Funds the state crime victim compensation program through an additional one dollar ($1.00) fine on traffic violations, exclusive of violations related to the parking of vehicles.
Summary
S0825 amends Rhode Island’s criminal injuries compensation law to increase funding for the state crime victims’ compensation program. The bill creates an additional $1 surcharge on each civil or criminal traffic violation fine, excluding parking-related violations, and directs those collections to the crime victims’ compensation fund. The measure also retains the existing special indemnity account structure and the current court-cost assessments on felony, misdemeanor, and petty misdemeanor convictions, while preserving the rule that these costs generally may not be waived unless the court finds inability to pay.
The bill also keeps the existing framework for collecting and transmitting surcharges through municipal court clerks, and it allows up to 15% of funds raised under the section, along with federal matching funds, to be used for administrative expenses. The act would take effect one year after passage, giving the state time to implement the new surcharge and related accounting changes.
Impact
The bill would amend Section 12-25-28 of the Rhode Island General Laws by adding a dedicated revenue stream for the violent crimes indemnity account/crime victims’ compensation fund through traffic-violation fines. Its practical effect is to slightly increase the cost of most traffic violations and to expand the funding base for victim compensation awards and program administration, while leaving the existing felony and misdemeanor assessment structure largely unchanged. Municipal court clerks would continue to collect and remit the surcharge, and the state treasurer would continue to administer the account.
Sentiment
The available voting history shows strong support for the bill, with passage in the Senate by a 35-0 vote on May 29, 2025. No committee transcript is available, so there is no recorded floor or committee debate to indicate opposition or reservations. The unanimous vote suggests the measure was viewed favorably as a modest funding mechanism for victim services.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials. Based on the text, any potential concerns would likely center on the policy choice to fund victim compensation through an added surcharge on traffic violators, including whether that approach is equitable or whether it places a small additional burden on drivers for a broader criminal justice purpose. However, no legislator or stakeholder objections are included in the record provided.