The bill amends Section 31-27-4.1 of the General Laws concerning motor vehicle offenses, specifically addressing the crime of eluding a law enforcement officer during a high-speed pursuit. The new legal language establishes that any individual who attempts to flee from a police officer in an emergency vehicle while operating a motor vehicle at speeds exceeding fifteen miles per hour over the speed limit, or who causes property damage exceeding one thousand dollars, will be guilty of a felony. Upon conviction, the penalties include imprisonment for up to five years, a fine ranging from five thousand to ten thousand dollars, a license suspension for one to two years, and potential forfeiture of the motor vehicle.

The bill significantly increases the penalties compared to the previous law, which allowed for lesser sanctions such as up to one year of incarceration and fines between five hundred and one thousand dollars for first-time offenders. The previous provisions for second or subsequent convictions, which included longer sentences and higher fines, have been removed entirely. This legislative change aims to impose stricter consequences for individuals who engage in high-speed pursuits, thereby enhancing public safety. The act will take effect immediately upon passage.