The bill amends various sections of the General Laws in Rhode Island concerning licenses and driving under the influence (DUI). It establishes a new section, 3-5-30, requiring the Department of Business Regulation to prepare and provide an informational booklet about the SafeRIde program, which aims to prevent intoxication-related incidents. A 10% surcharge on all fees and fines related to licenses and violations is established to fund this program. Additionally, a new section, 3-6-19, imposes the same surcharge for licenses, certificates, and violations.

The bill creates section 3-7-30, detailing the SafeRIde program, which offers free transportation for individuals suspected of having a prohibited blood alcohol concentration from licensed establishments to their homes. The program allows requests for transportation to be made by the owner or employees of the establishment serving alcoholic beverages. The Department of Business Regulation is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to implement the SafeRIde program, which will be funded through revenues collected via surcharges on licenses and fines, as well as surcharges assessed by the court for violations of driving under the influence laws.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a $50 surcharge per violation to support the SafeRIde program. It mandates that all fees or fines paid for licenses and violations under this section shall be subject to the surcharge. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
954: 3-5-20, 31-27-2