Attacking a pizza deliverer could become a felony in Rhode Island under a proposed state law.

The Rhode Island Senate voted 32-1 Tuesday to pass a bill that would make assaulting a delivery person a crime subject to up to three years in prison and $3,000 in fines.

Those are stiffer penalties than an assault charge carries.

Punishment would be more severe- five to 20 years in prison -if a weapon is used that seriously injures the delivery person.

Sen. Paul Jabour, a Providence Democrat, says he knows a young man who was stabbed while delivering pizza last year. Jabour says the stronger penalties could deter future crimes.

The Providence City Council requested the legislation after a string of robberies. The bill now moves to the House.