AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE -- PRELIMINARY PROCEEDINGS IN DISTRICT COURT -- POWERS OF JUSTICES OF THE PEACE

This bill increases the fee that individuals must pay to justices of the peace in Rhode Island from fifty dollars to one hundred dollars, with a higher fee allowed for special sessions held between 11:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. The legislation also grants justices of the peace immunity from lawsuits for actions taken while performing their duties under the law. These officials, who are already authorized to set bail and issue warrants for various law enforcement agencies, will see this financial adjustment apply to each person appearing before them. The change does not alter the existing powers of justices of the peace regarding bail, warrants, or scheduling pre-trial conferences, but it does update the compensation structure for their services.