CT SB00689

Allows applicants to indicate on restraining order application forms whether the respondent holds firearms permits, eligibility certificates, or possesses firearms or ammunition, with this information triggering expedited proceedings.

Requires courts to schedule hearings within 14 days of application receipt, or within 7 days if an ex parte order is issued when respondent has firearms or ammunition.

Permits courts to issue ex parte restraining orders without a hearing when applicant alleges immediate physical danger or that respondent could pose physical danger prior to hearing opportunity.

Expands information courts may consider at hearings to include prior protection orders, pending or past criminal convictions for violent crimes, outstanding arrest warrants, risk assessment scores, and family matters history.

Defines "violent crime" to include physical harm, threatened violence causing fear of imminent harm, stalking, threatening patterns, verbal abuse with present danger of physical violence, and animal cruelty.