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6/9/2026
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Assembly approves legislation to assist victims of stalking with relocation and home security expenses
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STATE HOUSE — The General Assembly today approved legislation from Sen. Matthew L. LaMountain and Rep. Jenni A. Furtado to allow stalking victims to recover relocation or home modification expenses from the existing Crime Victim Compensation Program.
“Victims of stalking often incur significant relocation and home security expenses to allow them to live safely, and too often they deal with these financial and logistical burdens without assistance,” said Senator LaMountain (D-Dist. 31, Warwick, Cranston), who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee. “This is an ideal use for the Crime Victim’s Compensation Program, which has assisted innocent Rhode Islanders with the financial aftermath of violent crime for decades and will now be able to help provide physical safety and a resulting measure of psychological relief for stalking victims.”
Said Representative Furtado (D-Dist. 64, East Providence, Pawtucket), “Every year, hundreds of crime victims in Rhode Island are supported by the Crime Victim Compensation Program, but until now, victims of stalking were not among them. Providing resources for stalking intervention — such as relocation, new locks and increased home security — saves lives. With this bill, we are helping to ensure that financial means do not dictate a victim’s ability to feel secure from their stalker in their own home.”
The Crime Victim Compensation Program provides reimbursement to Rhode Islanders for expenses related to violent crime, including medical, dental, and counseling expenses; relocation expenses; and funeral costs, among others. Currently victims of stalking do not qualify for the program. This bill (2026-S 3263, 2026-H 7547), introduced at the request of General Treasurer James A. Diossa, would make victims of stalking eligible specifically for emergency compensation for relocation or reasonable home security modifications to their home.
“The passing of this legislation creates a vital lifeline for victims of stalking that so often find themselves trapped in dangerous living situations,” said Treasurer Diossa. “Survivors should never have to choose between their safety and their financial stability and this legislation will allow them to have access to resources that can help them make necessary safety improvements. We are grateful to Senator LaMountain and Representative Furtado and our partners in the General Assembly for recognizing this need and advancing this important measure.”
The legislation now goes to the governor for his consideration.
For more information, contact:
Tristan Grau, Publicist
State House Room B20
Providence, RI 02903
401.222.4935
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