RIBLIA Caucus presents their legislative priorities
In addition to LEOBOR, the Rhode Island Black, Latino, Indigenous, Asian-American, and Pacific Islander Caucus presented more than 25 pieces of priority legislation.
From a series of press releases and the press conference:
The Rhode Island Black, Latino, Indigenous, Asian-American, and Pacific Islander Caucus (RIBLIA) has announced several priorities for any Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights (LEOBOR) reform bill for the caucus to support the legislation.
The caucus is chaired by Senator Jonathon Acosta (Democrat, District 16, Central Falls, Pawtucket) and Representative Leonela Felix (Democrat, District 61, Pawtucket).1
“Reform to the LEOBOR has been long overdue in our state and the RIBLIA Caucus is hopeful that this essential change will take place this session,” said Senator Acosta and Representative Felix in a statement. “The caucus will not support change just for change’s sake and there are specific reforms that our members have prioritized for any proposed legislation that the caucus will support. We believe that these areas of specific reform will go a long way in helping to restore trust between many members of the public and law enforcement while also holding bad law enforcement officers accountable for their conduct unbecoming of a servant to the public.”
The four priorities that the caucus wants to be included in any LEOBOR reform bill are:
Annual public reporting provision - Currently, there is no formal reporting mechanism for cases or outcomes of LEOBOR hearing panels, leading to difficulties in dispelling myths surrounding the types of cases heard by LEOBOR panels. The caucus proposes establishing an annual public reporting provision to address the lack of transparency regarding LEOBOR cases and outcomes by implementing a formal reporting mechanism that provides comprehensive data on LEOBOR cases, allowing for greater transparency and accountability.
Full removal of gag order - The existing gag order undermines public trust in police department leadership by silencing both departmental leadership and accused officers, often leading to perceptions of defending accused police officers by remaining silent. The caucus proposes to fully remove the gag order to enable both departmental leadership and accused officers to speak openly about allegations of misconduct. By removing the gag order, this facilitates open communication about allegations, thereby enhancing transparency and accountability.
Summary suspension up to 14 days without pay - Currently, if a police chief suspends an officer for an infraction for more than two days, that officer can challenge the suspension at a LEOBOR hearing. The caucus proposes to extend the period of summary suspensions from two days to 14 days, without pay, before it may be challenged in a LEOBOR hearing. Extending the period of summary suspensions allows for a more efficient disciplinary process by providing a longer period for summary suspensions, reducing the frequency of LEOBOR hearings and administrative burdens on the departments.
Clear language mandating concurrent LEOBOR proceedings - Currently, police chiefs delay LEOBOR proceedings until after the criminal investigation and/or trial has concluded, resulting in prolonged disciplinary action for officers involved in misconduct. The caucus proposes that LEOBOR proceedings run concurrently with any criminal investigation and/or prosecution. By mandating concurrent LEOBOR proceedings, officers can be disciplined or terminated for misconduct regardless of criminal prosecution outcomes, thereby streamlining the disciplinary process and ensuring timely accountability.
The Black Lives Matter RI PAC stated support of RIBLIA’s LEOBOR reform priorities.
“We hope such calls are met with the support of legislators throughout the general assembly, including those in state leadership,” said BLM RI PAC President Harrison Tuttle in a statement. “As identified by the Rhode Island Black, Latino, Indigenous, Asian-American, and Pacific Islander Caucus, these 'must-have' amendments will drive us closer to police accountability and transparency for which misconduct is committed in our cities and towns by law enforcement. While the BLM RI PAC remains committed to advocating for the complete repeal of LEOBOR, we recognize the General Assembly's lack of action over the past four years. In light of this, we support the most impactful reforms proposed today. If these reforms are implemented, they will bring us one step closer to the legislative changes demanded during the historic protests in Rhode Island nearly four years ago.”
At the same press conference, the Coalition released its 2024 legislative policy agenda at a press conference in the Senate Lounge.
“The wide variety of bills RIBLIA will be advocating for this session represents our continued commitment to lifting the downtrodden, defending the marginalized, and ensuring a fair and equitable society for all Rhode Islanders,” said Senator Acosta and Representative Felix. “Times are tough for many of our fellow residents, and while there are many other bills that would enhance and support our communities, these bills that have been highlighted by the caucus will have a significant and meaningful effect on bettering the lives of so many that call Rhode Island home.”
RIBLIA will be focusing its attention and advocacy on the following pieces of legislation:
2024-S 2189, 2024-H 7304, sponsored by Senator Mack and Representative Stewart, requires landlords of residential properties to give tenants notice of rent increase at least 90 days before an increase and requires notice requirement for rent increases for month-to-month tenants who are over the age of 62 years, to 120 days.
2024-S 2824, 2024-H 7746, sponsored by Senator Melissa Murray (Democrat, District 24, Woonsocket, North Smithfield) and Representative Cruz, provides that landlords deposit tenant security deposits in interest-bearing accounts.
2024-S 2417, 2024-H 7962, sponsored by Senator Mack and Representative Cruz, creates a tenant bill of rights to the right to counsel, the right to habitability, the right to organize freely, the right to be free from discrimination, the right to first refusal if the landlord decides to sell the property, and right to renew the lease.
2024-S 2764, 2024-H 7967, sponsored by Senator Murray and Representative Stewart, updates the Homeless Bill of Rights to add rules governing encampments and includes the right to clean and sanitary conditions.
2024-S 2555, 2024-H 7776, sponsored by Senator Mack and Representative Rebecca Kislak (Democrat, District 4, Providence), would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $20 million to support the Down Payment Assistance program.
2024-S 2355, 2024-H 7338, sponsored by Senator Murray and Representative Alzate, creates an additional Rhode Island personal income surtax of 3% on taxable income over $1 million, with the existing three-bracket personal income tax structure remaining in place.
2024-S 2021, 2024-H 7532, sponsored by Senator Dawn Euer (Democrat, District 13, Newport, Jamestown) and Representative Felix, allows individuals employed in domestic service or in or about a private home to be included as an employee, for purposes of minimum wages law.
2024-S 2121, 2024-H 7171, sponsored by Senator Valarie Lawson (Democrat, District 14, East Providence) and Representative Giraldo, raises temporary caregiver benefits to 12 weeks and expands eligible recipients to include siblings and grandchildren.
2024-S 2169, 2024-H 7678, sponsored by Senator Meghan Kallman (Democrat, District 15, Pawtucket, Providence) and Representative Morales, imposes a 75-cent surcharge on fares charged by rideshare companies, as well as creating an account to benefit RIPTA from the payment of sales taxes collected from rideshares.
2024-S 2847, 2024-H 7124, sponsored by Senator Cano and Representative Diaz, creates the Rhode Island Child Care Assistance Program that governs both family eligibility for the state’s child care subsidy program and the rates paid to childcare providers serving families receiving a subsidy.
2024-S 2141, 2024-H 7211, sponsored by Senator Quezada and Representative Alzate, repeals the provisions of the General Laws allowing deferred deposit providers, also known as “payday lenders.”
2024-S 2320, 2024-H 7400, sponsored by Senator Cano and Representative Justine Caldwell (Democrat, District 30, East Greenwich, West Greenwich), requires free breakfast and lunches to be provided for all elementary and secondary students attending public schools.
2024-H 7514, sponsored by Representative Felix, creates a new chapter for the support and access to bilingual education. Senator Cano will be introducing the bill in the Senate.
2024-S 2866, 2024-H 7397, sponsored by Senator Cano and Representative Alzate, provides that the permanent foundation educational aid program would provide state funding for school-based mental health services under specified conditions.
2024-S 2100, 2024-H 7527, sponsored by Senator Acosta and Representative Felix, would further delineate the definitions of felony, misdemeanor, and petty misdemeanor.
2024-S 2462, 2024-7637, sponsored by Senator Acosta and Representative Felix, establishes the Restrictive Housing Oversight Committee to monitor the use of restrictive housing (solitary confinement), as well as disciplinary and administrative confinement at the Department of Corrections.
2024-S 2779, 2024-H 7474, sponsored by Senator Alana DiMario (Democrat, District 36, Narragansett, North Kingstown, New Shoreham) and Representative Alzate, would propose to the voters of the state a constitutional amendment regarding eligibility to vote and to be a candidate.
2024-S 2281, 2024-H 7335, sponsored by Senator Mark McKenney (Democrat, District 30, Warwick) and Representative Morales, requires that the state's share of public libraries be fixed at 25% of the amount appropriated by the city or town in their budgets for fiscal year 2024, utilizing funds from the General Fund or the American Rescue Plan Act.
2024-S 2281, 2024-H 7386, sponsored by Senator McKenney and Representative Stewart, encourages and protects the freedom of public libraries to acquire materials without limitations and prohibits materials from being removed from public libraries due to partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
2024-S 2677, 2024-H 7164, sponsored by Senator Quezada and Representative John Lombardi (Democrat, District 8, Providence), allows expungement of multiple felony convictions for nonviolent felonies 10 years after the sentence is completed.
2024-S 2069, 2024-H 7153, sponsored by Senator Murray and Representative Morales, caps the total amount that a covered person is required to pay for a covered prescription asthma inhaler to $25 per 30-day supply.
2024-S 2262, 2024-H 7577, sponsored by Senator Euer and Representative John Edwards (Democrat, District 70, Tiverton), enacts the Health Care Provider Shield Bill, precluding any individual from interfering with another’s access to transgender health care services and reproductive health care services.
2024-S 2402, 2024-H 7887, sponsored by Senator Ujifusa and Representative Stewart, urges Congress to protect patients and traditional Medicare from Medicare Advantage.
2024-S 2195, 2024-H 7724, sponsored by Senator Mack and Representative Henries, prohibits discrimination based on race by expanding the definition of race to include traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protected hairstyles.
The RIBLIA Caucus represents and advocates for the interests of disadvantaged people throughout the State of Rhode Island. It seeks to increase diverse participation and representation in all levels of government. The goal is to close, and ultimately eliminate, disparities that still exist between white and non-white Americans in every aspect of life.
In addition to Senator Acosta and Representative Felix, the caucus includes Representative Marvin L. Abney (Democrat, District 73, Newport, Middletown); Representative Karen Alzate (Democrat, District 60, Pawtucket, Central Falls); Representative Jose F. Batista (Democrat, District 12, Providence); Representative Nathan W. Biah (Democrat, District 3, Providence); Representative Cheri L. Cruz (Democrat, District 58, Pawtucket); Representative Grace Diaz (Democrat, District 11, Providence); Representative Joshua J. Giraldo (Democrat, District 56, Central Falls); Representative Brianna E. Henries (Democrat, District 64, East Providence, Pawtucket); Representative Raymond A. Hull (Democrat, District 6, Providence, North Providence); Representative David Morales (Democrat, District 7, Providence); Representative Ramon A. Perez (Democrat, District 13, Providence, Johnston); Representative Enrique Sanchez (Democrat, District 9, Providence); Representative Jennifer Stewart (Democrat, District 59, Pawtucket); Senator Robert Britto (Democrat, District 18, East Providence, Pawtucket); Senator Sandra Cano (Democrat, District 8, Pawtucket); Senator Victoria Gu (Democrat, District 38, Charlestown, South Kingstown, Westerly); Senator Tiara Mack (Democrat, District 5, Providence); Senator Ana B. Quezada (Democrat, District 2, Providence) and Senator Linda L. Ujifusa (Democrat, District 11, Portsmouth, Bristol).
great details- thank you