2022 -- H 7411

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LC003954

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2022

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO CRIMINALS -- CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS -- LOSS OF RIGHTS BY

PRISONERS

     Introduced By: Representatives Shanley, Amore, Craven, and Batista

     Date Introduced: February 09, 2022

     Referred To: House Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 13-6-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 13-6 entitled "Loss of Rights

by Prisoners" is hereby repealed.

     13-6-1. Life prisoners deemed civilly dead.

     Every person imprisoned in the adult correctional institutions for life shall, with respect to

all rights of property, to the bond of matrimony and to all civil rights and relations of any nature

whatsoever, be deemed to be dead in all respects, as if his or her natural death had taken place at

the time of conviction. However, the bond of matrimony shall not be dissolved, nor shall the rights

to property or other rights of the husband or wife of the imprisoned person be terminated or

impaired, except on the entry of a lawfully obtained decree for divorce.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC003954

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO CRIMINALS -- CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS -- LOSS OF RIGHTS BY

PRISONERS

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     This act would repeal the provision of the general laws declaring prisoners serving a life

sentence civilly dead.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC003954

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