The bill amends Section 15-5-12 of the General Laws in Chapter 15-5, entitled "Divorce and Separation," by changing the domicile and residence requirements for filing a divorce complaint in the state. The current one-year residency requirement for the plaintiff is reduced to six months. This change also applies if the defendant has been a domiciled inhabitant of the state and has resided in the state for six months and is served with process; in such cases, the plaintiff's residency requirement is considered satisfied.

Additionally, the bill maintains that the domicile and residence of a person prior to active military service or merchant marine service, or absence from the state due to military operations, shall continue to be considered their domicile and residence during their service and for thirty days thereafter. The bill also includes a gender-inclusive language provision and specifies that the term "services in connection with military operations" includes service with organizations such as the American Red Cross and the United Service Organizations. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
287: 15-5-12