The bill amends Chapter 31-10 of the General Laws by adding a new section, 31-10-3.1, which prohibits the suspension of driving privileges for individuals unable to pay costs associated with traffic offenses or judicial proceedings. Instead of suspending licenses, courts may order community service or allow payment in installments for those found guilty but lacking financial means. Additionally, the bill prevents any court or state agency from suspending a person's operator's or chauffeur's license for failure to pay child support, taxes, or other financial obligations, limiting such suspensions to convictions of driving offenses.

The bill also introduces new sections that establish criteria for denying vehicle registration and renewal based on delinquent taxes, unpaid court costs, and outstanding tolls or fines. Specifically, it creates sections 31-3-6.1, 31-3-6.2, and 31-3-6.3, which outline the denial of registration and renewal for individuals with unpaid taxes, court costs, or out-of-state toll amounts.

Furthermore, the bill amends Section 31-10-3 to clarify eligibility criteria for obtaining operators' and chauffeurs' licenses, removing the requirement for proof of financial responsibility and prohibiting license suspensions unless there has been a conviction for driving offenses.

The bill repeals Section 15-11.1-7, which allowed for license suspension due to noncompliance with child support orders, and makes amendments to the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, establishing new penalties for drug-related offenses.

These changes aim to streamline vehicle registration processes and ensure that license suspensions are directly tied to driving violations. The act will take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5259: 15-11.1-7, 21-28-4.1, 31-10-3