The bill amends Section 12-19-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 12-19, which pertains to sentencing and execution. It introduces new provisions that require courts to consider whether a defendant is a parent of a child or infant whose well-being may be negatively affected by the parent's absence during sentencing. The court must make a finding regarding the parental status of the defendant and evaluate various factors, including the child's age, the parent's role in caregiving, any special needs of the child, and the relationship between the parent and child.

Defendants are permitted to present a family impact statement at sentencing, which the court must consider prior to imposing any sentence. This impact statement may include testimony from family and community members, written statements, videos, and other documentation. Unless the court finds that the parent poses a significant risk to the community that outweighs the risk of harm to the child from the parent's removal, the court is mandated to impose a sentence of probation, a suspended sentence, or home confinement, allowing the parent to continue caring for their child or children.

The bill also retains existing provisions regarding the selection of punishment by the court, including the reduction of sentences based on time spent in confinement prior to trial and sentencing. Other sections address the authority of the director of corrections regarding the conditions of release and the collection of costs associated with a prisoner's confinement. Overall, the act aims to balance the interests of justice with the well-being of children affected by their parent's legal circumstances, taking effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2162: 12-19-2