The bill amends Rhode Island law concerning domestic violence and protective orders, introducing new provisions that require any law enforcement officer who presents a case in court for the violation of a protective order to self-certify that they have successfully completed a specialized domestic violence prosecution training course. This requirement will take effect on July 1, 2025, and the training must be updated every four years, aligned with national best practices and eligible for continuing legal education credits as approved by the Rhode Island Bar Association.

The bill specifies that violations of protective orders shall be presented at the initial appearance by a member of a law enforcement agency and/or prosecuted by an attorney appointed by the prosecuting authority. It also mandates that the written order releasing the person charged or the written order issued at the time of disposition must contain a directive from the court stating that violation of the order is a criminal offense and will subject a violator to arrest. A copy of the order must be provided to the victim.

Additionally, the bill allows individuals under a protective order to transfer their firearms to a federally licensed dealer for sale or transfer to a qualified individual, while strictly prohibiting the return of firearms to the restrained individual during the order's duration, with violations classified as felonies. It outlines the process for returning firearms once the protective order expires and emphasizes the need for timely hearings for those who have surrendered firearms. The bill clarifies the jurisdiction of district and family courts over adult and juvenile violations and establishes penalties for protective order violations, including fines and potential imprisonment.

Statutes affected:
6286: 8-8.1-3, 12-29-4, 15-15-3