The bill amends Section 11-45-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 11-45, which is titled "Disorderly Conduct." The amendment includes new language that further defines what constitutes disorderly conduct. Specifically, it clarifies that engaging in fighting, threatening, or violent or tumultuous behavior constitutes disorderly conduct when it creates an actual public disturbance. Examples of such disturbances include, but are not limited to, attracting a crowd, impeding traffic, or causing similar disruptions.

The bill also removes subsection (8) from the existing law, which was deleted by a previous legislative act (P.L. 2008, ch. 183, § 1). The remaining provisions, including penalties for disorderly conduct (imprisonment for not more than six months, a fine of not more than five hundred dollars, or both), and the stipulation that lawful picketing and demonstrations are not to be construed as disorderly conduct, remain unchanged. The act will take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5572: 11-45-1