Bill > H6408

This bill authorizes the town of Smithfield to establish a juvenile hearing board, which would allow the town to create a local board to handle juvenile-related matters. Specifically, the bill adds a new section to Chapter 8-10 of the General Laws (which covers Family Court) that grants Smithfield the power to create such a board, even if doing so might conflict with the town's existing regulations, charter, or ordinances. The bill references § 8-10-23.1, which likely provides guidelines or parameters for establishing juvenile hearing boards, though the details of that section are not shown in this bill. The purpose of such a board is typically to provide an alternative method of addressing juvenile offenses or behavioral issues, potentially offering more flexible and community-focused interventions compared to formal court proceedings. The bill will take effect immediately upon its passage by the General Assembly, meaning Smithfield can proceed with establishing the juvenile hearing board as soon as the bill becomes law.

Housing and Urban Affairs

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