Rhode Island Regulations § 100-RICR-20-00-2.2 Notification to the Judiciary and Attorneys

A. The Department of State shall notify, in writing, the Chief Justices of the Rhode Island Superior, Family and District Courts, requesting that such notification be shared with associate justices of the respective Courts, of the obligation imposed by RIRVRA to notify criminal defendants of the potential loss and restoration of their voting rights. Before accepting a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a felony, and before imposing a felony sentence after trial, the Court must notify the defendant that the conviction will result in their loss of the right to vote only if, and for so long as, the person is incarcerated, but voting rights are restored upon discharge from incarceration. Incarceration is interpreted to mean confinement in a prison and does not include home confinement or mandatory confinement in rehabilitation (as opposed to correctional) facilities, or confinement in a so-called halfway house. Such notification shall also be provided to the Chief Judge of the United States District Court of Rhode Island whose compliance will be requested as a matter of accommodation.

B. The Department of State shall notify, in writing, the Rhode Island Bar Association of the provisions of RIRVRA with a request that the Bar Association disseminate the information to all of its member attorneys.

C. A copy of these Rules and Regulations, as formally approved and adopted, will be delivered to the Chief Justices of each court listed above and to the Rhode Island Bar Association.

D. A person convicted of a felony under the laws of any other state, or under the laws of the United States and subsequently incarcerated, shall have their voting rights likewise restored upon discharge from such incarceration.