2015 -- S 0333

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LC001254

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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 -- TRESPASS AND VANDALISM

     Introduced By: Senators Ciccone, McCaffrey, Felag, and Walaska

     Date Introduced: February 12, 2015

     Referred To: Senate Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 11-44 of the General Laws entitled "Trespass and Vandalism" is

hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

     11-44-33. Injury to private property. – (a) Every person, firm or corporation who is the

owner of land abutting another property owner shall maintain and control any and all debris

generated by a tree or shrubs that create a nuisance to the abutting property owner. "Nuisance"

means any debris that is not controlled, enters a dwelling, and/or causes the affected property

owner unnecessary work or costs.

     (b) Any person, firm, or corporation violating the provisions of this section shall, upon

adjudication, be required to remove said tree or shrubs, contain said tree or shrubs to prevent

future debris, and be subject to a civil penalty of not more than five hundred dollars ($500) for

each offense.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC001254

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

     RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- TRESPASS AND VANDALISM

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     This act would require a property owner to maintain trees or shrubs that create a nuisance

to an abutting property owner.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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