2026 -- S 2969

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LC005826

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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 -- USE OF CROSSWALKS,

INTERSECTIONS AND SAFETY ZONES

     Introduced By: Senators Raptakis, Famiglietti, Tikoian, Patalano, Appollonio, Dimitri,
McKenney, Rogers, Paolino, and LaMountain

     Date Introduced: March 04, 2026

     Referred To: Senate Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Title 31 of the General Laws entitled "MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES"

is hereby amended by adding thereto the following chapter:

CHAPTER 18.1

USE OF CROSSWALKS, INTERSECTIONS AND SAFETY ZONES

     31-18.1-1. Definitions.

     As used in this chapter:

     (1) “Crosswalk” has the same meaning as set forth in § 31-1-25.

     (2) “Intersection” has the same meaning as set forth in § 31-1-24.

     (3) “Safety zone” has the same meaning as set forth in § 31-1-26.

     31-18.1-2. Prohibiting solicitations in a crosswalk, intersection or safety zone.

     (a) No individual shall solicit monetary or other donations, while standing or sitting at a

crosswalk, intersection or safety zone within the state.

     (b) The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to the collection of tolls on any municipal

or state road or highway.

     31-18.1-3. Penalties.

     (a) Any individual who knowingly violates a provision of § 31-18.1-2 shall be penalized

as follows:

     (1) For a first violation, by a fine up to two hundred and fifty dollars ($250) and/or thirty

(30) hours of a community service program, related to state roads or highways;

     (2) For a second violation, by a fine up to five hundred dollars ($500) and sixty (60) hours

of a community service program related to state roads or highways; and

     (3) For a third and subsequent violation, by imprisonment up to one year.

     (b) A judge or magistrate may order, in the judge's or magistrate's discretion, mental health

counseling or any other appropriate counseling to an individual who violates this chapter.

     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 -- USE OF CROSSWALKS,

INTERSECTIONS AND SAFETY ZONES

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     This act would prohibit solicitation of money or other donations while an individual is

standing or sitting in a crosswalk, intersection or safety zone.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC005826

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