SECTION 1. Section 12-5-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 12-5 entitled "Search Warrants" is hereby amended to read as follows:

12-5-1. Authority to issue. -- A search warrant may be issued by any judge of the district court. Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to restrain the power of the justices of the supreme or superior courts under section 8-3-6 to issue a search warrant.

Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to restrain the power of the justices of the family court by virtue of section(s) 8-10-3, 8-10-4, 8-10-38 and 11-9-9 to issue a search warrant.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.