furthermore, the burden of proof regarding the voluntariness of statements has been shifted to the state, which could have practical consequences in criminal proceedings involving juveniles.

Latest RI H8090 Activity

View All Events: RI 2026 Regular Session H8090

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5922

Prohibits a peace officer, as defined in § 12-7-21, from employing threats, physical harm, deprivation, deception, coercion, or psychologically manipulative interrogation tactics during the custodial interrogation of a juvenile.

RI S0736

Prohibits a peace officer or a school resource officer from employing threats, physical harm, deprivation, deception, coercion, or psychologically manipulative interrogation tactics during the custodial interrogation of a juvenile.

RI S0560

Amends §§ 14-1-3 and 14-5-8, relating to possession of marijuana and proceedings in family court ensuring that children under 17 years of age in possession of less than 2 oz of marijuana are subject to the jurisdiction of the family court.

RI H5894

RI S0809

Grants Rhode Island's family court jurisdiction to make findings for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status petitions, including determinations about dependency, parental reunification, and the child’s best interest, for minors under twenty-one (21) years.

RI H6120

Grants the family court jurisdiction to make findings for special immigrant juvenile status petitions, including determinations about dependency, parental reunification, and the child’s best interest, for minors/petitioners under 21 years of age.

RI H5261

Permits, effective 7/1/25, the family court to make appropriate orders of support and education of any child who has attained 18 years of age, but not 21, who is domiciled in the home of a parent, and is principally dependent upon said parent for support.

RI S0354

Increases the per page transcription fees for court reporters in court proceedings.

RI H6159