Rhode Island Protects Court Attendees From Civil Arrest Without Judicial Warrant

Original title: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- PROTECT OUR COURTS ACT (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.)

Last action · June 22, 2026: Signed by GovernorSponsors: Jose Batista and 9 others

Companion · S 2045same policy, Senate version

Bill progressHistory & official text ↓

Introduced

Committee

Floor Vote

Passed

Law

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What This Bill Does

Rhode Island prohibits s of individuals attending court proceedings unless officers present a valid , ensuring unhindered court access and establishing remedies for violations.

Why it matters

Court participants, witnesses, and families seeking judicial services can attend proceedings without fear of civil apprehension unless a judge has specifically authorized the arrest.

Who It Affects

Groups the bill's text affects, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Individuals attending court proceedings

Individuals are protected from civil arrest at court proceedings unless a valid judicial warrant is presented.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this law apply to all court attendees?

Yes, it protects people attending Rhode Island court proceedings from without a .

What is required for a civil arrest to occur at a court proceeding?

A valid is required.

What else do you want to know?

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Votes, people, money & the original source

Where This Stands

Current status: Signed into law.

Procedural history

12 actions

Jun 22, 2026Enrolled
Signed by Governor
Jun 18, 2026
Transmitted to Governor
Jun 11, 2026Floor
Senate passed Sub A as amended in concurrence
Jun 11, 2026
Placed on Senate Calendar (06/11/2026)
Jun 10, 2026Floor
House passed Sub A as amended (floor amendment)
Jun 8, 2026
Placed on House Calendar (06/10/2026)

Show 6 earlier actions

Jun 8, 2026Floor
Committee recommends passage of Sub A
Jun 6, 2026
Proposed Substitute
Jun 6, 2026
Scheduled for consideration (06/08/2026)
Mar 4, 2026
Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Feb 27, 2026
Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/04/2026)
Jan 28, 2026Introduced
Introduced, referred to House Judiciary

Version history

Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.

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