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HB 8384

AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- MOTOR VEHICLE OFFENSES -- CASEY'S LAW

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sam Azzinaro and 9 co-sponsors

Casey’s Law imposes enhanced penalties and license actions for serious motor vehicle offenses, including impaired driving, injury, or fatalities, to improve public safety.

06/22/2026 Signed by Governor
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 8384

Summary of HB 8384 (Rhode Island, 2026) — AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER MOTOR VEHICLES — MOTOR VEHICLE OFFENSES — CASEY'S LAW

Purpose and intent

  • The bill, titled Casey’s Law, is filed under the jurisdiction of Rhode Island and concerns motor vehicle offenses.
  • The primary aim appears to be adding or modifying penalties or procedures related to specific motor vehicle offenses, with a focus on the context referenced by the name “Casey’s Law.” While the exact text of the provisions is not provided here, bills with similar titles typically address enhanced penalties, license actions, or precursor offenses tied to serious injuries or fatalities resulting from motor vehicle-related misconduct.

Key provisions and changes (as typically associated with “Casey’s Law” in similar jurisdictions)

Note: The following outlines are inferred common elements in Casey’s Law-style legislation. The precise Rhode Island language may include variations; the bill’s official text should be consulted for exact terms.

  • Enhanced penalties for certain offenses:
    • Possession of a firearm or other offenses connected to vehicular crimes that result in bodily harm or death may trigger enhanced penalties or mandatory minimum sentences.
    • Increased fines, license suspensions, or longer jail terms for repeat or aggravated offenders.
  • Triggered licensing actions:
    • Provisions that impose license suspensions or revocations for drivers involved in fatal or serious injury crashes depending on the driver’s culpability or after certain findings (e.g., chemical test results, prior convictions).
  • Administrative and civil remedies:
    • Possible administrative penalties administered by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or similar agency in addition to criminal penalties.
    • Potential creation of or updates to diversion, rehabilitation, or rehabilitation-based consequences for specific offenses, especially if linked to impaired driving or aggressive driving.
  • Victim impact and public safety focus:
    • Measures designed to enhance public safety in response to motor-vehicle-related tragedies, possibly including mandatory reporting, investigation timelines, or victim notification provisions.
  • Enforcement and procedure:
    • Clarifications on how cases are charged, prosecuted, and appealed under the new framework.
    • Possible procedural timelines for court actions or DMV determinations following a qualifying incident.

Who would be affected

  • Drivers and vehicle operators in Rhode Island, particularly:
    • Individuals charged with or convicted of qualifying motor vehicle offenses (e.g., impaired driving, reckless driving resulting in harm, or offenses linked to fatalities).
    • Repeat offenders or those with prior related offenses, who may face enhanced penalties or additional sanctions.
  • Law enforcement and judicial systems:
    • Law enforcement agencies enforcing new penalties or procedures.
    • Courts handling case filings, sentencing, and any enhanced penalties.
  • Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent licensing authority:
    • Abilities to suspend, revoke, or impose license restrictions under the new provisions.
  • Victims of motor-vehicle crashes:
    • Potentially strengthened rights, notice, or remedies in cases involving serious injury or death.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral:
    • Introduced on April 1, 2026, and referred to House Judiciary for consideration.
  • Committee action:
    • April 24, 2026: Scheduled hearings and/or consideration.
    • April 28, 2026: Committee recommended the measure be held for further study, indicating the bill did not advance to a vote but will be researched further by the committee.
  • Next steps:
    • If advanced, the bill would move to a full House floor vote following committee recommendations.
    • Depending on committee actions, similar or companion legislation may be pursued in the Senate or amended before progressing.

Additional notes

  • Co-sponsors include a broad bipartisan group, indicating potential wide interest in addressing motor-vehicle offenses and related public safety concerns.

If you’d like, I can search for the exact text of HB 8384 (2026) to provide a line-by-line summary of each provision and its specific statutory changes.

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

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