H5556

	2017 -- H 5556
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	LC001272
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	STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
	IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
	JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2017
	____________
	A N A C T
	RELATING TO DOMESTIC RELATIONS -- PETS--CUSTODY

	Introduced By: Representatives Lima, Coughlin, Solomon, O'Brien, and Fellela
	Date Introduced: February 16, 2017
	Referred To: House Judiciary
	It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
1	SECTION 1. Chapter 15-5 of the General Laws entitled "Divorce and Separation" is
2	hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
3	15-5-30. Custody of pets.
4	In awarding possession of a domestic animal in a divorce or separation proceeding, the
5	court shall consider the best interest of the animal.
6	SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
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	LC001272
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	EXPLANATION
	BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
	OF
	A N A C T
	RELATING TO DOMESTIC RELATIONS -- PETS--CUSTODY
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1	This act would require the best interest of a domestic animal to be considered in awarding
2	possession to a party to the action.
3	This act would take effect upon passage.
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	LC001272
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	LC001272 - Page 2 of 2