The bill amends Section 14-1-5 of the General Laws in Chapter 14-1, which pertains to "Proceedings in Family Court." It introduces new legal language that establishes the Family Court's exclusive original jurisdiction over various proceedings involving children, including those who are delinquent, wayward, dependent, neglected, or mentally disabled, as well as matters concerning adoption and paternity. Notably, the bill deletes a previous provision related to the court's jurisdiction. Additionally, it clarifies that the Family Court's jurisdiction is concurrent with that of federal courts regarding 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.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates 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 mandates that the Family Court has exclusive and automatic jurisdiction in cases where a child has previously committed such acts on a military installation. This act aims to clarify the jurisdictional boundaries between the Rhode Island Family Court and federal authorities concerning minors accused of crimes on military property and will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5222: 14-1-5