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S 2717RHODE ISLANDSession 2026State Billdead

Did Not Advance

Rhode Island bill adds criminal penalties for driving with a license suspended over physical or mental fitness

Original title: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF LICENSES -- VIOLATIONS (Adds criminal penalties for operation of a motor vehicle after a suspension for lack of physical or mental fitness, or as a result of frequency of offenses pursuant to § 31-11-7 (a)(1)(i) or as result of a court ordered suspension.)

Last action · March 31, 2026: Committee recommended measure be held for further studySponsors: John Burke and 4 others

Companion · H 8097same policy, House version

Bill progressHistory & official text ↓

Introduced

Committee

Floor Vote

Passed

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What This Bill Proposed

This bill establishes criminal penalties for operating a motor vehicle after a license suspension resulting from a lack of physical or mental fitness, frequent driving offenses, or a court order.

Why it matters

Drivers caught operating a vehicle while suspended under these specific fitness or frequency provisions face new criminal charges and potential penalties under state law.

Who It Would Have Affected

Groups the bill's text would have affected, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Motor vehicle operators with suspended licenses

Drivers operating a vehicle with a license suspended for physical or mental fitness, frequent offenses, or court order face new criminal penalties.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

What triggers the new criminal penalties under this bill?

The new penalties apply when someone operates a motor vehicle after their license has been suspended due to a lack of physical or mental fitness, frequent offenses, or a court order.

What else do you want to know?

News Coverage

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Where This Stands

This bill did not become law - Died at adjournment · in Senate committee.

Procedural history

3 actions

Mar 31, 2026
Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Mar 27, 2026
Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/31/2026)
Feb 27, 2026Introduced
Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary

Version history

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Lobbying Activity

No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.

Full breakdown

Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.

Related Legislation

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