Rhode Island

Rhode Island

6/26/07

R.I.: Rhode Island does away with mandatory minimum drug sentencing rules  

Associated Press 

6/22/07

Rhode Island: Senate votes to eliminate mandatory minimum drug sentences

Associated Press

6/14/07

Rhode Island: State may revise guidelines for drug sentences

Providence Journal

5/31/06
Coalition seeks repeal of harsh mandatories
DARE (Direct Action for Rights and Equality) is leading a coalition fighting to repeal Rhode Island's harsh 10- and 20-year mandatory minimum sentences.

Rhode Island is the only state in New England where a person can be sentenced to life for possessing or selling marijuana. Its lowest mandatory minimum sentence for marijuana is twice as long as the top penalty for cocaine offenses in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

The coalition is waiting for the results of a House Judiciary Committee meetings on the bills. Should lack of time stall the progress in this session, the bill sponsors will resubmit them next year.

A recent poll by the Bureau of Government Research and Services at Rhode Island College shows the public is ready for the proposed changes.

Eighty percent of those surveyed were in favor of requiring nonviolent drug offenders charged with possession of a small quantity of drugs to undergo treatment and community service instead of being sent to jail. Most respondents also supported increased funding for drug courts (64 percent in favor, 20 percent opposed, 16 percent undecided).

FAMM members and concerned Rhode Island citizens can find the bill information here.

For more information, contact Mimi Budnick, DARE organizer, at 401-351-6960.