HB 7550 Rhode Island House · 2026 Regular Session

AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- DISORDERLY CONDUCT

HB 7550 criminalizes intentionally obstructing traffic on federal or state highways through loitering (e.g., standing, sitting, or kneeling) in ways that could delay vehicles. It creates a new felony offense with mandatory minimum sentences: 1-3 years for a first offense (with 60 days non-suspendable), 3-5 years for a second, and 5-10 years for a third. If death occurs due to obstruction delaying an emergency vehicle, penalties increase to 5-30 years (with 5 years non-suspendable). This law directly affects individuals who block highways, such as protesters or others loitering in traffic lanes.
Bill status died 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 6, 2026 Last action Mar 24, 2026
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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
3
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Mar 24, 2026
Committee
03/24/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
legislature
Feb 6, 2026
Introduced
02/06/2026 Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
lower
10 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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