The "Protect Our Courts Act," proposed as Chapter 34 of Title 12 of the General Laws, aims to protect individuals attending court proceedings in Rhode Island from civil arrest unless supported by a judicial warrant or judicial order. The bill defines key terms such as "civil arrest," "court proceeding," and "judicial warrant." It establishes that individuals who are parties or potential witnesses in court proceedings are privileged from civil arrest while going to, remaining at, and returning from the court, unless such arrest is authorized by a judicial warrant.

Violating this privilege constitutes contempt of court and false imprisonment, but does not affect the lawful actions of law enforcement officers or court personnel. The Act allows individuals and the Attorney General to initiate civil actions for violations of the privilege against civil arrest, permitting the recovery of costs and reasonable attorney fees in successful cases.

Furthermore, the Act mandates the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to promulgate rules for law enforcement interactions within courthouses, ensuring that any representative of a law enforcement agency identifies themselves to court security personnel and states the specific enforcement purpose before making an arrest. It also requires that any warrant or judicial order concerning an intended arrest be promptly reviewed by appropriate judicial personnel, and that no civil arrest shall be executed inside a courthouse without a judicial warrant or judicial order.

The Act includes provisions for the preservation of existing rights and states that no legal actions may be commenced against the judicial branch or any judicial branch personnel acting lawfully in maintaining safety and order in the courts. The Act is set to take effect upon passage.