2015 -- H 5193

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LC000681

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2015

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES - DISORDERLY CONDUCT

     Introduced By: Representatives Canario, Edwards, Hull, Almeida, and Shekarchi

     Date Introduced: January 21, 2015

     Referred To: House Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 11-45 of the General Laws entitled "Disorderly Conduct" is hereby

amended by adding thereto the following section:

     11-45-3. Obstruction of a freeway. -- (a) A person commits the crime of obstruction of

a freeway if or she intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly, alone or with others, restricts traffic

flow of a freeway.

     (b) Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall, upon conviction, be

guilty of a misdemeanor, and imprisoned for a term of not more than one year, or fined not more

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

     (c) For the purposes of this section, "freeway" means a way especially designed for

through traffic over which abutters have no easement or right of light, air, or access by reason of

the fact that their property abuts upon the way, and shall include, without limitation, all roads

designated as part of the interstate highway system.

      (d) In no event shall this section be construed to prevent lawful picketing or lawful

demonstrations including, but not limited to, those relating to a labor dispute.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC000681

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES - DISORDERLY CONDUCT

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     This act would define the act of obstruction of a freeway as a person who intentionally,

knowingly, or recklessly, alone or with others, restricts traffic flow of a freeway. Any person

found guilty of obstruction would, be guilty of a misdemeanor, and would upon conviction, be

imprisoned for a term of not more than one year or fined not more than five hundred dollars

($500).

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC000681

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