The bill amends Section 8-10-23.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 8-10, titled "Family Court," to establish a statewide juvenile hearing board and outline its functions. A statewide juvenile hearing board coordinator will be appointed by the chief judge of the family court to oversee the establishment and maintenance of juvenile hearing boards and teen courts across Rhode Island. The coordinator will also be responsible for providing education, training, and data analysis, as well as setting up a statewide community service program. The bill specifies that juvenile hearing boards and teen courts cannot hear felony offenses unless authorized by the chief justice of the family court and outlines the referral process for juveniles based on the location of the offense.

Additionally, the bill grants juvenile hearing boards the authority to order juveniles to attend a rehabilitative driving course operated under the jurisdiction of a college or university accredited by the State of Rhode Island if the circumstances of the offense indicate that these programs would be beneficial to the juvenile. The order may include provisions for reasonable tuition costs and requires findings of fact to be submitted to the chief magistrate of the traffic tribunal. Failure to comply with the order after notice and hearing may result in a show cause hearing conducted before the traffic tribunal to determine whether grounds exist for the suspension or revocation of a person's license or registration. This act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
279: 8-10-23.1