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." The act stipulates that Rhode Island schools, places of worship, health facilities, and public libraries shall not grant access to their premises for any federal immigration authority to investigate, detain, apprehend, or arrest individuals for potential violations of federal immigration laws unless the federal immigration authority presents a judicial warrant that clearly identifies the individual sought.

The act emphasizes the importance of maintaining trust between the immigrant community and state and local agencies. By requiring a judicial warrant for any immigration enforcement actions in these protected spaces, the act aims to uphold the constitutional rights of individuals. Additionally, the provisions of the act are severable, meaning that if any part is deemed invalid, the remaining sections will still be enforceable. The act is set to take effect upon passage.