2016 -- S 2104

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LC003894

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2016

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO DELINQUENT AND DEPENDENT CHILDREN -- PROCEEDINGS IN

FAMILY COURT

     

     Introduced By: Senators Walaska, and Picard

     Date Introduced: January 21, 2016

     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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     14-1-5.2. Age restrictions for children. – (a) Children under ten (10) years of age shall

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not be left home alone.

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     (b) Children at least ten (10) years of age and not more than twelve (12) years of age shall

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be allowed to stay home alone for brief periods of time, but not after 9:00 pm.

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     (c) Children over twelve (12) years of age may be left home alone, but not overnight.

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     (d) Parents and legal guardians should use their judgment to access the maturity and

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responsibility of their children and to discuss safety procedures and precautions before deciding

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whether to leave their child(ren) home alone.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC003894

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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 set guidelines for children staying home alone.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC003894

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