The bill amends Chapter 31-27 of the General Laws by introducing a new section titled "Enhancement of an offense for road rage -- Casey's law." It defines "road rage" as the operation or use of a motor vehicle, or behavior by the operator or passenger that is intentionally aggressive, harassing, threatening, intimidating, or dangerous, directed toward another motor vehicle operator or passenger on public highways or roadways.

The bill establishes enhanced penalties for individuals convicted of misdemeanors or felonies if their actions are determined to be motivated by road rage. For misdemeanors, offenders face a mandatory fine of no less than $750 and a potential suspension of their operator's license for up to one year. For felonies, the penalties include an additional term of imprisonment of not less than two years and not more than fifteen years, a mandatory fine of no less than $1,000, and a suspension of the operator's license for up to five years or revocation for up to two years.

Additionally, the bill requires that the attorney general or prosecutor file a notice with the court regarding the road rage enhancement no later than the first pretrial conference, or allege the enhancement in the complaint, information, or indictment. A sentencing hearing will be conducted to determine if the defendant's actions were motivated by road rage, and if so, the enhanced penalties will be applied.

The bill also establishes a restricted receipt account known as the "road rage and safe driving education fund," into which all fines collected under this section will be deposited. The funds will be used to raise public awareness about the serious consequences of road rage and to encourage safer driving behavior. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
3169: 35-4-27