SB168 Summary

• Renames the "Family Violence Protection Order Enforcement Act" to the "Domestic Violence Protection Order Enforcement Act" and clarifies legislative intent to protect domestic violence victims and enforce court orders.

• Redefines "domestic violence order" to include protection orders issued under the Protection from Abuse Act, restraining orders, injunctive orders, and orders placing conditions on pre-trial release in criminal cases.

• Establishes that willful violation of a domestic violence order is a Class A misdemeanor, with increased mandatory minimum sentences: 30 days imprisonment for a second conviction and 120 days imprisonment for a third or subsequent conviction, neither of which may be suspended.

• Authorizes law enforcement to arrest for violations based on probable cause without requiring presentation of a certified copy of the order, and permits officers to provide notice to defendants who have not been served if necessary before enforcement.

• Moves penalty provisions from Section 30-5A-3 to Section 13A-6-150 and becomes effective the first day of the third month following passage and gubernatorial approval.