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 years of age, but for the purposes of SIJS, it includes any unmarried person under the age of twenty-one.

The family court is granted jurisdiction to make factual findings related to custody and guardianship for individuals under twenty-one years of age, specifically for the purpose of supporting petitions for SIJS. This includes determinations on whether a child has been declared dependent on the court, whether reunification with one or both parents is not viable due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment, and whether it is not in the best interest of the child to be returned to their country of nationality or last habitual residence.

The bill allows for petitions for factual 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 under this section is solely for making the necessary factual determinations to support SIJS petitions and does not confer any independent immigration status. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
6120  SUB A: 14-1-3