The bill amends existing laws regarding county and statewide grand juries, specifically addressing their composition and the ability to issue reports. It establishes that both county and statewide grand juries may issue reports consistent with the provisions of a newly added section, 12-11.1-6, which outlines the process for submitting and reviewing these reports.

The newly introduced section 12-11.1-6 details the procedures for grand jury reports, including requirements for concurrence among jurors, examination by the presiding justice, and conditions under which reports can be accepted as public records. A grand jury report may be submitted only upon the concurrence of twelve or more jurors and must be signed by each concurring juror. The presiding justice shall examine the report and the minutes of the grand jury and will order the report accepted as a public record only if it complies with specific provisions, including being based on facts revealed during a grand jury investigation and ensuring that individuals named in the report were afforded a reasonable opportunity to testify.

The presiding justice is also responsible for notifying individuals named in the reports and allowing them to respond before the reports are made public. The act aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the grand jury process while ensuring due process for individuals involved. This act would take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
3109: 12-11-1, 12-11.1-1