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11/8/2023
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Sen. Raptakis named 2023 MADD Legislator of the Year
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 STATE HOUSE – Sen. Leonidas P. Raptakis was recently named the Rhode Island Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) 2023 Legislator of Year. Senator Raptakis was honored for his long-time advocacy against drunk driving and for introducing several pieces of legislation that stiffen the penalties for drunk driving.
This past legislative session, and for many years previously, Senator Raptakis introduced three bills to increase the penalties for drunk driving in order to discourage the behavior and save lives. The first bill (2023-S 0118) would increase the sentences, fines or both for driving so as to endanger, resulting in death or personal injury. The second bill (2023-S 0119) would extend the lookback period for repeat offenses involving driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and for repeat offenses related to failure or refusal to submit to chemical tests from five years to ten years. And the last bill (2023-S 0332) introduced by Senator Raptakis would increase the penalty for anyone found guilty of eluding a police vehicle in high speed pursuit to a felony punishable by up to five years imprisonment, a fine of between five thousand and ten thousand dollars, a loss of license from one to two years and a possible forfeiture their motor vehicle.
“It is a true honor to be recognized by the incredible people of MADD and I am truly grateful for all that they do to combat the selfish and devastating behavior of drunk driving. Drunk drivers, especially repeat offenders and especially those whose irresponsible actions cause harm to others, should not be on the road, period. I don’t care how remorseful they seem when they appear before a judge. The punishment for this type of reckless disregard for the welfare of others needs to be much tougher. Since drunk driving deaths and injuries caused by repeat offenders have not decreased in our state, it’s obvious that the status quo is not protecting Rhode Islanders and that these bills addressing the problem need to be passed. Until they are, drunks are going to keep getting behind the wheel and causing mayhem and tragedy on our roads,” said Senator Raptakis (D-Dist. 33, Coventry, West Greenwich).
Senator Raptakis plans to reintroduce all three pieces of legislation in January when the 2024 General Assembly session begins.
Created in 1980, MADD has evolved into one of the most influential and widely supported non-profit organizations in America. Their mission is to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes and prevent underage drinking.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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