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 a one-dollar ($1.00) fine be imposed on defendants charged with felonies, misdemeanors, petty misdemeanors, or traffic violations, excluding violations related to the parking of vehicles. The clerks of courts for each municipality are required to collect this fine and transmit the collected surcharges to the crime victims' compensation fund within thirty (30) days.

Additionally, the bill specifies that these costs cannot be waived by the court unless the defendant demonstrates an inability to pay. It allows judges to suspend the obligation to pay on counts or charges above two when multiple charges are involved. The act also 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