The bill amends Section 12-19-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 12-19, titled "Sentence and Execution," to introduce new considerations for sentencing. It allows courts to select the method and duration of punishment for offenses, while ensuring that any time spent in confinement awaiting trial or sentencing is credited towards the sentence. Notably, the bill mandates that courts must assess whether a defendant is a parent or caregiver of a child or an elderly, disabled, or terminally ill family member. If such a relationship exists, the court is required to consider various factors, including the well-being of the child or family member, before imposing a sentence.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that defendants may present a family impact statement during sentencing, which the court must consider. Unless the court determines that the defendant poses a significant risk to the community, it is encouraged to impose alternatives to incarceration, such as probation or home confinement, to allow the parent or caregiver to continue their responsibilities. Other provisions in the bill address the conditions of release for prisoners and the management of their transition back into the community. The act will take effect upon passage.