It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

SECTION 1. Chapter 46-22 of the General Laws entitled "Regulation of Boats" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following sections:

46-22-9.6. False distress or hoax calls. -- (a) Whoever, knowing the same to be false, transmits or causes to be transmitted by radio, telephone, use of emergency flares or other means of communication, the alleged occurrence or impending occurrence of an emergency situation which threatens the life, or safety of a person and/or the loss of property, to any state, federal or local law enforcement or other public safety agency shall be guilty of transmitting a false distress or hoax call.

(b) Any person charged with the commission of the foregoing shall, upon conviction, be subject to imprisonment not to exceed one (1) year and a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). In addition to any other fines or penalties imposed under this section, the person or persons convicted shall pay restitution for any cost related to the emergency response to the false or hoax call.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.