Advocate

Several pieces of legislation proposed this year at the RI General Assembly would help vulnerable communities. See below for a few bills supported by the Rhode Island Black, Latino, Indigenous, Asian-American and Pacific Islander (RIBLIA) Caucus, a coalition of state senators and representatives.

The “364” Bill

2025-H 5502, sponsored by Representative Leonela Felix (D-61, Pawtucket)
2025-S 0063, sponsored by Senator Jonathon Acosta (D-16, Central Falls, Pawtucket)

For individuals in RI on green cards, a conviction on a misdemeanor charge can have an overly punishing impact. Because these crimes carry a potential prison sentence of up to one year, people may be subject to detention and deportation under a federal law about crimes with a sentence of one year or more. This legislation would decrease the maximum possible misdemeanor by one day to ensure that such harsh consequences don’t flow from a minor offense.

Prohibiting Detention Contracts

2025-H 5724 — sponsored by Representative Joshua Giraldo (D-56, Central Falls)
2025-S 0295, sponsored by Senator Jonathon Acosta (D-16, Central Falls, Pawtucket)

This legislation would prohibit any state or municipal government official or agency from entering into any contract to detain individuals for civil immigration violations and would further prohibit the use of any public resources to detain individuals for federal civil immigration violations.

Prohibiting Inquiry of Prospective Tenants

2025-H 5674 — sponsored by Representative Joshua Giraldo (D-56, Central Falls)
2025-S 0274, sponsored by Senator Ana Quezada, (D-2, Providence)

This legislation would prevent landlords from asking prospective tenants about their citizenship status.

For more information

For more information on how to engage on these and other bills: