2026 -- S 2493

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- MOTOR VEHICLE OFFENSES

     Introduced By: Senators Raptakis, Patalano, Thompson, Appollonio, Famiglietti,
Tikoian, Burke, and Paolino

     Date Introduced: February 06, 2026

     Referred To: Senate Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 31-27-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-27 entitled "Motor

Vehicle Offenses" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     31-27-4. Reckless driving and other offenses against public safety.

     Any person who operates a motor vehicle recklessly so that the lives or safety of the public

might be endangered, or operates a vehicle in an attempt to elude or flee from a traffic officer or

police vehicle, or who commits one or more moving violations while traveling at least twenty-five

miles per hour (25 mph) shall be guilty of a misdemeanor for the first conviction and a felony for

the second and each subsequent conviction a felony and shall be imprisoned for not more than five

(5) years and fined not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000), nor more than five thousand dollars

($5,000).

     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 -- MOTOR VEHICLE OFFENSES

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     This act would increase the penalties for reckless driving from a misdemeanor first offense

to a felony, with a penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine of between one thousand dollars

($1,000) and five thousand dollars ($5,000).

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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