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Rhode IslandS20452026 Regular SessionSenate

AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- PROTECT OUR COURTS ACT .

Sponsored By: Meghan E. Kallman (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Court visitors protected from civil arrest

The law protects people going to, at, or leaving a Rhode Island court from civil arrest if they are a party, a potential witness, or a family or household member of one. This protection does not apply if a judge issues a warrant or order for the arrest. Inside courthouses, officers must identify themselves and say why they are there. No civil arrest happens inside a courthouse without a judge’s warrant or order, and courtroom arrests need the court’s permission except in rare emergencies. An incident report is filed for every enforcement action inside a courthouse.

Stronger remedies for illegal court arrests

If you believe this court-attendance protection was or may be violated, you can sue for court orders or a declaration. The Rhode Island Attorney General can also sue. If you win, you can recover costs and reasonable attorney fees. Courts can issue orders to protect access to proceedings and stop interference. Anyone who willfully makes or helps with a banned civil arrest can be held in contempt and face false-imprisonment claims.

Limits on suing judges and staff

You cannot bring actions under this chapter against the judicial branch or court staff when they act lawfully to keep courts safe and orderly.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Meghan E. Kallman

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Jonathon Acosta

    Democratic • Senate

  • Jacob Bissaillon

    Democratic • Senate

  • Frank A. Ciccone, III

    Democratic • Senate

  • Dawn Euer

    Democratic • Senate

  • Tiara T. Mack

    Democratic • Senate

  • Mark P. McKenney

    Democratic • Senate

  • Melissa A. Murray

    Democratic • Senate

  • Ana B. Quezada

    Democratic • Senate

  • Samuel D. Zurier

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 65 • No: 11

Senate vote • 6/11/2026

RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE - PROTECT OUR COURTS ACT Passage as Amended Passage

Yes: 32 • No: 6

Senate vote • 6/11/2026

RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE - PROTECT OUR COURTS ACT Approval of Amendment Passage

Yes: 33 • No: 5

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor — Chapter 186

    6/22/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/18/2026Governor

  3. House passed Sub A as amended in concurrence

    6/11/2026House

  4. Placed on House Calendar (06/11/2026)

    6/11/2026House

  5. Senate passed Sub A as amended (floor amendment)

    6/11/2026Senate

  6. Senate voted to reconsider

    6/11/2026Senate

  7. Senate passed Sub A as amended (floor amendment)

    6/11/2026Senate

  8. Placed on Senate Calendar (06/11/2026)

    6/4/2026Senate

  9. Committee recommends passage of Sub A

    6/2/2026

  10. Proposed Substitute

    6/1/2026

  11. Scheduled for consideration (06/02/2026)

    5/30/2026

  12. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    5/5/2026

  13. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (05/05/2026)

    5/1/2026

  14. Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary

    1/9/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • S2045 - As Introduced

    1/9/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • S2045 - Substitute

    1/9/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • S2045 - Substitute As Amended

    1/9/2026

    HTMLPDF

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