The bill amends Section 11-1-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 11-1, which pertains to the definitions of felony, misdemeanor, petty misdemeanor, and violation. It establishes that a felony is defined as any criminal offense punishable by imprisonment for a term of more than one year. A misdemeanor is defined as an offense punishable by imprisonment for a term of more than six (6) months and not exceeding three hundred sixty-four (364) days, or solely by a fine of more than one thousand dollars ($1,000). A petty misdemeanor is defined as an offense punishable by imprisonment for a term not exceeding six (6) months or solely by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000). Additionally, any offense punishable solely by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500) is classified as a violation.

The bill also clarifies that whenever the phrase "one year" appears in any provision of the general or public laws in reference to the maximum sentence of imprisonment that may be imposed, such phrase shall mean, be interpreted as, and be applied as three hundred sixty-four (364) days. This act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2047: 11-1-2