Rhode Island · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 7281: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- EXPUNGEMENT OF CRIMINAL RECORDS
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 7281 is a bill introduced in the Rhode Island House on January 23, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- EXPUNGEMENT OF CRIMINAL RECORDS. Primary sponsor: Robert Craven (Democratic), Evan Shanley (Democratic), Enrique Sanchez (Democratic), Carol McEntee (Democratic), David Place (Republican), Rebecca Kislak (Democratic), Jennifer Stewart (Democratic), Brandon Potter (Democratic), Jon Brien (Independent), Cherie Cruz (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (April 2, 2026): 04/02/2026 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.
Reduces the time for expungements to 3 years for a single misdemeanor and 5 years for felonies and multiple misdemeanors.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 8 · Independent 1 · Republican 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robert Craven | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 32 |
| Evan Shanley | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 24 |
| Enrique Sanchez | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 9 |
| Carol McEntee | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 33 |
| David Place | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 47 |
| Rebecca Kislak | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 4 |
| Jennifer Stewart | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 59 |
| Brandon Potter | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 16 |
| Jon Brien | Primary sponsor | Independent | House | 49 |
| Cherie Cruz | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 58 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- 04/02/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
- 03/27/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/02/2026)
- 01/23/2026 Introduced, referred to House Judiciary