Rhode Island Senate Bill S1057

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/9/25
• Refer: 5/9/25

Caption

Establishes concurrent jurisdiction between the Rhode Island Family Court and the Federal Government for the purposes of adjudicating minors who have allegedly committed a crime while residing on a military installation located in Rhode Island.

Impact

Should S1057 pass, it would amend Section 14-1-5 of the General Laws concerning the jurisdiction of family courts, allowing them to share jurisdiction with federal courts over cases involving minors who commit offenses that are federal crimes but also are recognized under state law. This could lead to a more integrated judicial approach for juveniles who live on military bases, ensuring appropriate legal recourse and streamlined adjudication.

Summary

Senate Bill S1057 seeks to establish concurrent jurisdiction between the Rhode Island Family Court and federal authorities regarding the adjudication of minors accused of crimes on military installations within Rhode Island. This modification aims to streamline processes where state and federal jurisdictions overlap, particularly focusing on cases involving juveniles. The bill recognizes the unique circumstances associated with military families and seeks to ensure that minors are treated fairly regardless of the legal context in which their offenses occur.

Contention

While the intent of S1057 is to facilitate justice for minors, it may also raise concerns about the implications of concurrent jurisdiction. Stakeholders may debate the effectiveness of such a framework in delivering fair outcomes for youths, as it involves navigating two sets of legal guidelines. There may be reservations about whether this dual jurisdiction could lead to inconsistencies in rulings or administrative challenges, particularly in how cases are filed and prosecuted.

Notable_points

The bill is significant as it directly addresses the intersection of state and federal law regarding juvenile offenses, specifically those committed on military property. It highlights the complexities surrounding legal jurisdiction in cases involving minors and reflects an effort to adapt legal frameworks to the realities of military life, where traditional state law may not always apply.