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Bill > S0560
RI S0560
RI S0560Amends §§ 14-1-3 and 14-5-8, relating to possession of marijuana and proceedings in family court ensuring that children under 17 years of age in possession of less than 2 oz of marijuana are subject to the jurisdiction of the family court.
summary
Introduced
02/26/2025
02/26/2025
In Committee
02/26/2025
02/26/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
06/20/2025
06/20/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This act would amend §§ 14-1-3 and 14-5-8, relating to possession of marijuana and proceedings in family court, to ensure that children under seventeen (17) years of age who are found to be in possession of less than two ounces (2 oz.) of marijuana are subject to the jurisdiction of the family court, and would amend the definition of waywardness to be consistent with the definition of delinquent contained within the same section. This act would take effect upon passage.
AI Summary
This bill amends two sections of Rhode Island law to modify how marijuana possession is handled for individuals under 17 years old. Specifically, the legislation changes the definition of "waywardness" in the family court statutes to include possession of two ounces or less of marijuana as an offense that falls under family court jurisdiction. The bill expands the previous law, which only referred to one ounce of marijuana, to now cover possession of up to two ounces by minors. When a child under 17 is found with this amount of marijuana, the family court can now order a substance-abuse assessment and potentially recommend treatment. The parents or legal guardian must be notified of the offense, and the marijuana will be forfeited. This change aims to handle minor marijuana possession as a family court matter focused on intervention and support, rather than treating it as a purely criminal issue. The bill represents an effort to provide a more rehabilitative approach to juvenile marijuana possession, emphasizing assessment and potential treatment over punitive measures.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Committee continued (on 03/11/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://status.rilegislature.gov/ |
| BillText | https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText25/SenateText25/S0560.pdf |
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