The bill establishes a "domestic violence calendar" within the Rhode Island Superior Court specifically for the hearing and disposition of felony domestic violence cases. This new section, 8-2-15.2, outlines the types of cases included on this calendar, which consist of: (1) all criminal proceedings alleging the commission of a felony offense constituting domestic violence; (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 related to a domestic violence matter as deemed appropriate by the presiding justice.

The bill mandates that cases on the domestic violence 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 its implementation, including coordination with the Rhode Island district court and family court. The domestic violence calendar will have concurrent jurisdiction with other calendars in the Superior Court to hear and decide all criminal actions related to domestic violence. This act will take effect upon passage.