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 provisions for concurrent jurisdiction with federal courts regarding violations of federal law committed by children on military installations, contingent upon the waiver of exclusive jurisdiction by the United States Attorney or federal court, and provided that the violation is also a crime under state law.

Furthermore, the bill specifies that when concurrent jurisdiction is established, the Family Court retains exclusive original jurisdiction over cases involving children alleged to be delinquent due to acts committed on military installations that are crimes under state law. It also 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 legislation aims to clarify the jurisdictional boundaries between the Rhode Island Family Court and federal authorities concerning minors involved in criminal activities on military properties. The act will take effect upon passage.

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