CA SB1141

Defines "disturbing the peace of the other party" in domestic violence protective orders as conduct that destroys the mental or emotional calm of another person, which may be committed directly or indirectly through any means including telephone, text messages, or electronic technologies.

Establishes that coercive control constitutes disturbing the peace and is defined as a pattern of behavior that unreasonably interferes with a person's free will and personal liberty, including isolating victims from support systems, depriving basic necessities, controlling finances or movements, and compelling conduct through force or intimidation.

Creates a rebuttable presumption that awarding child custody to a person who has engaged in coercive control is detrimental to the best interests of the child in family court proceedings.

Violation of ex parte orders containing these provisions remains punishable as contempt of court, a misdemeanor offense.

Became effective September 29, 2020, with no state reimbursement required to local agencies as costs result from creating new crime definitions under Section 17556 of the Government Code.