2024 -- H 7836

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LC005146

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2024

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- STOPPING, STANDING, AND

PARKING RESTRICTIONS

     Introduced By: Representatives Chippendale, Nardone, Quattrocchi, Newberry,
Casimiro, Rea, Roberts, J. Brien, Casey, and Lima

     Date Introduced: March 01, 2024

     Referred To: House Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 31-21 of the General Laws entitled "Stopping, Standing, and Parking

Restrictions" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

     31-21-19. Safe passage of roadways.

     (a) It shall be unlawful to knowingly engage in the following activities with the intent to

obstruct the free, convenient, and normal use of any municipal, state, or interstate road or highway:

     (1) Deliberately stopping or delaying traffic on a municipal, state, or interstate road or

highway;

     (2) Standing or approaching a motor vehicle on any municipal, state, or interstate road or

highway; or

     (3) Endangering the safe movement of any vehicle on any municipal, state, or interstate

highway.

     (b) This section shall not apply to any lawful activity conducted or authorized by the state,

municipal government, contractor or utility performing authorized or permitted maintenance or

construction activity.

     (c) Any person who violates this section shall be punished as follows:

     (1) For a first offense, by imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to one thousand

dollars ($1,000), or both;

     (2) For a second offense, by imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to five thousand

dollars ($5,000), or both; and

     (3) For a third or subsequent offense, by imprisonment for up to five (5) years or a fine not

to exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,0000), or both.

     (d) A private civil action shall be granted to any third party who demonstrates economic or

other actual harm resulting from any offense under this section.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- STOPPING, STANDING, AND

PARKING RESTRICTIONS

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     This act would penalize as a misdemeanor for the first two offenses and a felony for any

third or subsequent offense for obstructing the free, convenient, and normal use of any municipal,

state or interstate road or highway.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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