DE HB151

Expands the definition of "abuse" in protection from abuse proceedings to include financial abuse, such as maintaining overwhelming control over financial resources, stealing or defrauding money or assets, and withholding physical necessities like food, clothing, medications, or shelter.

Adds damage to or destruction of legal documents (such as passports, immigration papers, or social security cards) as a form of abuse under the definition of damaging another person's tangible property.

Creates new relief options for protective orders, including court authority to order return of specified legal documents and to direct law enforcement to search for and seize firearms when the respondent has used or threatened to use a firearm or the petitioner fears such use.

Renumbers existing relief provisions in protective orders and clarifies that courts may grant any reasonable relief necessary or appropriate to prevent or reduce the likelihood of future domestic violence.

Becomes effective 90 days after enactment.