SB 2296 Rhode Island Senate · 2026 Regular Session

AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- DISORDERLY CONDUCT

SB 2296 criminalizes intentionally obstructing traffic on federal or state highways by loitering (e.g., standing, sitting, kneeling) in ways that could interfere with vehicle movement. It sets mandatory prison sentences: 1-3 years for a first offense (with 60 days mandatory), 3-5 years for a second, 5-10 years for a third, and 5-30 years if death results. The law explicitly excludes lawful picketing or demonstrations related to labor disputes from this offense. It affects anyone who obstructs highway traffic in the specified manner, with penalties starting at one year in prison.
Bill status died 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 23, 2026 Last action May 12, 2026
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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
3
Key actions
0
Committee
1
May 12, 2026
Committee
05/12/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
legislature
Jan 23, 2026
Introduced
01/23/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
upper
10 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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