2020 -- H 7543 | |
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LC004390 | |
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND | |
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY | |
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2020 | |
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A N A C T | |
RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- DISORDERLY CONDUCT - PROTECTIVE | |
EQUIPMENT AND DISGUISED MASKS PROHIBITED | |
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Introduced By: Representatives Corvese, Ucci, Jacquard, Johnston, and Canario | |
Date Introduced: February 12, 2020 | |
Referred To: House Judiciary | |
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows: | |
1 | SECTION 1. Chapter 11-11 of the General Laws entitled "Disorderly Conduct" is hereby |
2 | amended by adding thereto the following section: |
3 | 11-11-8. Protective equipment and masks prohibited. |
4 | (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to carry, possess or wear any of the following |
5 | devices during parades, demonstrations, rallies and assemblies: |
6 | (1) A gas mask or similar device designed to filter all air breathed and that would protect |
7 | the respiratory tract and face against chemical irritants commonly deployed by law enforcement; |
8 | (2) Any protective clothing or equipment, designed in which or in part to minimize the |
9 | risk of injury from deadly weapons, including, but not limited to: riot helmets, face visors, body |
10 | armor, vests, neck protection, knee pads, and riot shields and any other apparel or equipment |
11 | worn for the purpose of defeating law enforcement tactics to control crowds; |
12 | (3) A mask or disguise with the specific intent to intimidate or threaten another person. |
13 | (b) It shall be unlawful for any person who is engaged in conduct prohibited by law, to |
14 | wear a mask, hood, makeup, robe, helmet, disguises of any type or facial alteration with the intent |
15 | of avoiding their identification. |
16 | (c) Anyone who violates this section shall be imprisoned for not more than one year or |
17 | shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both. |
18 | (d) The provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to any federal, state or |
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1 | city law enforcement officer performing their official duties. |
2 | SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage. |
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EXPLANATION | |
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL | |
OF | |
A N A C T | |
RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- DISORDERLY CONDUCT - PROTECTIVE | |
EQUIPMENT AND DISGUISED MASKS PROHIBITED | |
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1 | This act would make it a misdemeanor for persons to carry, possess, or wear masks or |
2 | protective clothing or equipment designed to minimize the risk of injury from deadly weapons, |
3 | for the purposes of hindering law enforcement crowd control actions. It would also outlaw |
4 | persons who are engaged in conduct prohibited by law, from wearing disguises with the intent of |
5 | avoiding their identification. |
6 | This act would take effect upon passage. |
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