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RI S2708

Bill

Status

Introduced

2/27/2026

Primary Sponsor

Jacob Bissaillon

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Clarifies that both traffic tribunal magistrates and sentencing judges have authority to grant conditional hardship licenses for first-time DUI offenders upon request, requiring proof of ignition interlock device installation or blood/urine testing

  • Reduces the maximum pre-hardship license suspension period for repeat offenders from 90 days to 60 days before a conditional hardship license may be granted

  • Hardship licenses allow 12 continuous hours of daily driving for approved purposes including employment, medical appointments, job training, schooling, or religious activities

  • Requires first-time offenders found under the influence of drugs only (not alcohol) to submit to blood and urine testing as a condition of receiving a hardship license, with weekly testing for the first 60 days

  • Maintains existing penalties for ignition interlock violations: misdemeanor charges with up to one year imprisonment and/or $1,000 fine, with mandatory minimum 10-day imprisonment for second violations within six months

Legislative Description

Clarifies that a magistrate or sentencing judge sitting in a court with jurisdiction over motor vehicle offenses has the discretion to grant a conditional hardship license for a first-time offender upon request.

Motor And Other Vehicles

Last Action

Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary

2/27/2026

Committee Referrals

Judiciary2/27/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available