Rhode Island law currently bars parolees and probationers from voting, but members of the House Judiciary Committee unanimously voted to amend the law after hearing testimony from advocacy groups and ex-felons. The twin measures, which call for a 2006 voter referendum to amend the state constitution, still must pass the full House; the state Senate approved companion legislation last month.

The voting ban has been on the books since a constitutional amendment passed in 1986. Rhode Island is the only New England state that bars parolees and probationers from voting, requiring them to petition the General Assembly to have their voting rights restored.

An estimated 15,500 state residents would be affected by the measure.

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