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SB 2058

AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- TRESPASS AND VANDALISM

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Pete Appollonio and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island SB 2058 tightens graffiti penalties, adds restitution requirements, and extends accountability to guardians for graffiti offenses, with enhanced penalties for minors a

05/12/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2058

Overview

  • Bill: SB 2058
  • Session: 2026
  • Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
  • Committee: Senate Judiciary
  • Sponsor(s): Tikoian, Raptakis, Ciccone, Appollonio, Paolino, Thompson, Burke, McKenney, Famiglietti, LaMountain; additional co-sponsors listed
  • Purpose: Clarify and modify penalties and restitution related to graffiti defacing private property (trespass and vandalism provisions), with added consequences for minors and potential family-guardian liability.

Main purpose and intent

The bill amends Rhode Island’s graffiti-related offense under § 11-44-21.1 to adjust sentencing ranges for community service and to provide additional provisions when the offense involves minors or when graffiti disrupts public safety infrastructure (overpasses/underpasses).

Key provisions and changes

  • Graffiti definitions and offenses (existing § 11-44-21.1) are retained but penalties are adjusted:

    • First and second offenses: misdemeanor penalties with a targeted community service range of 40 to 100 hours cleaning/remediating graffiti on state or local properties; a fine cap of up to $1,000 (and up to $1,000 assessed if the graffiti blocks traffic and requires coordinated safety measures).
    • Third or subsequent offenses: felony penalties, with imprisonment up to 2 years, fines up to $2,000, and community service of 40 to 300 hours for cleaning/remediating graffiti on state/local properties.
    • Restitution: courts must order restitution to victims for removal, repair, or replacement costs.
    • Additional assessment: if graffiti is on an overpass/underpass and affects traffic or requires extra safety resources, the court can impose an additional $1,000 assessment.

  • Minor offenders (Section 1(b)):

    • Family court can suspend the minor’s driver’s license or invalidate a learner’s permit for one year, in addition to other penalties.
    • Family court may order the parent/guardian to pay restitution up to $10,000 if graffiti was a direct result of neglect or lack of supervision.
    • Contempt: failure to comply with restitution orders may result in contempt, with potential installment payments for up to seven years.

  • Effective date: The act takes effect upon passage.

Who/what is affected

  • Individuals convicted of graffiti defacement of private residences, offices, businesses, or public/private properties (11-44-21.1).
  • Minors who commit graffiti offenses (subject to family court remedies and potential license suspensions for the minor).
  • Parents or guardians of minors found liable for graffiti, where negligence is implicated.
  • Victims of graffiti who require removal/repair/replacement (entitled to restitution).
  • State/local property owners or authorities responsible for graffiti cleanup, especially on infrastructure like overpasses/underpasses.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Introduced January 9, 2026; referred to Senate Judiciary; scheduled hearing/consideration for May 12, 2026.
  • Implementation: The act states it takes effect upon passage, meaning it would apply immediately once signed into law.
  • Ordering and enforcement: Court-ordered restitution and potential fines are specified; for minors, additional juvenile and family court processes may apply, including potential suspension of driving privileges and guardian restitution liability.

Potential impact considerations

  • Stricter or clearer penalties for graffiti offenses, with enhanced consequences for repeat offenders.
  • Increased emphasis on accountability for guardians in cases where graffiti results from lack of supervision.
  • Financial restitution to victims is codified, potentially enabling faster remediation costs recovery.
  • Minor-focused provisions introduce additional leverage for juvenile justice interventions, including school or guardian involvement and long-term consequences for driving privileges.
  • Infrastructure-focused penalties (additional $1,000 assessment) create an extra funding mechanism for safe cleanup efforts when graffiti interferes with traffic.

If you’d like, I can provide a plain-language executive summary or a side-by-side comparison with the current law to highlight all changes more distinctly.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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