The bill amends Section 14-1-5 of the General Laws in Chapter 14-1, which pertains to "Proceedings in Family Court." It establishes exclusive original jurisdiction for the Family Court over matters involving children who are alleged to be delinquent as a result of acts committed within the boundaries of military installations that are crimes or infractions under state law. The bill introduces new provisions that grant the Family Court concurrent jurisdiction with federal courts over cases involving violations of federal law committed by children on military installations, provided that the United States Attorney or federal court waives exclusive jurisdiction and the violation is also a crime under state law.

Additionally, the bill specifies that when concurrent jurisdiction is established, the Family Court retains exclusive original jurisdiction over any case involving a child who is alleged to be delinquent due to acts committed on military installations that are crimes under state law. It further stipulates that in cases where a child has previously committed such an act on a military installation, the Family Court will have exclusive and automatic jurisdiction. This act is intended to clarify the jurisdictional boundaries between the Rhode Island Family Court and federal authorities regarding minors accused of crimes on military property and will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5222: 14-1-5
5222  as amended: 14-1-5