Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S1140

Introduced
6/6/25  
Refer
6/6/25  
Report Pass
6/10/25  
Engrossed
6/12/25  
Enrolled
6/20/25  

Caption

Authorizes the town of Smithfield to establish a juvenile hearing board.

Impact

The establishment of a juvenile hearing board in Smithfield could have significant effects on how juvenile cases are handled at the local level. By creating this board, the town would gain more control over juvenile judicial proceedings, enabling it to address specific local needs and considerations effectively. The bill suggests that the local board would operate under the relevant guidelines, albeit with some allowances that override existing local regulations, thereby empowering Smithfield residents to take charge of their juvenile justice concerns.

Summary

S1140 is a legislative act that aims to empower the town of Smithfield to establish its own juvenile hearing board. This initiative marks a significant step towards local governance in matters of juvenile justice. The bill amends Chapter 8-10 of the General Laws regarding Family Court, making specific provisions for Smithfield to create a specialized board that addresses issues relating to juveniles rather than relying solely on broader state mechanisms. This local authority is intended to streamline the process of juvenile court proceedings within the town, allowing for more tailored responses to juvenile matters.

Conclusion

Overall, S1140 represents a move toward localized decision-making in the realm of juvenile justice, reflecting a larger trend of states granting municipalities more authority in specific legal areas. The effectiveness and fairness of implementing such boards will depend on careful regulatory oversight and community engagement to navigate any disparities that might arise from this form of localized governance.

Contention

While the bill appears to provide local governance advantages, there may be points of contention regarding the potential implications for uniformity in juvenile justice application across the state. Critics might argue that allowing individual towns to establish their own boards could lead to inconsistencies in how juvenile cases are handled in different areas. Concerns could also arise about the qualifications and oversight of locally appointed members of these boards, ensuring they adhere to broader juvenile justice standards.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H7371

Gives statewide juvenile hearing boards the authority to refer a juvenile offender to a rehabilitative driving course, as part of a disposition of an offense before the board. The order may be enforced by the traffic tribunal.

RI S2200

Gives statewide juvenile hearing boards the authority to refer a juvenile offender to a rehabilitative driving course, as part of a disposition of an offense before the board. The order may be enforced by the traffic tribunal.

RI S3031

Removes the exemption from taxation granted to Bryant University located in Smithfield, RI subjecting the university to full taxation unless, the university and the town of Smithfield reach an agreement on payment in lieu of taxes on or before 6/30/24.

RI H8191

Removes the exemption from taxation granted to Bryant University located in Smithfield, RI subjecting the university to full taxation unless, the university and the town of Smithfield reach an agreement on payment in lieu of taxes on or before 6/30/24.

RI S2996

Establishes a municipal court within the town of Foster.

RI H8028

Establishes a municipal court within the town of Foster.

RI S2539

Permits Smithfield to enact ordinances that would allow the animal control officer to issue citations which could be paid my mail and to prescribe penalties for violations of the town's ordinances regulating dogs.

RI H7657

Permits Smithfield to enact ordinances that would allow the animal control officer to issue citations which could be paid my mail and to prescribe penalties for violations of the town's ordinances regulating dogs.

RI S1074

Authorizing The Town Of North Smithfield To Finance The Development And Construction Of A New Police Station Or The Renovation, Improvement, Alteration And Repair Of An Existing Building To Be Used As A Police Station, As Determined By The Town Council And The Furnishing And Equipping Thereof By The Issue Of Not More Than $18,000,000 Of Bonds And/or Notes Therefor

RI H6451

Authorizing The Town Of North Smithfield To Finance The Development And Construction Of A New Police Station Or The Renovation, Improvement, Alteration And Repair Of An Existing Building To Be Used As A Police Station, As Determined By The Town Council And The Furnishing And Equipping Thereof By The Issue Of Not More Than $18,000,000 Of Bonds And/or Notes Therefor

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.