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 the court assess an additional one-dollar ($1.00) fine on defendants charged with felonies, misdemeanors, petty misdemeanors, or traffic violations, excluding violations related to the parking of vehicles. This surcharge applies to any fine imposed on the defendant per charged offense, regardless of whether the defendant pleads nolo contendere, guilty, or is found guilty.

The clerks of courts for each municipality are responsible for collecting these fines and must transmit the collected surcharges to the crime victims compensation fund within thirty (30) days. The bill clarifies that these costs will be assessed regardless of whether the defendant is sentenced to prison, and the court may waive costs only if the defendant demonstrates an inability to pay. Additionally, judges are allowed to suspend payment obligations for counts or charges exceeding two.

Up to fifteen percent of the funds raised, along with federal matching funds, can be used for administrative expenses related to 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:
7584: 12-25-28