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 as a family or household member of a party or potential witness. Exceptions to this prohibition include arrests supported by a warrant or for crimes witnessed in the immediate presence of law enforcement.

The bill specifies that 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. It establishes that willfully violating these provisions constitutes contempt of court and false imprisonment. Individuals arrested in violation of this section may bring a civil action for appropriate equitable and declaratory relief, and the Attorney General may act on their behalf. Successful plaintiffs are entitled to reasonable attorneys' fees.

The bill also provides definitions related to civil arrests and court proceedings, clarifying that "civil arrest" refers to an arrest not primarily for criminal law violations, and "court proceeding" encompasses any appearance before a judicial officer or the filing of papers designed to initiate such an appearance. Additionally, it defines "family or household member" in ordinary terms, including anyone related by blood or marriage and cohabiting individuals. The provisions of this section are declared to be severable, ensuring that if any part is deemed invalid, the remaining provisions will still be enforceable. This act will take effect upon passage.