The bill amends Section 11-45-1 of the General Laws regarding "Disorderly Conduct" by updating the language to replace "he or she" with "the person" for clarity. It maintains the existing definitions of disorderly conduct, which include engaging in fighting, making unreasonable noise, using offensive words, obstructing public spaces, and looking into private areas for lascivious purposes. The bill also clarifies that lawful picketing or demonstrations related to labor disputes are not prohibited under certain subdivisions of this section.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section, 11-45-3, which criminalizes "unlawful interference with traffic" on federal and state highways. A person commits this offense if they intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly stand, sit, kneel, or otherwise loiter on a highway in a manner that could reasonably be construed as interfering with the lawful movement of traffic or causing interruption, obstruction, distraction, or delay of motorists.

Penalties for violating this section are severe: first-time offenders face a minimum of one year and a maximum of three years in prison, with the first sixty days of the sentence being ineligible for suspension, deferral, or probation. For a second violation, the sentence ranges from three to five years, with the first year ineligible for suspension, deferral, or probation. For a third violation, the sentence ranges from five to ten years, with the first two years ineligible for suspension, deferral, or probation. If a violation results in the death of a person due to interference with an emergency vehicle, the offender could face a prison term of five to thirty years, with the first five years ineligible for suspension, deferral, or probation. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2296: 11-45-1