2012 -- S 2295

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LC01034

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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2012

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A N A C T

RELATING TO DELINQUENT AND DEPENDENT CHILDREN - PROCEEDINGS IN

FAMILY COURT

     

     

     Introduced By: Senators Pichardo, Metts, Jabour, Ruggerio, and Perry

     Date Introduced: February 01, 2012

     Referred To: Senate Judiciary

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Chapter 14-1 of the General Laws entitled "Proceedings in Family Court" is

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hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

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     14-1-32.5. Anti-gang violence parenting classes. -- (a) If a minor is found to be

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delinquent by reason of the commission of a gang-related offense, and the court finds that the

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minor is a first-time offender and orders that a parent or guardian retain custody of that minor, the

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court may order the parent or guardian to attend anti-gang violence parenting classes.

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     (b) The department of the attorney general shall establish curriculum for the anti-gang

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violence parenting classes required pursuant to this section, including, but not limited to, all of the

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following criteria:

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     (1) A meeting in which the families of innocent victims of gang violence share their

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experience.

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     (2) A meeting in which the surviving parents of a deceased gang member share their

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experience.

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     (3) How to identify gang and drug activity in children.

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     (4) How to communicate effectively with adolescents.

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     (5) An overview of pertinent support agencies and organizations for intervention,

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education, job training, and positive recreational activities, including telephone numbers,

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locations, and contact names of those agencies and organizations.

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     (6) The potential sentences and periods of incarceration for the commission of additional

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gang-related offenses.

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     (7) The potential penalties that may be imposed upon parents for aiding and abetting

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crimes committed by their children.

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     (c) The father, mother, spouse, or other person liable for the support of the minor, the

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estate of that person, and the estate of the minor shall be liable for the cost of classes ordered

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pursuant to this section, unless the court finds that the person or estate does not have the financial

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ability to pay. In evaluating financial ability to pay, the court shall take into consideration the

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combined household income, the necessary obligations of the household, the number of persons

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dependent upon this income, and whether reduced monthly payments would obviate the need to

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waive liability for the full costs. In cases where ability to pay is an issue under this section said

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costs may be paid for from any drug forfeiture funds collected by the department of attorney

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general.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

     

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LC01034

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N A C T

RELATING TO DELINQUENT AND DEPENDENT CHILDREN - PROCEEDINGS IN

FAMILY COURT

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     This act would allow the family court judge who finds a minor delinquent for the

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commission of a gang-related offense to order the minor's parents or guardian to attend anti-gang

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violence parenting classes.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

     

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LC01034

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S2295