HB 125 Summary

• Creates workplace violence protective orders allowing employers to petition district or superior courts against individuals who committed violence or made threats of violence against the employer or employees.

• Establishes procedures for protective orders including at least 10 days' notice to respondent, preponderance of evidence standard for issuance, 6-month duration, and court authority to prohibit violence, contact, and require respondent to stay away from workplace.

• Authorizes ex parte (emergency) workplace violence protective orders lasting 20 days if court finds probable cause of recent violence or threats and necessity to protect employer or employees.

• Amends the crime of violating a protective order statute to include violations of workplace violence protective orders as criminal offense with potential penalties up to one year incarceration and $25,000 fine.

• Provides no filing fees or service of process fees for workplace violence protective order actions and requires courts to maintain central registry of all protective orders.