Fines For Unvaccinated Rhode Islanders Proposed By State Lawmaker

RHODE ISLAND — A state lawmaker wrote a bill that would fine unvaccinated Rhode Islanders $50 a month until they get the shot.

The legislation was introduced by state Sen. Sam Bell (D-Providence) and would apply to all Rhode Island residents eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

The $50 fine would apply to all unvaccinated residents 16 and older. For those under 16, the fine would be levied against the parent or guardian. On top of the monthly fine, the bill if passed would require unvaccinated Rhode Islanders to pay twice the amount on their personal income taxes.

"It's really important that we take all of the precautions we can to make sure that everyone in Rhode Island is vaccinated," Bell told WPRI 12. "Plenty of people break all sorts of rules and if they get caught they pay a fine. It's not a particularly severe penalty."

Opponents of the bill though, like state Sen. Jessica De La Cruz (R-North Smithfield) said the monthly fines will pile up over time into "extraordinary financial penalties."

"I have not, nor will I ever support, legislation that coerces Rhode Islanders into making medical decisions or face steep financial damages," De La Cruz said in a letter to her constituents. "I hear my constituents and others around the state loud and clear — this is dangerous legislation and sends the message that our government doesn’t trust you to make the right choice for you and your family."

Bell said he's faced harassment and threats from people on social media since introducing the bill. He shared several expletive-filled messages on Twitter.

"More input from the antivax advocates, this time with an allusion to attacking our son," Bell said in a Tweet. "It won’t work. They’ll learn what everyone else who’s tried to bully me learned: I was a nerd in middle school, so I know how to handle it."

Bell's bill was referred to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee for consideration.