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 prohibit the transfer of cases from the Family Division to the Criminal Division when the individual subject to the petition is a victim of human trafficking or other specified serious crimes, including sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault. 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 or related offenses.

Additionally, the bill allows for an evidentiary hearing to determine whether the child or youth qualifies as a victim under the specified criteria. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, if passed. This legislative change is intended to provide protection and support 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