S.E. A. 256, P.L. 138 Effective: §§2-23 on July 1, 2021; §§1, 24, 25 on July 1, 2020 Provides that the interim study committee on courts and the judiciary (committee) shall review, consider, and make recommendations concerning requests for new courts, new judicial officers, and changes in jurisdiction of existing courts in each even-numbered year. Specifies the information that mus … [Read more...] about Courts and judicial officers
Courts and family law matters
H.E.A. 1313, P.L. 162 Effective: July 1, 2020 [relevant sections] Provides that a magistrate has the same powers as a judge, except the power of judicial mandate. Repeals certain sections that enumerate the powers for magistrates. Repeals the judicial technology oversight committee. Increases the filing limit for the small claims docket to not more than $8,000 (rather than $6,000, … [Read more...] about Courts and family law matters
Criminal law issues
S.E.A. 335, P.L. 142 Effective: July 1, 2020 [relevant sections] Prohibits a person who has been adjudicated a delinquent child for committing an act while armed with a firearm that would be a serious violent felony if committed by an adult (serious delinquent) from possessing a firearm unless the person is at least: (1) 26 years of age, in the case of less serious acts; or (2) 28 … [Read more...] about Criminal law issues
Minimum age to marry and emancipation of minors
H.E.A. 1006, P.L. 94 Effective: July 1, 2020 Specifies that an "adult" is: (1) a person at least eighteen years of age; or (2) a: (A) married minor who is at least sixteen years of age; or (B) minor that has been completely emancipated by a court; for the purpose of marriage. Raises the minimum age to marry from 15 years of age to 16 years of age. Provides that an individual 16 … [Read more...] about Minimum age to marry and emancipation of minors
Motor vehicle and criminal law issues
H.E.A. 1157, P.L. 110 Effective: July 1, 2020 Makes an individual less than 18 years of age eligible for a deferral program. (Under current law, individuals under 18 years of age are not eligible for deferral.) Repeals certain driving privilege suspensions when a motor vehicle is used in dealing certain controlled substances. Read the bill at: … [Read more...] about Motor vehicle and criminal law issues