2018 -- H 7748

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LC003762

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2018

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- FLAGS AND EMBLEMS

     Introduced By: Representative Deborah A. Fellela

     Date Introduced: February 28, 2018

     Referred To: House Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 11-15 of the General Laws entitled "Flags and Emblems" is hereby

amended by adding thereto the following section:

     11-15-8. Flag desecration.

     (a) As used in this section, the term "flag of the United States" means any flag of the

United States, or any part thereof, made of any substance, of any size, in a form that is commonly

displayed.

     (b) Whoever knowingly mutilates, defaces, physically defiles, burns, maintains on the

floor or ground, or tramples upon the flag of the United States shall be fined five hundred dollars

($500).

     (c) Nothing contained within this section prohibits any conduct consisting of the disposal

of a flag when it has become worn or soiled.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC003762

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- FLAGS AND EMBLEMS

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     This act would impose a fine of five hundred dollars for desecrating the American flag.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC003762

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