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HB 8482

AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- MOTOR VEHICLE OFFENSES

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

HB 8482 replaces tiered DUI penalties with a unified sentencing framework and increases penalties for driving offenses that cause death or serious injury.

05/05/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · HB 8482

Summary of HB 8482 (Rhode Island, 2026 Session)

Purpose and Overall Effect

HB 8482, introduced April 29, 2026, proposes to reform motor vehicle offense penalties in Rhode Island by increasing penalties for certain driving offenses and replacing existing enhanced punishment structures for DUI-related offenses with a single, unified sentencing framework. The act applies to sections within Rhode Island General Laws Chapter 31-27 (Motor Vehicle Offenses) and would take effect upon passage.

Key shift:
- Increase in severity for driving offenses that endanger others resulting in death or serious injury.
- Repeal of the current tiered enhancement system for specific DUI-related offenses and substitution with a consolidated range of penalties.

Section-by-Section Overview of Provisions

1) Driving Endangering Offenses

  • 31-27-1. Driving so as to endanger, resulting in death
    • Current: Conviction can lead to imprisonment up to 10 to 20 years and license suspension up to 5 years.
    • Proposed: Maintains possibility of significant imprisonment (up to 20 years) and license suspension up to 5 years with updated statutory language.
  • 31-27-1.1. Driving so as to endanger, resulting in serious personal injury
    • Current: Up to 5 to 10 years in prison, license suspension up to 3 years.
    • Proposed: Retains substantial prison time (up to 10 years) and license suspension up to 3 years; clarifies definition of “serious bodily injury.”

2) DUI-Related Death

  • 31-27-2.2. Driving under the influence of liquor or drugs, resulting in death
    • Current: A tiered structure with first and subsequent offenses, with long prison terms, high fines, and license revocation; includes requirements related to proof of financial responsibility and potential mandatory treatment.
    • Proposed: Replaces the tiered structure with a single, amended sentencing range anchored to first and subsequent offenses within defined periods, but the text indicates flat ranges for first and second+ offenses. The exact numerical consolidation is described, but the effective ranges appear to be adjusted with higher minimums and broader maximums, plus license revocation and treatment provisions retained.
    • Notable: The act emphasizes license suspension/revocation periods and financial responsibility, as well as potential court-ordered treatment, continuing to require proof of financial responsibility and rehabilitation options.

3) DUI-Related Serious Bodily Injury

  • 31-27-2.6. Driving under the influence of liquor or drugs, resulting in serious bodily injury
    • Current: Punishments include imprisonment up to 10 to 20 years for a misdemeanor-to-felonious spectrum, fines, license revocation up to several years, and potential mandatory treatment.
    • Proposed: Retains broad range of penalties but consolidates and clarifies sentencing ranges, with imprisonment up to 20 years, fines up to $10,000, and license revocation up to 3–5 years. Second or subsequent offenses within 5 years carry stiffer penalties (up to 15 years imprisonment, higher fines, longer license revocation) and treatment requirements.
    • Adds: Continued authority for treatment programs at the offender’s expense; reinstatement of license remains contingent on proof of financial responsibility and no grounds for license refusal.

Who Is Affected

  • Individuals charged with:
    • Driving so as to endanger resulting in death or serious personal injury.
    • Driving under the influence (DUI) resulting in death or serious bodily injury.
  • The changes impact sentencing judges, the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for license suspension/reinstatement actions, and individuals subject to financial responsibility requirements and potential treatment programs.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Effective Date: The act would take effect upon passage.
  • Revisions apply to offenses as defined in sections 31-27-1, 31-27-1.1, 31-27-2.2, and 31-27-2.6.
  • Status: Introduced and referred to House Judiciary (as of the bill’s current status in the 2026 session).

Notes for Readers

  • The bill emphasizes stricter or at least more clearly defined penalties for dangerous driving outcomes (death or serious injury) and for DUI-related incidents.
  • It replaces existing enhancement provisions for repeat DUI offenses with a unified (or consolidated) range of penalties, while still allowing for enhanced treatment requirements and financial responsibility proof.
  • If enacted, expect updated sentencing guidelines to influence plea negotiations, sentencing discretion, and DMV license action in DUI cases.

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

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