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 various matters involving children, including those who are delinquent, wayward, dependent, neglected, or mentally disabled, as well as issues related to adoption and paternity. The bill introduces new provisions that create concurrent jurisdiction between the Family Court and federal courts for cases involving violations of federal law committed by minors on military installations, provided certain conditions are met: a waiver of exclusive jurisdiction by the United States Attorney or federal court, and that the violation of federal law is also a crime under state law.

Additionally, 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 also crimes or infractions under state law. Furthermore, it grants the Family Court exclusive and automatic jurisdiction in cases where a child has previously committed such acts on a military installation. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
557: 14-1-5
557  as amended: 14-1-5