All Roll Calls
Yes: 124 • No: 16
Rhode IslandH73602026 Regular SessionHouse
AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- PROTECT OUR COURTS ACT .
Sponsored By: José F. Batista (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Courthouse arrest rules and safeguards
Rhode Island courts can issue orders to protect this no-civil-arrest privilege. Officers entering a courthouse must identify themselves and state their purpose to security. Judges promptly review warrants or orders for planned arrests. Arrests in a courtroom need the judge’s leave, except in rare emergencies. Civil arrests inside a courthouse require a judicial warrant or order, and every action gets an incident report.
Protection from civil arrest at court
You are protected from civil arrest when you attend Rhode Island court in good faith. The protection also covers your family or household members. It applies while traveling to court, inside, and when leaving. It does not apply if a judge issues a warrant or order. Willful violations are contempt of court and false imprisonment, but lawful safety actions still stand.
Sue to enforce rights, courts immune
If you are covered, you can sue when you reasonably believe a violation happened or may happen. You may ask for orders to stop or prevent it, and for declarations. If you win, you can recover costs and reasonable attorney’s fees. The attorney general can also bring a case for the state. You cannot sue the judiciary or court staff acting lawfully to keep safety and order.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
José F. Batista
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Cherie L. Cruz
Democratic • House
Grace Diaz
Democratic • House
Leonela Felix
Democratic • House
Jason Knight
Democratic • House
Carol Hagan McEntee
Democratic • House
David Morales
Democratic • House
Brandon C. Potter
Democratic • House
June Speakman
Democratic • House
Teresa A. Tanzi
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 6/10/2026
PROTECT OUR COURTS ACT PASSAGE AS AMENDED
Yes: 56 • No: 16
House vote • 6/10/2026
PROTECT OUR COURTS ACT PASSAGE PASSAGE OF AMENDMENT
Yes: 68 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor — Chapter 185
6/22/2026GovernorTransmitted to Governor
6/18/2026GovernorSenate passed Sub A as amended in concurrence
6/11/2026SenatePlaced on Senate Calendar (06/11/2026)
6/11/2026SenateHouse passed Sub A as amended (floor amendment)
6/10/2026HousePlaced on House Calendar (06/10/2026)
6/8/2026HouseCommittee recommends passage of Sub A
6/8/2026Proposed Substitute
6/6/2026Scheduled for consideration (06/08/2026)
6/6/2026Committee recommended measure be held for further study
3/4/2026Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/04/2026)
2/27/2026Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
1/28/2026House
Bill Text
H7360 - As Introduced
1/28/2026
H7360 - Substitute
1/28/2026
H7360 - Substitute As Amended
1/28/2026
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