Senate Bill 20-083 Summary

• Prohibits civil arrest of any person while present at a courthouse or its environs, or while going to, attending, or coming from a court proceeding.

• Allows judges or magistrates to issue writs of protection prohibiting civil arrest, though the protection applies automatically regardless of whether a writ is issued.

• Does not restrict criminal arrests or execution of criminal arrest warrants based on probable cause of criminal law violations.

• Establishes remedies for violations including civil liability for false imprisonment, contempt of court, and allows the Attorney General to bring civil actions for equitable or declaratory relief.

• Provides that persons arrested in violation of the prohibition may seek a writ of habeas corpus and grants courts explicit power to preserve courthouse access and enforce civil arrest protections.