The bill amends Section 8-10-23.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 8-10, which pertains to the Family Court, specifically regarding the establishment of a statewide juvenile hearing board. The amendment includes the insertion of a new subsection (c), which grants the juvenile hearing board the authority to order a juvenile to attend a rehabilitative driving course operated under the jurisdiction of a college or university accredited by the State of Rhode Island. This provision is applicable if the circumstances of the offense suggest that such a program would be beneficial for the juvenile. The hearing board may also include in its order a provision for the payment of reasonable tuition for the course unless the juvenile demonstrates an inability to pay.
The bill also specifies that the position of statewide juvenile hearing board coordinator is a pilot program set to commence on July 1, 1998, and terminate on June 30, 2001, unless extended by the general assembly. The coordinator is responsible for providing education, training, data collection, and assistance to cities and towns for the establishment and maintenance of juvenile hearing boards and teen courts. Additionally, the amendment outlines that failure to comply with an order of attendance at the rehabilitative driving course, after notice and hearing, may result in a show cause hearing before the traffic tribunal, which could lead to the suspension or revocation of the juvenile's license or registration. The act will take effect upon passage.
Statutes affected: 7371 as amended: 8-10-23.1
7371: 8-10-23.1