Rhode Island enacts Protect Our Courts Act to bar civil arrests at courthouses without warrants

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: Meghan Kallman and 9 others

Companion · H 7360same policy, House version

Bill progressHistory & official text ↓

Introduced

Committee

Floor Vote

Passed

Law

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What This Bill Does

Rhode Island enacts the Protect Our Courts Act to protect individuals attending court proceedings from without a , ensuring unimpeded court access and establishing enforcement rules and legal remedies for violations.

Why it matters

Court attendees gain legal protections against s executed without a specific while participating in judicial proceedings.

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

Court attendees

Individuals attending Rhode Island court proceedings gain protection from civil arrest without a judicial warrant.

Key Facts

Protects individuals attending Rhode Island court proceedings from civil arrest without a judicial warrant.
Ensures unhindered court access for participants.
Sets enforcement rules and provides remedies for violations of the act.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Protect Our Courts Act do?

It protects individuals attending Rhode Island court proceedings from without a , ensures court access, sets enforcement rules, and provides remedies for violations.

Who is protected by this law?

People attending Rhode Island court proceedings are protected from without a .

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

Current status: Signed into law.

Procedural history

14 actions

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

Show 8 earlier actions

Jun 11, 2026Floor
Senate passed Sub A as amended (floor amendment)
Jun 4, 2026
Placed on Senate Calendar (06/11/2026)
Jun 2, 2026Floor
Committee recommends passage of Sub A
Jun 1, 2026
Proposed Substitute
May 30, 2026
Scheduled for consideration (06/02/2026)
May 5, 2026
Committee recommended measure be held for further study
May 1, 2026
Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (05/05/2026)
Jan 9, 2026Introduced
Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary

Version history

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