Raised Bill No. 442 Summary

• Expands definition of abuse eligible for protective orders to include coercive/controlling behavior, psychological abuse, and patterns of threatening behavior; maintains existing protections for continuous threats, stalking, and physical harm.

• Requires courts to hold hearings within 14 days of protective order applications, or within 7 days if respondent possesses firearms; permits ex parte orders based on immediate physical danger and allows courts to consider risk assessments and prior protective orders.

• Establishes rebuttable presumption against joint custody when a parent is respondent in a protective order; requires courts to prioritize child safety and inquire into domestic violence history when making custody determinations.

• Creates mandatory attorney's fee awards for parties who committed domestic violence or child sexual abuse in family proceedings; establishes legal assistance program through contracted nonprofits for abuse victims seeking protective orders.

• Requires Judicial Department to provide training on family violence issues including immigration-related protections and implement methods to reduce case disposition disparities across geographic areas.