H7550

Rhode Island H7550 criminalizes unlawful interference with traffic on federal and state highways, setting mandatory minimum sentences.

Rhode Island H7550 amends the disorderly conduct statute to criminalize and set mandatory minimum sentences for unlawful interference with traffic on federal and state highways. The bill defines unlawful interference with traffic as loitering on highways under circumstances that could reasonably be construed as interfering with the lawful movement of traffic or causing interruption, obstruction, distraction, or delay of any motorist. Violators face felony charges and mandatory minimum prison sentences, with escalating penalties for subsequent offenses. The bill takes effect upon passage.