CT HB05326

Amends Connecticut General Statutes section 46b-15(g) regarding extension of restraining orders, effective October 1, 2024.

Changes the standard for restraining order extension from "necessary" to "appropriate" for continued protection.

Requires courts to consider specific factors when deciding to extend restraining orders: the severity of acts that led to the original order, ongoing impact on the applicant, respondent's compliance or violations of the order, and any new or ongoing domestic violence behavior.

Clarifies that a respondent's lack of violations of the existing order shall not prevent the court from extending the order.

Allows service of motion to extend an order by first-class mail to the respondent's last-known address if the respondent did not appear at the initial application.