The bill amends Section 12-28-5.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 12-28, which pertains to the rights of crime victims, specifically regarding restitution. It stipulates that when a court orders a defendant to make financial restitution to a victim, a civil judgment is automatically entered against the defendant for the restitution amount. If the defendant fails to pay within the court's specified period, the victim can enforce the judgment using all available legal means for collecting delinquent judgments in civil cases. The bill introduces an insertion that waives any initial filing fees and service of process costs associated with enforcing such a civil judgment. Additionally, it allows for the possibility of waiving subsequent filing fees and service of process costs at the court's discretion.

The legislative explanation clarifies that the act aims to amend the current law by removing the financial burden of initial filing fees and service costs from victims seeking to enforce civil judgments for unpaid restitution after the conclusion of a criminal case. The court may also waive subsequent fees and costs. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7800  SUB A: 12-28-5.1
7800: 12-28-5.1