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Senate passes S 63 to revise misdemeanor definitions amid debate over immigration effects
Summary
The Rhode Island Senate approved S 63, a one‑page bill revising misdemeanor definitions in state law, after discussion about possible immigration consequences and prior Attorney General concerns. The measure passed with 32 senators voting in the affirmative.
The Rhode Island Senate on Feb. 25, 2025, passed S 63, a one‑page bill that revises state definitions of misdemeanors and other offenses to clarify differences between minor and more serious crimes. Senator Jonathan Acosta, sponsor of the measure, moved its passage; the chamber recorded 32 senators in the affirmative and the bill passed.
The change is narrow in form but prompted debate because of potential interactions with federal immigration law. Proponents said the text is a technical cleanup; opponents warned it could alter which state convictions carry immigration consequences. The discussion referenced a prior letter from the state Attorney General urging caution and noted that similar changes in other states have prompted later reversals.
Senator Jonathan Acosta, the bill's sponsor, described S 63 as "quite simple," saying, "All it does is clean up some language differentiating and delineating between minor offenses and more egregious offenses." He said the proposal had been considered in prior sessions (2022–2024) and that staff, including the Senate's director of policy, reviewed relevant statutes before returning the bill for a vote. Acosta also said his "understanding is that the attorney general's position is now that this is a policy decision." He added that federal immigration rules already disqualify certain offenses: "All crimes involving moral turpitude, regardless of whether they are misdemeanors or felonies, are disqualifying for a pathway to citizenship and already covered by federal regulations."
Senator Lita De La Cruz said she had voted for the measure in prior years but would oppose it this time, citing concerns from prosecutors and examples from other states. She noted Utah enacted a similar change in 2019 and is considering reversing that change six years later. De La Cruz stressed that some Rhode Island misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail — including assault, larceny and domestic battery — are intent crimes and said, "we shouldn't be changing all our misdemeanor laws to get around federal immigration laws. For that reason, I will be voting no."
Senator Morgan asked how the measure interacts with prior statutory changes concerning "moral turpitude," noting earlier revisions to state language and seeking clarity on how those changes affect the current bill.
After debate and a roll call, the clerk reported "There are 32 in the affirmative, and this bill passes." The Senate then ordered the bill transmitted as required by chamber rules.
Votes at a glance: the chamber also adopted a slate of resolutions and confirmations with voice or recorded votes during the same session. Items specifically recorded in the transcript include:
- Appointment of Michael F. Sweeney to the Quonset Development Corporation board: recorded vote, 37 in the affirmative, item passes. - Reappointment of David M. Langley to the Quonset Development Corporation: recorded vote, 37 in the affirmative, item passes. - Senate resolutions (voice or unanimous consent) passed recognizing Scouting month (Narragansett Council), declaring September as substance use recovery awareness month, proclaiming February as Black History Month, commemorating the anniversary of Dominican Independence Day, and expressing condolences on the passing of John M. Murphy.
The Senate adjourned after disposing of the calendar and made several committee and scheduling announcements for upcoming budget workshops and committee meetings.
