This Article shall be known and may be cited
as the "Pawtucket Juvenile Hearing Board Act."
Pursuant to the specific enabling legislation provided in the Rhode Island General Laws, and for the
purpose of promoting the public health, safety, morals or general
welfare, a juvenile hearing board shall be established in the City
of Pawtucket for the purpose of hearing all cases referred to it by
the Juvenile Division of the Police Department or the Chief of Police
with respect to persons under the age of 18 who are charged with violating
the laws of the State of Rhode Island or the City of Pawtucket. Said
board shall be called the "Pawtucket Juvenile Board."
A majority of the Board's membership shall constitute
a quorum, and a majority of the members present shall be required
to take any action. Any juvenile offender may be represented by counsel
and may present evidence in his or her behalf.
The Board shall have the power from time to
time to adopt and publish all rules and regulations necessary to carry
out its function under the provisions of this article.
The Board shall give notice of the date and
time of meeting to the Juvenile Division of the Police Department
or the Chief of Police, and the alleged juvenile offender and his
or her parents or legal guardians, not less that seven days prior
to the date of the hearing.
Board proceedings shall be closed to the public,
and the provisions of R.I.G.L. § 42-42-6 shall not apply
to such proceedings. All records of proceedings, including records
concerning the arrest, apprehension or detention of any juvenile offender,
shall be withheld from public inspection but such records shall be
available to the parent, legal guardians or attorney of the juvenile
for inspection.
This Article shall take effect upon passage
and shall apply to all juveniles alleged to have committed an offense
after the date of enactment.