Protects people attending Rhode Island court proceedings from civil arrest without a judicial warrant, ensures court access, sets enforcement rules, and provides remedies for violations.

Rhode Island Protect Our Courts Act

This bill would protect people from being arrested by civil enforcement agents — such as federal immigration officers — while they are traveling to, attending, or leaving a Rhode Island court proceeding. Specifically, it would require that any civil arrest made in or around a courthouse must be based on a judicial warrant (a warrant signed by a judge), rather than an administrative warrant (which is issued by a government agency without judicial approval). The goal is to ensure that people can access the courts without fear of being detained simply for showing up.

The bill would affect anyone who needs to participate in Rhode Island court proceedings — whether as a defendant, witness, crime victim, juror, or other participant. Supporters of similar laws in other states have argued that when people fear arrest at courthouses, they may avoid attending hearings, reporting crimes, or cooperating with the legal system. The bill sets specific rules about how and when civil arrests near courthouses can be carried out, and it outlines steps that court officials and law enforcement must follow.

The bill also includes enforcement rules and remedies, meaning that if someone believes their rights under this law were violated, there would be a legal process for addressing that. The legislation has been introduced in the House and referred to the House Judiciary Committee, which has recommended it be held for further study — meaning it has not yet moved forward to a full vote.