Only protective orders issued against adults are to be transmitted to A.G.'s B.C.I. for inclusion in the R.O.N.C.O. system. Protective orders against juveniles will be accessible to law enforcement.
Impact
The bill's impact on state laws revolves around the handling of court records related to family court proceedings. By specifying that juvenile protective orders will not be filed in the same manner as adult protective orders, the law aims to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of young individuals involved in such cases. This legislative decision emphasizes a protective stance towards minors, recognizing the sensitive nature of juvenile cases and striving to prevent potentially damaging public exposure. However, it ensures that law enforcement retains access to necessary information to perform their duties effectively.
Summary
S2211 amends existing laws concerning protective orders in Rhode Island, focusing particularly on the treatment of juvenile protective orders. The primary provision stated in the bill is that only protective orders issued against adults are required to be submitted to the Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Identification (B.C.I.) for inclusion in the Restraining Order No-Contact Order system (R.O.N.C.O.). This move essentially centralizes the management of adult protective orders within the state’s system, leaving juvenile orders to remain accessible exclusively to law enforcement for official purposes. The amendments aim to streamline the process of tracking protective orders while maintaining confidentiality for juvenile cases.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding the bill include the balance between the need for public accountability of adult protective orders and the protection of juvenile identities. Proponents argue that the bill enhances safety and privacy for juveniles, ensuring that their protective orders remain confidential unless necessary for law enforcement. Critics may argue that such a system could potentially hinder accountability and transparency regarding the issuance of protective orders against juveniles. Additionally, there may be discussions about the implications this has for families dealing with domestic violence, as it directly relates to how protective orders are documented and accessed.