SB 2638 Summary

• Establishes a petty misdemeanor offense for intentionally or knowingly striking, shoving, kicking, or otherwise touching a family or household member in an offensive manner, with sentencing per sections 706-640 and 706-663.

• Allows deferred acceptance of guilty plea for misdemeanor and petty misdemeanor domestic violence offenses when defendant has no prior conviction or has not previously been granted a deferral, provided defendant completes court-ordered domestic violence intervention programs and parenting classes within specified timeframes.

• Expands probation periods for domestic violence convictions from six months to one year for petty misdemeanors under section 709-906.

• Standardizes acceptable proof of domestic or sexual violence victim status across multiple state laws to include certified court orders, restraining orders, documents from victim services organizations, and documentation from medical professionals, advocates, attorneys, social workers, or clergy.

• Requires judiciary to submit annual reports through 2026 on domestic violence cases filed, including case outcomes, dismissals, convictions, and completion of intervention programs, with Part I of this bill sunsetting on June 30, 2026.