The bill, known as "The Protected Spaces Act," establishes specific protections against federal immigration enforcement within designated locations in Rhode Island. It introduces a new chapter to Title 42 of the General Laws, defining key terms such as "civil immigration warrant," "federal immigration authority," and "protected locations," which include schools, places of worship, health facilities, and public libraries. The act stipulates that these locations shall not grant access to federal immigration authorities for the purpose of investigating, detaining, apprehending, or arresting individuals for potential violations of federal immigration laws unless a judicial warrant is presented that clearly identifies the individual sought by the federal authority.

The act emphasizes the importance of maintaining a relationship of trust between the immigrant community and state and local agencies for public safety. It addresses concerns regarding constitutional rights, including potential violations of the Fourth Amendment and the Equal Protection Clause, that may arise from state and local participation in federal immigration enforcement. The act is designed to protect the constitutional rights of all Rhode Islanders and will take effect upon passage.