AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- USE OF CROSSWALKS, INTERSECTIONS AND SAFETY ZONES (Prohibits solicitation of money or other donations while an individual is standing or sitting in a crosswalk, intersection or safety zone.)

S2969

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:
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SECTION 1. Title 31 of the General Laws entitled "MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES"
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is hereby amended by adding thereto the following chapter:
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CHAPTER 18.1
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USE OF CROSSWALKS, INTERSECTIONS AND SAFETY ZONES
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31-18.1-1. Definitions.

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As used in this chapter:
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(1) “Crosswalk” has the same meaning as set forth in § 31-1-25.
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(2) “Intersection” has the same meaning as set forth in § 31-1-24.
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(3) “Safety zone” has the same meaning as set forth in § 31-1-26.
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31-18.1-2. Prohibiting solicitations in a crosswalk, intersection or safety zone.

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(a) No individual shall solicit monetary or other donations, while standing or sitting at a
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crosswalk, intersection or safety zone within the state.
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(b) The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to the collection of tolls on any municipal
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or state road or highway.
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31-18.1-3. Penalties.

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(a) Any individual who knowingly violates a provision of § 31-18.1-2 shall be penalized
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as follows:
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(1) For a first violation, by a fine up to two hundred and fifty dollars ($250) and/or thirty

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(30) hours of a community service program, related to state roads or highways;
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(2) For a second violation, by a fine up to five hundred dollars ($500) and sixty (60) hours
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of a community service program related to state roads or highways; and
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(3) For a third and subsequent violation, by imprisonment up to one year.
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(b) A judge or magistrate may order, in the judge's or magistrate's discretion, mental health
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counseling or any other appropriate counseling to an individual who violates this chapter.
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SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
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LC005826
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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
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standing or sitting in a crosswalk, intersection or safety zone.
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This act would take effect upon passage.
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LC005826
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