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3/10/2025
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Sen. Raptakis introduces ‘Cleaning Up RI’ legislative package
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Bills would stiffen penalties for unsanctioned graffiti and litter
STATE HOUSE – Sen. Leonidas P. Raptakis has reintroduced the “Cleaning Up RI” legislative package. The first part of the package is legislation (2025-S 0139) that would stiffen the penalties for unsanctioned graffiti. Senator Raptakis notes a recent news story highlighting the defacement of the new 6/10 connector in Providence with graffiti.
“The little things matter in our society and when we disregard or look away from the little things like graffiti, we are doing a disservice to ourselves and the state. The taxpayers have invested an enormous amount of money constructing the new 6/10 connector and to have it vandalized like this is simply insulting to all Rhode Islanders. This bill will hold individuals accountable for this kind of disrespect toward property and it’s long-overdue,” said Senator Raptakis (D-Dist. 33, Coventry, West Greenwich).
The legislation would change the community service requirements relating to defacing private residences, offices, businesses or commercial property. Every person convicted of a first and second offense under the bill would be required to perform not less than 40 hours, and not more than 100 hours, of community service cleaning and remediating graffiti vandalism on state or local properties. Every person convicted of a third or subsequent offense under the legislation would be required to perform not less than 40 hours, and not more than 300 hours, of community service cleaning and remediating graffiti vandalism on state or local properties.
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation recently wrote to the Senate Judiciary Committee in support of the legislation.
Senator Raptakis has also introduced legislation (2025-S 0130) that would change the fine for any person convicted of a first violation for littering from $85 to $200. The time spent picking up litter would also increase to not less than 20 hours, nor more than 40 hours. For a second or subsequent violation, the period would be increased from not less than 20 hours, nor more than 50 hours.
“We as a state have lost focus in enforcing the minor infractions that over time, accumulate into significant problems for our state. From petty crime to simply maintaining our beautiful cities and towns, these bills will clean up our state so that every resident can be proud to call themselves Rhode Islanders,” said Senator Raptakis.
The bills have been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Rep. Patricia A. Serpa (D-Dist. 27, West Warwick, Coventry) is expected to introduce both bills in the House.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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