HOLDING GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABLE: RHODE ISLAND CIVIL RIGHTS ENFORCEMENT ACT RESTORES REAL REMEDIES FOR CONSTITUTIONAL VIOLATIONS
Government too often violates our God-given and constitutional rights with zero consequences. Right now, state courts offer no meaningful way for everyday citizens to hold government entities accountable. On this episode, we are breaking down the Civil Rights Enforcement Act and why it may be the most important bill the RI General Assembly considers this year.
On #InTheDugout with Mike Stenhouse, we sit down with Richard A. Sinapi and former RI Supreme Court Justice Robert Flanders to confront a stark reality: in Rhode Island, you have constitutional rights on paper, but no effective remedy when government violates them. For decades following the Bandoni v. State decision, courts have left victims without recourse for harms to free speech, search and seizure protections, due process, victims’ rights, and other core liberties. This legislation changes that by restoring the ability to sue government entities themselves for damages.
Sten gets straight to the heart of the matter with his guests. Richard A. Sinapi, a longtime civil rights and employment attorney honored by the RI ACLU for his First Amendment work, helped draft the bill and explains how it plugs dangerous gaps left by federal law like 42 U.S.C. § 1983. Former Justice Robert Flanders, who authored a powerful dissent in the 1998 Bandoni case, brings unique insight into why the General Assembly must act to enforce the rights Rhode Island voters have repeatedly affirmed through referenda. Together they address real-world scenarios where average Rhode Islanders could finally seek justice from protecting free speech and Second Amendment rights to guarding against federal overreach on issues like abortion policy or due process failures.
This is the conversation Rhode Islanders need right now. Government must obey the Constitution it claims to uphold, and this bill puts real teeth behind that demand without stripping protections for individual officers or creating new taxpayer burdens. It simply restores accountability that existed for nearly 30 years before court rulings quietly stripped it away. No new rights, just real remedies. Rhode Island deserves better than empty promises of rights without enforcement.
Watch the full episode of #InTheDugout now and join the discussion. What do you think? Should the General Assembly pass H7352 and S2607 this session? Share your thoughts below and help turn the tide on government overreach.
Once you tune into #InTheDugout Podcast, you’ll be hooked. This show is unlike any other – it’s funny, informative, and inspiring all at the same time. The stories and guests featured on #InTheDugout are sure to entertain and educate listeners of all ages. If you’re looking for a new podcast to add to your rotation, look no further than #InTheDugout.
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#InTheDugout Podcast is the perfect show for you! Our host, Sten, interviews interesting people who have something to say about the Ocean State. You won’t want to miss out on this show. Be sure to tune in and hear what everyone is talking about. You never know who might be on the show next! We’ve had guests ranging from politicians to local business owners to celebrities, and everyone in between. If you’re looking for a show that will keep you entertained and informed, look no further than #InTheDugout. So what are you waiting for? Tune in today!
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