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" – Plain English Summary

This bill would protect people who come to Rhode Island courthouses — whether as parties in a case, witnesses, victims, or observers — from being arrested by civil (non-criminal) law enforcement agents without a proper judicial warrant. In practical terms, this means that someone could not be detained or arrested in or around a courthouse simply because of their immigration status or other civil legal matters, unless a judge has specifically authorized that arrest through a warrant. The goal is to make sure people feel safe entering courthouses to participate in the legal process.

The bill would affect anyone who needs to access Rhode Island courts, including crime victims seeking protective orders, defendants showing up for hearings, and witnesses testifying in cases. It would also set specific rules for how law enforcement — particularly federal civil enforcement agents — must behave when operating near courthouses, and it would require coordination with court officials. Courthouse staff and judges would have a role in enforcing these access protections.

If someone's rights under this law are violated — for example, if they are unlawfully arrested while trying to attend a court proceeding — the bill provides legal remedies, meaning the affected person would have a way to seek relief or compensation. The bill has been introduced and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, where it will be reviewed before any further legislative action is taken.