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RI H8089
Bill
Status
2/27/2026
Primary Sponsor
Jennifer Stewart
Click for details
AI Summary
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Family court jurisdiction over wayward or delinquent children may be extended from age 19 to age 21 upon motion by the child's representative or by the court's own initiative, if the court finds continued confinement in the juvenile system is in the child's best interest
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Juveniles committed to the training school for youth may be detained until age 21 rather than the current age 19 limit under the same best-interest standard
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Extension applies to certified juveniles sentenced for felony-level offenses, allowing them to remain in juvenile facilities rather than being transferred to adult correctional institutions at age 19
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Court may extend jurisdiction sua sponte (on its own motion) without requiring a request from the juvenile or their representative
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Takes effect immediately upon passage
Legislative Description
Permits the family court to retain jurisdiction over juveniles and allow the family court to order juveniles detained in the training school until the age of twenty-one if the court finds that it is in the best interest of the child.
Delinquent And Dependent Children
Last Action
Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
2/27/2026