The bill amends Section 14-1-3 of the General Laws in Chapter 14-1, "Proceedings in Family Court," by introducing new definitions and expanding the jurisdiction of the family court regarding special immigrant juvenile status (SIJS). It defines a "child" as a person under eighteen (18) years of age, but for the purposes of SIJS, it specifies that a "child" may also be defined as an unmarried person under the age of twenty-one (21) years.

The family court is granted jurisdiction to make factual findings related to SIJS petitions, including determinations about dependency, whether reunification with one or both parents is not viable due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment, and whether it is in the child's best interest to remain in the U.S. rather than return to their country of nationality or last habitual residence.

The bill allows for petitions for SIJS findings to be filed as independent actions or in conjunction with other family court proceedings, such as guardianship, child custody, adoption, and dependency matters. The court's jurisdiction to issue findings is limited to making necessary factual determinations to support a petition for SIJS and does not confer any independent immigration status. This act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
809  SUB A: 14-1-3