The bill proposes the establishment of a "domestic violence calendar" within the Rhode Island Superior Court to specifically address and manage felony domestic violence cases. This new section, 8-2-15.2, outlines the types of cases that will be included on this calendar, such as:

1. All criminal proceedings alleging the commission of a felony offense constituting domestic violence, as defined in 12-29-2;
2. All felony offenses involving violations of no-contact orders or protective orders arising from domestic violence matters;
3. All felony offenses involving the use, possession, or discharge of a weapon in connection with a domestic violence offense; and
4. Any other criminal proceedings arising from the same act or transaction or otherwise related to a domestic violence matter, as deemed appropriate for inclusion by the presiding justice.

The bill mandates that cases on this calendar receive priority in scheduling and disposition, consistent with the rights of the parties involved. It also creates the position of a magistrate within the Superior Court, who will be appointed by the presiding justice for a ten-year term, with the possibility of reappointment. The magistrate will have duties and powers as authorized in 8-2-11.1.

The presiding justice is responsible for assigning personnel to the domestic violence calendar and may adopt administrative orders, rules, and protocols necessary for implementation, including coordination with the Rhode Island District Court and the Rhode Island Family Court. The act emphasizes that it does not limit the Superior Court's authority to control its calendar, assign cases, or manage its docket as provided by law. The act will take effect upon passage.