GA HB1456

Creates a new civil protective order system allowing victims of sexual assault to petition courts for protection against perpetrators, separate from the criminal justice process

Defines "sexual assault" to include 13 offenses: rape, aggravated sodomy, statutory rape, child molestation, aggravated sexual battery, sexual battery, incest, human trafficking for sexual servitude, and related crimes against minors

Permits courts to issue emergency ex parte temporary protective orders when petitioners demonstrate probable cause that sexual assault occurred and may recur; orders must be immediately reported to the National Crime Information Center

Protective orders can direct respondents to cease sexual assault conduct and refrain from harassing or interfering with the petitioner or household minors; petitions for unemancipated minors must be signed by a parent or guardian

Violations of protective orders constitute contempt of court and are punishable as a misdemeanor