HB 1016 Summary

• Allows minors who are at least 14 years of age and victims of domestic or family violence to file petitions for protective orders against family/household members or persons who committed stalking or sex offenses.

• Permits cases involving minor petitioners or seeking relief against unemancipated minors to originate in any court of record and be processed as emergency ex parte petitions if needed.

• Allows cases to be transferred to a court with juvenile jurisdiction when a hearing is scheduled.

• Authorizes courts to appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the interests of minors who file protective orders under the statute.

• Effective date: July 1, 2014.