CT SB00462

Expands civil restraining order provisions under section 46b-15 to allow courts to issue ex parte orders protecting applicants' utility services, insurance coverage, and property from respondent interference, and to order respondents to maintain payments for rent, mortgage, utilities, insurance, and child support when applicants and respondents are spouses or have dependent children in common.

Adds new language to restraining orders warning that violations constitute criminal trespass in the first degree and criminal violation of a restraining order, with penalties of up to five years imprisonment and five thousand dollars in fines for certain violations, or up to ten years imprisonment and ten thousand dollars in fines for violations involving physical restraint or threats of harm.

Elevates criminal penalties for violations of restraining orders and protective orders from class D felonies to class C felonies when violations involve imposing restraint upon a person's liberty or threatening, harassing, assaulting, molesting, sexually assaulting or attacking a person.

Establishes a task force to study service of restraining orders by state marshals, including policies, procedures, reimbursement rates, and best practices from other states, with a report due by December 15, 2014.

Makes most provisions effective October 1, 2014, except the task force establishment which takes effect upon passage.