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 without a judicial warrant. The act 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 supported by a judicial warrant or judicial order.

Violations of this privilege may result in contempt of court or false imprisonment, although lawful actions by judicial personnel are exempted. The act empowers individuals and the Attorney General to initiate civil actions for equitable and declaratory relief if they have reasonable cause to believe that their rights under the act have been violated. It also grants courts the authority to issue orders to protect these privileges and mandates the Chief Justice to promulgate rules for law enforcement actions within courthouses, including requirements for identification and review of warrants.

Additionally, the act includes a severability clause, ensuring that if any provision is held invalid, the remaining provisions will still be effective. The act is set to take effect upon passage.