Bill > S2045

This bill, known as the "Protect Our Courts Act," establishes protections for individuals attending court proceedings in Rhode Island by preventing civil arrests without a judicial warrant or order, with specific exceptions for criminal prosecution or contempt of court. It defines "civil arrest" as an arrest not primarily for criminal prosecution or contempt, and "court proceeding" as any scheduled appearance or filing related to one. The act grants individuals attending or involved with a court proceeding, or a family member's proceeding, immunity from civil arrest while traveling to, attending, or returning from court, unless a judicial warrant or order specifically authorizes the arrest. Violating these provisions can lead to contempt of court and false imprisonment charges, though it exempts law enforcement and judicial personnel acting lawfully. The bill also allows individuals to file civil lawsuits for equitable relief if they believe a violation has occurred or may occur, and the Attorney General can also bring such actions on behalf of the state, with successful plaintiffs potentially recovering costs and attorney fees. Furthermore, it clarifies that this act does not diminish existing legal rights and empowers courts to issue orders to uphold these protections, while also requiring law enforcement to identify themselves and their purpose upon entering a courthouse and mandating prompt judicial review of arrest warrants within courthouses, with arrests in courtrooms generally requiring the judge's permission. The bill also includes provisions for incident reports for enforcement actions within courthouses, limits actions against judicial personnel acting lawfully, and states that if any part of the act is found invalid, the rest will remain in effect.