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RI H8095

Bill

Status

Introduced

2/27/2026

Primary Sponsor

Brandon Potter

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Requires judges and magistrates to immediately grant a conditional hardship license upon request to motorists convicted of alcohol-related offenses, removing previous judicial discretion in granting such licenses

  • Allows up to a 90-day hard license suspension before the hardship license takes effect, with the hardship license valid for 12 continuous hours per day for approved purposes including employment, medical appointments, job training, schooling, or religious activities

  • Hardship licenses must be granted in conjunction with installation of an ignition interlock device and/or blood and urine testing requirements

  • Amends Rhode Island General Laws Section 31-27-2.8 regarding ignition interlock systems and testing as part of DUI sentencing

  • Takes effect immediately upon passage

Legislative Description

Clarifies that a magistrate or sentencing judge sitting in a court with jurisdiction over alcohol-related offenses shall, upon request, immediately grant a conditional hardship license after imposing a ninety (90) day hardship loss of license.

Motor And Other Motor Vehicles

Last Action

Introduced, referred to House Judiciary

2/27/2026

Committee Referrals

Judiciary2/27/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available