SB368 Summary

• Establishes Sexual Abuse, Stalking, Human Trafficking (STOP) orders as temporary and permanent civil protection orders issued by circuit courts against sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking conduct.

• Circuit courts hold final hearings within 14 days of service, with ex parte emergency orders available without notice based on preponderance of evidence; orders remain effective for one year unless modified.

• Courts may grant relief including enjoining contact or abuse, ordering defendant to stay away from plaintiff's residence/employment/school, removing defendant from residence, and awarding attorney's fees to plaintiff.

• Violating a STOP order is a Class D felony for first offense and Class C felony for subsequent violations; law enforcement may arrest violators without a warrant based on probable cause.

• Plaintiffs pay no court costs or filing fees; circuit clerks must provide standardized petition forms; plaintiff's home address and shelter locations are protected from public disclosure.