The bill amends Section 12-25-28 of the General Laws in Chapter 12-25, titled "Criminal Injuries Compensation," to establish a special indemnity account for criminal injuries compensation. It mandates that the court assess an additional one-dollar ($1.00) fine on defendants charged with felonies, misdemeanors, petty misdemeanors, or traffic violations, excluding violations related to the parking of vehicles. This fine is to be collected for each charged offense where the defendant pleads nolo contendere, guilty, or is found guilty.

The clerks of courts for each municipality are responsible for collecting these fines and transmitting the collected surcharges to the crime victims' compensation fund within thirty days. The bill specifies that these costs cannot be waived by the court unless the defendant demonstrates an inability to pay. It also allows judges to suspend payment obligations for defendants facing multiple charges beyond two counts.

Additionally, the bill allocates up to fifteen percent of the funds raised for administrative expenses necessary to operate the program, ensuring that federal funds do not replace existing state funds. The act is set to take effect one year after its passage.

Statutes affected:
825: 12-25-28