Rhode Island · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 7037: AN ACT RELATING TO DELINQUENT AND DEPENDENT CHILDREN -- PROCEEDINGS IN FAMILY COURT
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 7037 is a bill introduced in the Rhode Island House on January 9, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: AN ACT RELATING TO DELINQUENT AND DEPENDENT CHILDREN -- PROCEEDINGS IN FAMILY COURT. Primary sponsor: Karen Alzate (Democratic), Marie Hopkins (Republican), Sherry Roberts (Republican), June Speakman (Democratic), Rebecca Kislak (Democratic), Mary Ann Shallcross-Smith (Democratic), Jason Knight (Democratic), Tina Spears (Democratic), Susan Donovan (Democratic), Casimiro. Most recent recorded action (April 16, 2026): 04/16/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Prohibits handcuffing children twelve (12) or under at initial police contact unless needed for public safety or if the child is using or threatening physical force against an officer.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 7 · Republican 2
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karen Alzate | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 60 |
| Marie Hopkins | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 21 |
| Sherry Roberts | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 29 |
| June Speakman | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 68 |
| Rebecca Kislak | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 4 |
| Mary Ann Shallcross-Smith | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 46 |
| Jason Knight | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 67 |
| Tina Spears | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 36 |
| Susan Donovan | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 69 |
| Casimiro | Primary sponsor | Not applicable (committee) | — | — |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- 04/16/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
- 04/10/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/16/2026)
- 01/09/2026 Introduced, referred to House Judiciary