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 coordinator. The coordinator, appointed by the chief judge of the family court, will oversee the education, training, and coordination of juvenile hearing boards and teen courts across the state. The bill specifies that these boards cannot hear felony offenses unless permitted by the chief justice and outlines the referral process for juveniles based on the location of the offense or their residence. Additionally, the coordinator is tasked with creating a statewide community service program for use by these boards.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new provisions allowing juvenile hearing boards to mandate attendance at rehabilitative driving courses operated by accredited colleges or universities if deemed beneficial for the juvenile. The order may include a requirement for the juvenile to pay reasonable tuition and must be documented with findings of fact submitted to the chief magistrate of the traffic tribunal. Non-compliance with the order could lead to a show cause hearing regarding the potential suspension or revocation of the juvenile's driving privileges. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
279: 8-10-23.1