2014 -- H 8325

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LC005858

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2014

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- ASSAULTS

     Introduced By: Representatives Craven, Marshall, Ruggiero, O'Brien, and Canario

     Date Introduced: June 12, 2014

     Referred To: House Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 11-5 of the General Laws entitled "Assaults" is hereby amended by

adding thereto the following section:

     11-5-17. Assault or battery for purpose of causing unconsciousness. – Any person

who shall make an assault or battery, or both, by causing, or attempting to cause, another person

to be rendered unconscious by a single punch, kick, or other singular striking motion to the head

of such person for the purpose of bringing about the loss of consciousness of such person, or who

shall knowingly assist, aid, abet, solicit, encourage, counsel, command, or conspire to coerce any

person to commit such an act, shall be deemed to have committed a felony and shall be

imprisoned for not more than three (3) years or fined not more than one thousand five hundred

dollars ($1,500), or both.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC005858

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- ASSAULTS

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     This act would provide that any person who shall commit an assault or battery for the

purpose of causing unconsciousness, a so-called "knockout assault," would be deemed to have

committed a felony, and would be imprisoned for not more than three (3) years, or fined not more

than one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500), or both.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC005858

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