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 introduces new legal language that clarifies the distinctions between these categories of criminal offenses. Specifically, a felony is defined as any offense punishable by imprisonment for more than one year. A misdemeanor is defined as an offense punishable by imprisonment for more than six months but not exceeding three hundred sixty-four (364) days, or solely by a fine exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000). A petty misdemeanor is characterized as an offense punishable by imprisonment not exceeding six (6) months or solely by a fine of more than five hundred dollars ($500) but not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000).

Additionally, the bill specifies that whenever the phrase "one year" appears in any provision of the general or public laws regarding maximum imprisonment sentences, it shall mean, be interpreted as, and be applied as three hundred sixty-four (364) days. This act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7198: 11-1-2