It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

SECTION 1. Section 11-44-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 11-44 entitled "Trespass and Vandalism" is hereby amended to read as follows:

{ADD 11-44-1. Vandalism -- Obstruction of lawful pursuits. -- ADD} (a) Every person who shall wilfully and maliciously or mischievously injure or destroy or write upon, paint, or otherwise deface the property of another, or obstruct the use of the property of another, or obstruct another in the prosecution of his lawful business or pursuits, in any manner, the punishment of which is not specifically provided for by statute, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000) and/or be imprisoned not exceeding one (1) year and shall be liable to make restitution for the injury or damage caused.

(b) Where the provisions of "The Domestic Violence Prevention Act", section 12-29-1 et seq., are applicable, the penalties for violation of this section shall also include the penalties as provided in section 12-29-5.

{ADD (c) Every person who is convicted of vandalism under this section shall be required to perform up to twenty (20) hours of community service work. ADD}

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.