The bill amends Section 11-37-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 11-37, entitled "Sexual Assault," by expanding the definition of "force or coercion" used in sexual assault cases. The new legal language inserted specifies that if the accused is a peace officer who has the victim detained, in custody, under arrest, confined in a correctional or law enforcement facility, in a work release program, or on probation, parole, or other form of conditional release, and engages in certain actions, it constitutes force or coercion. These actions include being responsible for the victim's status, having supervisory authority over the victim's conditional release, or having the authority to influence the victim's release terms, provided that none of the circumstances set forth in §§ 11-37-2 or 11-37-4 exist.

The explanation provided by the Legislative Council clarifies that the act aims to further define coercion to include sexual assault by a member of law enforcement who has the victim under arrest, in custody, or detained, or by any person who has supervisory authority over the victim's parole, probation, or home confinement. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5896: 11-37-1