Rhode Island Senate Passes Bill Making Disarming Peace Officers a Felony
The Rhode Island Senate voted 34-3 on April 7 to pass legislation making attempts to disarm peace officers—including Brown and RISD police—a felony offense rather than a misdemeanor. Sponsored by Sen. Louis DiPalma at the request of Newport Police Chief Ryan Duffy, the bill was prompted by a 2023 incident in which someone attempted to remove an officer's weapon. Senators Acosta and Mack opposed the measure, citing concerns about disproportionate impact on communities of color. The bill now moves to the House.
