Changes the community service requirements of a sentence related to the violation of § 11-44-21.1 relating to defacing private residences, offices, businesses or commercial property.
Impact
The proposed changes would significantly alter the way graffiti offenders are sentenced in Rhode Island. By increasing the community service requirements, especially for repeat offenders, the bill emphasizes accountability and remediation efforts. The court will also have the authority to order restitution to victims based on removal and repair costs, thus impacting how victims are made whole in cases of vandalism.
Summary
Bill S0139, introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly, aims to amend the existing laws regarding graffiti and vandalism under 'Trespass and Vandalism' statutes. This bill revises the penalties associated with defacing private and public properties. For first and second offenses, the bill stipulates a requirement of community service between 40 and 100 hours, along with monetary fines. Subsequent offenses could lead to a felony charge, with more stringent penalties, including increased community service hours up to 300 and higher fines.
Conclusion
Overall, S0139 reflects a legislative effort to respond to public concerns about vandalism while aligning consequences with community service that aims at restoring the harm caused. If passed, it would lead to a systematic modification of existing legal frameworks to reflect a more rehabilitative approach for offenders, while also pushing for financial accountability towards repairing damage done.
Contention
While the bill seeks to deter graffiti vandalism by imposing stricter penalties, it may raise concerns regarding enforcement and the efficacy of community service as a punishment. Critics could argue that simply increasing community service hours may not address the underlying issues of youth behavior or vandalism motivations. Additionally, there could be debates around the justice of imposing these penalties on minors, with potential implications for their future opportunities, particularly regarding driver’s licenses and fines that parents may need to cover.
Changes the community service requirements of a sentence related to the violation of § 11-44-21.1 relating to defacing private residences, offices, businesses or commercial property.
Changes the community service requirements of a sentence related to the violation of § 11-44-21.1 relating to defacing private residences, offices, businesses or commercial property.
Changes the fine for any person convicted of a first violation of this chapter from $85 to $200, and increases the period of time that the violator may be ordered to pick up litter.
Changes the fine for any person convicted of a first violation of this chapter from $85 to $200, and increases the period of time that the violator may be ordered to pick up litter.
Establishes the second look act and would permit incarcerated individuals to petition the sentencing court to consider a motion to reduce a sentence after the defendant has served at least ten (10) years of the sentence.
Establishes the second look act and would permit incarcerated individuals to petition the sentencing court to consider a motion to reduce a sentence after the defendant has served at least ten (10) years of the sentence.
Increases mandatory liability coverage for retail alcoholic beverage license holders from $300,000 to $1,000,000/Prevents injured consumers of alcohol recovering damages/Increases mandatory min jail sentence for 2nd time violation of DUI of alcohol/drugs.
Exempts out-of-state businesses and their employees performing services, during declared state or federal disasters or emergencies, from state or local business requirements, as well as state or local taxes or fees.
Gives authority to the DLT to enforce violations of the laws relating to corrosion prevention and mitigation work requirements. Also adds civil monetary penalties for violations of those laws.