The bill introduces a new chapter titled "Police Traffic Stop Data Collection" to Title 31 of the Rhode Island General Laws, requiring police officers to collect specific data during traffic stops, including demographic information, reasons for the stop, search details, and outcomes. The office of highway safety is responsible for developing a data collection form or electronic system, with data collection starting by January 1, 2024. Historical data from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2023, is also to be analyzed in an annual study, and the collected data can be used in civil proceedings to address discrimination. The bill provides civil liability protection for officers recording data in good faith and mandates police departments to prepare annual reports and certify compliance. Non-compliant departments may face civil actions, and the office of highway safety will issue quarterly summary reports, ensuring individual officer identities are not disclosed.

The bill also amends the Comprehensive Community-Police Relationship Act of 2015, extending the office of highway safety's authorization to study traffic stops for racial disparities until January 1, 2024. It establishes a twelve-member CCPRA advisory committee to advise on the annual study and recommend policies based on the findings. The committee, composed of various representatives, will serve staggered three-year terms and meet quarterly. The bill includes a sunset clause indicating that the office of highway safety's related duties will cease on January 1, 2024, and outlines the process for civil actions against non-compliant police departments, with the bill taking effect immediately upon passage. There are no specific insertions or deletions from current law indicated in the provided text.

Statutes affected:
5889: 31-21.2-6