editfurther, this would apply to texting as well, and maybe even to just talking on the phone. so uhh don't lie in rhode island i guess.
§11-52-7. Use of false information. -- (a) Whoever intentionally or knowingly makes a transmission of false data for the purpose of submitting a claim for payment, or makes, presents, or uses or causes to be made, presented, or used any data for the purpose of submitting a claim for payment with knowledge of its falsity and with knowledge that it will be used for such claim for payment, shall be guilty of a felony and shall be subject to the penalties set forth in § 11-52-5.
(b) Whoever intentionally or knowingly (1) makes a transmission of false data or (2) makes, presents or uses or causes to be made, presented or used any data for any other purpose with knowledge of its falsity shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to the penalties set forth in § 11-52-5.
§11-52-1(10) -- "Data" means any representation of information, knowledge, facts, concepts, or instructions which are being prepared or have been prepared and are intended to be entered, processed, or stored, are being entered, processed, or stored or have been entered, processed, or stored in a computer, computer system, or computer network.
§11-52-5(b) -- Any person who is convicted of an offense which is classified as a misdemeanor under this chapter shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500) or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.
--[http://www.spamlaws.com/state/ri.shtml]
on the one hand, this is kind of hilarious and blatantly not what the law is meant to do. on the other hand, the potential for abuse is pretty obvious, and depending on how literal the judge is feeling might be workable.
