Prohibits the state, municipalities, or courts from attempting to collect any motor vehicle violation fines or costs, after more than seven (7) years of the fine becoming final.
If enacted, S2339 would significantly alter the landscape of debt collection related to traffic violations. This change would mean that once the seven-year period has passed, individuals cannot be pursued for previously incurred traffic fines. Proponents of the bill argue that this would provide relief to motorists who may otherwise face outdated debts that have long been extinguished in practical terms. It would also relieve the administrative burden on courts and local governments in tracking and enforcing these older penalties.
Bill S2339 is a legislative proposal concerning the adjudication of traffic offenses in Rhode Island. Specifically, it seeks to amend existing laws to limit the collection of fines and costs related to motor vehicle violations. Under this bill, state agencies, municipalities, and courts would be prohibited from attempting to collect any fines or costs from motorists after a period of seven years has elapsed since the violation was finalized and unappealable. The bill emphasizes a temporal constraint on debt collection, aligning it with similar principles seen in other legal contexts.
There may be points of contention surrounding this bill, particularly regarding its implications for governance and revenue collection. Critics may argue that such a limitation could lead to a reduction in compliance with traffic laws, as some individuals might perceive less incentive to address violations that would eventually be unenforceable. Opponents might also express concerns about potential loss of revenue for municipalities that rely on traffic fines for funding local services. Supporters, however, argue that the bill is a necessary reform aimed at providing fairness and modernizing the approach to enforcement and collection of minor traffic offenses.