Senate Passes Raptakis Murder/Parole Bill

STATE HOUSE – The Rhode Island Senate today approved legislation that will require individuals convicted of first- or second-degree murder to serve as least 50 percent of a sentence prior to being eligible for parole.
           
Sponsored by Sen. Leonidas P. Raptakis (D-Dist. 33, Coventry, East Greenwich, West Greenwich), the legislation, 2014-S 2029, will apply the 50 percent sentence requirement to individuals convicted of first- or second-degree murder who have not been sentenced to life in prison.

“Individuals who commit first- and second-degree murder should be expected to serve at least a majority of their sentences and really, I think, they should be serving their full sentences for such a heinous crime,” said Senator Raptakis. “At the very least, they should serve no less than half of their term, which has been the case in some instances.”

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