CS/CS/HB 717 - No-Contact Orders Summary

• Amends section 903.047 to establish that no-contact orders are immediately effective and enforceable during pretrial release and must specify prohibited acts before defendant release from custody.

• Requires defendants to receive a written copy of the no-contact order specifying applicable prohibited acts before being released on pretrial release.

• Defines "no contact" to include: communicating directly or indirectly with the victim, physical or violent contact with the victim or property, being within 500 feet of the victim's residence, and being within 500 feet of the victim's vehicle, workplace, or regularly frequented locations.

• Allows courts to modify no-contact conditions upon defendant motion showing good cause and requiring interests of justice be served, with victim notification and opportunity to be heard.

• Establishes violations of no-contact orders in domestic violence and dating violence cases as first-degree misdemeanors, requiring custody until first appearance; authorizes law enforcement to arrest without warrant for such violations.

• Effective date: October 1, 2015.