§ 44-20-51.1 — § 44-20-51.1. Civil penalties.

Rhode Island § 44-20-51.1

• Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
• Title 44: Taxation
• Ch. 44-20: Cigarette, Other Tobacco Products, and Electronic Nicotine-Delivery System Products

Text

§ 44-20-51.1. Civil penalties.

(a) Whoever omits, neglects, or refuses to comply with any duty imposed upon them by this chapter, or to do, or cause to be done, any of the things required by this chapter, or does anything prohibited by this chapter, shall, in addition to any other penalty provided in this chapter, be liable as follows:

(1) For a first offense in a twenty-four-month (24) period, a penalty of not more than ten (10) times the retail value of the cigarettes, other tobacco products, and/or electronic nicotine-delivery system products involved; and

(2) For a second or subsequent offense in a twenty-four-month (24) period, a penalty of not more than twenty-five (25) times the retail value of the cigarettes, other tobacco products, and/or contraband electronic nicotine-delivery system products involved.

(b) Whoever omits, neglects, or refuses to comply with any duty imposed upon them by this chapter, or to do, or cause to be done, any of the things required by this chapter, or does anything prohibited by this chapter, shall, in addition to any other penalty provided in this chapter, be liable for a penalty of one thousand dollars ($1,000) or not more than five (5) times the tax due but unpaid, whichever is greater.

(c) When determining the amount of a penalty sought or imposed under this section, evidence of mitigating or aggravating factors, including history, severity, and intent, shall be considered.

Legislative History

P.L. 2007, ch. 246, § 2; P.L. 2007, ch. 250, § 2; P.L. 2014, ch. 151, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 168, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 302, art. 8, § 15; P.L. 2024, ch. 117, art. 6, § 16, effective January 1, 2025.