Alert: Bills, Bills, Bills

Author

White Rose RI
April 07, 2025

"Alert" in white font on a black background. On the left, a red and white siren, and on the right, a red and white alarm clock.

(Well, only two bills)

Bill Tracker

Reminders for Legislative Advocacy

  • Be aware that written testimony submitted to any committee is considered public and will be posted to and accessible on the General Assembly website.

  • All times and locations given below are accurate as of the writing of this newsletter, but the RI Legislature is prone to changing time and locations of hearings with little notice. If you want to give in-person testimony for a bill, go to this Bill Lookup Page to double check the bill status and meeting information before you go. Put the bill number (no H, no S) in the Bills input field and hit Enter for the most up to date information.

  • Rise of the House or the Senate is when the full House or Senate finishes meeting together and breaks into separate committee meetings.

  • For in-person testimony, when you arrive and/or during the meeting, you will receive instructions on when and how you can give testimony. Don’t be afraid to poke someone who looks like they know what they’re doing and ask.

Immigration Reform Bills

Bill Numbers: H5225 and H5724

Summary: 

  • H5225 limits the ability for any federal immigration authority to investigate, detain, apprehend or arrest any individuals for potential violations of federal immigration laws without a judicial warrant within certain protected locations.

  • H5724 prohibits any state or municipality from entering into or renewing contracts to detain individuals for civil immigration violations, and if such contract exists, it must end by July 1, 2026 and prohibits using public resources to detain those individuals.

Our Position: FOR / IN SUPPORT OF

Current Status: Scheduled for hearing / consideration on April 10, 2025

How to Submit Written Testimony:

  • Due: Thursday, April 10, 3:00pm

  • Write a short statement for each bill, 1-3 paragraphs, explaining why you support the bill.

    • Include your name, the bill number (H5225 and H5724), and your viewpoint (FOR).

  • Email written testimony to:

How to Give In-Person Testimony:

  • Attend one of the committee meetings:

    • The House Committee on Judiciary, Thursday, April 10, at the Rise of the House (usually around 4:00pm) in the House Lounge - State Lounge at the State House

  • Be prepared to share a brief statement about why you support each bill. Include your name, the bill number (H5225 and H5724) , and your viewpoint (FOR).