Funds the state crime victim compensation program through an additional one dollar ($1.00) fine on traffic violations, exclusive of violations related to the parking of vehicles.

Rhode Island Bill Summary: Crime Victim Compensation Funding

This bill would add an extra $1.00 fee to most traffic violation fines in Rhode Island. This additional dollar would not apply to parking tickets, but would be collected whenever someone receives a fine for other types of moving violations — such as speeding, running a red light, or similar infractions. The money collected from this fee would be directed specifically to the state's crime victim compensation program.

The crime victim compensation program provides financial assistance to people who have been harmed by violent crimes, helping to cover costs like medical bills, counseling, or lost wages that result from being a victim of crime. By tying this funding to traffic fines, the bill creates a steady stream of revenue for the program without raising taxes or drawing from the general state budget.

This bill would affect anyone who receives a traffic ticket in Rhode Island (excluding parking tickets), as they would pay one additional dollar on top of their existing fine. The impact on individual drivers is minimal, but because a large number of traffic violations are issued each year, the combined total could generate meaningful funding for crime victims across the state. The bill has been introduced and referred to the House Finance Committee, where it will be reviewed before any further action is taken.