The bill amends Section 12-19-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 12-19 entitled "Sentence and Execution" to include new provisions regarding the sentencing of individuals who are parents or caregivers. The new language inserted into the law mandates that the court, when imposing a sentence, must determine if the defendant is a parent of a child or an infant, or a caregiver of an elderly, disabled, or terminally ill family member. If the defendant's absence would negatively affect their dependents, the court is required to consider various factors such as the age of the child, the defendant's role in the child's or dependent's care, any special needs of the dependent, and the financial support provided by the defendant.

Additionally, the bill allows defendants to present a family impact statement during sentencing, which the court must consider. Unless the court finds that the defendant poses a significant risk to the community that outweighs the potential harm to the defendant's family by their absence, the court is directed to impose a sentence of probation, a suspended sentence, or home confinement to allow the defendant to continue caring for their dependents. The bill also includes provisions for the collection of costs related to the prisoner's confinement and allows for the early release of inmates under certain conditions. The act would take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7048: 12-19-2