Rhode Island Senate passes bill to make disarming police officer a felony

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The Rhode Island Senate has passed legislation that would make it a felony to disarm or attempt to disarm a police officer.

Bill 2026-S 2292, introduced by Louis P. DiPalma, is aimed at increasing penalties for actions lawmakers say pose serious risks to law enforcement and the public.

Under the legislation, anyone who knowingly removes or attempts to remove a firearm, deadly weapon or less-lethal weapon from a police officer could face felony charges. The bill also applies to attempts to take or disable a police officer’s communication equipment, including radios or mobile devices used in the line of duty.

If convicted, a person would face a prison sentence ranging from one to five years.

Supporters of the bill say the measure is intended to deter dangerous encounters involving police officers and reduce the risk of violence during interactions.

The legislation now heads to the House, where a companion bill, 2026-H 7753, has been introduced by Rep. Earl A. Read III.