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5/4/2026
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MEDIA ADVISORY: Senate Judiciary Committee to hear testimony on bills related to immigration, court procedure
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STATE HOUSE — The Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to meet tomorrow to hear testimony on bills related to immigration enforcement and court procedure.
The committee is scheduled to meet Tuesday, May 5, at the rise of the Senate (about 5 p.m.) in Room 313 on the third floor of the State House.
The committee will hear several bills, including:
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2026-S 2045 — by Sen. Meghan E. Kallman (D-Dist. 15, Pawtucket, Providence), which would protect people attending Rhode Island court proceedings from civil arrest without a judicial warrant, ensure court access, set enforcement rules and provide remedies for violations.
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2026-S 2047 — by Sen. Jonathon Acosta (D-Dist. 16, Central Falls, Pawtucket), which would further delineate the definitions of felony, misdemeanor and petty misdemeanor.
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2026-S 2278 — by Sen. Jonathon Acosta (D-Dist. 16, Central Falls, Pawtucket), which would prohibit state and municipal officials or body from entering into and renewing any agreements that will be used to detain individuals for federal civil immigration violations.
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2026-S 2479 — by Sen. Meghan E. Kallman (D-Dist. 15, Pawtucket, Providence), which would prohibit law enforcement agencies from hiring individuals who were hired as a sworn officer of the U.S. Immigration and Customs enforcement Agency on or after Jan. 20, 2025, and apply prospectively to an individual hired on or after Oct. 1, 2026.
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2026-S 2488 — by Sen. Meghan E. Kallman (D-Dist. 15, Pawtucket, Providence), which would prohibit bail bond agents and bail bond recovery agents from engaging in civil immigration enforcement, define such conduct as unprofessional and subject violators to professional discipline under Rhode Island law.
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2026-S 2605 — by Senate Majority Leader Frank A. Ciccone III (D-Dist. 7, Providence, Johnston), which would create the Rhode Island Federal Constitution defense act.
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2026-S 2607 — by Sen. Jacob Bissaillon (D-Dist. 1, Providence), which would establish a cause of action against state government entities for violation of civil rights.
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2026-S 2608 — by Sen. Meghan E. Kallman (D-Dist. 15, Pawtucket, Providence), which would prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing masks without an exception and criminal and civil penalties for violations.
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2026-S 2707 — by Sen. Tiara T. Mack (D-Dist. 6, Providence), which would create an 11-member task force to track and oversee immigration enforcement and support actions in Rhode Island, and who would report back to the General Assembly no later than Jan. 5, 2027, and whose life would expire on March 5, 2027.
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2026-S 2966 — by Sen. Tiara T. Mack (D-Dist. 6, Providence), which would permit all Rhode Island courts to conduct hearings remotely and allow any party or attorney to appear by telephone or video conference, with remote appearances having the same legal effect as in-person appearances.
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2026-S 2967 — by Sen. Tiara T. Mack (D-Dist. 6, Providence), which would bar state and local police from joining federal immigration enforcement programs, limit holding people on detainer without judicial warrants, and require tracking and reporting of requests.
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2026-S 3116— by Senate Majority Leader Frank A. Ciccone III (D-Dist. 7, Providence, Johnston), which would prohibit state or local authorities from voluntary participation in federal civil immigration enforcement. It would not prohibit compliance with a judicial warrant or court order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction.
The Senate Judiciary Committee is chaired by Sen. Matthew L. LaMountain (D-Dist. 31, Warwick, Cranston). The meeting will be broadcast live on Channel 75 for Cox customers. It will also be livestreamed at capitoltvri.cablecast.tv.
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
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