The bill amends Chapter 12-7 of the General Laws by introducing a new section, 12-7-23, which establishes limitations on civil arrests for individuals attending court proceedings. It prohibits the civil arrest of any person who is seeking immediate access to the courts or is attending a court proceeding as a party, potential witness, or family member of a party or witness, unless the arrest is supported by a valid warrant or judicial order. Evidence of intent to attend a court proceeding may include documents such as complaints, summonses, subpoenas, or other relevant documents related to a contemporaneously scheduled court hearing.

The bill stipulates that willfully violating these provisions constitutes contempt of court and false imprisonment. Individuals wrongfully arrested under this section may bring a civil action for appropriate equitable and declaratory relief, and the Attorney General may initiate an action on behalf of the affected individuals or the court. In successful actions, individuals are entitled to reasonable attorneys' fees. The bill emphasizes that it does not diminish any existing rights against unlawful arrest and includes definitions for terms such as "civil arrest," "court proceeding," and "family or household member." The act is set to take effect upon passage.