H.299 is a proposed bill that aims to amend the jurisdictional authority of the Family Division of the Superior Court regarding cases involving juveniles. Specifically, the bill seeks to prevent the transfer of cases from the Family Division to the Criminal Division when the individual involved is a victim of human trafficking or certain sexual offenses. The new legal language inserted into the current law establishes that the Family Division will retain jurisdiction over a child or youth if the court finds, by clear and convincing evidence, that the individual is a victim of human trafficking, aggravated human trafficking, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, or aggravated sexual assault of a child.

Additionally, the bill allows the court to conduct an evidentiary hearing to determine if the child or youth qualifies as a victim under the specified categories. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, if passed. This legislative change is intended to provide better protection for vulnerable youth who have been victims of serious crimes, ensuring that their cases are handled within the Family Division rather than being transferred to the criminal justice system.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 33-5103