Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2613

Introduced
2/13/26  

Caption

RELATING TO DELINQUENT AND DEPENDENT CHILDREN -- PROCEEDINGS IN, FAMILY COURT

Impact

The proposed legislation is expected to significantly impact the state's juvenile justice framework. Currently, juveniles can be retained under court jurisdiction only until their nineteenth birthday unless otherwise specified. This bill changes that by allowing cases to extend until twenty-one years of age, thereby providing the opportunity for tailored rehabilitation measures rather than transitioning these youth directly into adult court systems.

Summary

S2613 is a legislative act concerning the proceedings in family court related to delinquent and dependent children. This act allows the family court to maintain jurisdiction over juveniles until they turn twenty-one, provided that the court finds it to be in the best interest of the child. By extending jurisdiction in such cases, the bill aims to provide additional support and supervision to youth who may benefit from extended care in the juvenile system.

Contention

Debate surrounding S2613 may arise concerning the balance between juvenile rehabilitation and potential overreach in the justice system. Supporters argue that extended jurisdiction can help vulnerable youth who require more comprehensive support systems, while critics may contend that such policies could inadvertently lead to prolonged confinement without adequate justification or oversight. Furthermore, there may be concerns regarding the capacity of the juvenile system to manage such extended cases effectively.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0560

Amends §§ 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.

RI H5894

Amends §§ 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.

RI S0809

Grants Rhode Island's family court jurisdiction to make findings for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status petitions, including determinations about dependency, parental reunification, and the child’s best interest, for minors under twenty-one (21) years.

RI H6120

Grants the family court jurisdiction to make findings for special immigrant juvenile status petitions, including determinations about dependency, parental reunification, and the child’s best interest, for minors/petitioners under 21 years of age.

RI H5260

Extends the voluntary extension of care (VEC) program pursuant to § 14-1-6 to children in the juvenile justice system and children who attain reunification prior to their eighteenth (18th) birthday, however, the reunification is not successful.

RI S0801

Extends the voluntary extension of care (VEC) program for all children in the care and custody of the state.

RI H5345

Extends the voluntary extension of care (VEC) program for all children in the care and custody of the state.

RI H5261

Permits, effective 7/1/25, the family court to make appropriate orders of support and education of any child who has attained 18 years of age, but not 21, who is domiciled in the home of a parent, and is principally dependent upon said parent for support.

RI H5528

Requires the school district of a child in the custody of the department of children, youth and families (DCYF) to pay all the educational cost of the child if the child is place in another school district.

RI S0808

Provides that all extended benefits offered by DCYF to foster children shall be extended to children placed in guardianship.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.