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RI H7489
Bill
Status
Introduced
2/4/2026
Primary Sponsor
Thomas Noret
Click for details
AI Summary
- Changes ignition interlock system requirements for DUI and chemical test refusal convictions from discretionary ("may") to mandatory ("shall"), requiring all convicted persons to have an ignition interlock system and/or blood and urine testing installed in their vehicle before being eligible for license reinstatement
- Requires all ignition interlock systems installed under the chapter to be equipped with a camera to accurately identify the driver providing the breath sample, with blocking or moving the camera treated as a tampering violation
- Imposes a new $100 assessment on every person found in violation of the DUI or chemical test refusal statutes, to be deposited into a newly created ignition interlock system fund
- Creates the ignition interlock system fund (§ 31-27-2.10), administered by the Office of the General Treasurer, to provide funding for indigent defendants who cannot afford ignition interlock systems and who demonstrate eligibility through participation in public assistance programs such as SNAP, SSI, LIHEAP, TANF, or Veterans Pension
- Adds specific minimum and maximum time periods for ignition interlock and/or blood and urine testing requirements across all offense levels, ranging from 6 months for a first offense with low BAC up to 120 months for a third or subsequent chemical test refusal
Legislative Description
Requires persons convicted of driving under influence or refusal to submit to chemical test, have an ignition interlock system installed in vehicle as part of sentence and to pay an assessment to pay for the interlock systems.
Motor And Other Vehicles
Last Action
Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
2/4/2026
Committee Referrals
Judiciary2/4/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available