FL H0047

Expands the definition of "petitioner" for risk protection orders to include family members: individuals with biological or legal parent-child relationships (including stepparents and grandparents), legal guardians, spouses, and siblings of the respondent, in addition to law enforcement officers and agencies.

Allows petitions to be filed in the county where the petitioner's law enforcement office is located, where the petitioner resides (if not law enforcement), or where the respondent resides.

Eliminates the requirement for either the petitioner or respondent to be represented by an attorney in risk protection order proceedings.

Clarifies that petitioners must list an address of record on the petition: the law enforcement agency location for law enforcement petitioners, or their own residence for non-law enforcement petitioners.

Takes effect July 1, 2020.