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IN HB1607
Bill
Status
5/5/2019
Primary Sponsor
Ryan Hatfield
Click for details
AI Summary
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Establishes a new legal definition of "harassment" as repeated or continuing impermissible contact that would cause a reasonable person emotional distress and actually causes the victim emotional distress, excluding constitutionally protected activities like lawful labor picketing.
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Allows victims of harassment to petition for civil protective orders, but unlike domestic violence cases, harassment-based orders cannot be issued ex parte and require notice and a hearing within 30 days of filing.
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Expands the definition of "impermissible contact" to explicitly include following/pursuing the victim, communicating in person or electronically, and posting on social media directed at or referring to the victim.
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Grants courts authority to permit respondents and petitioners to occupy the same location for legitimate or necessary purposes, with the ability to impose terms and conditions on the respondent.
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Removes the requirement that magistrates report findings to the court for final orders in protective order cases, allowing magistrates to enter final orders and judgments directly in these proceedings.
Legislative Description
Harassment and orders for protection. Defines "harassment" for purposes of civil orders for protection. Provides that a person who is a victim of harassment may file a petition for an order for protection against a person who commits harassment, and that a court may issue an order for protection against a person who commits harassment only after notice and a hearing. Provides that a court may impose certain terms and conditions upon a respondent when allowing a petitioner and respondent to occupy the same location. Specifies the powers of magistrates. Makes conforming changes.
Last Action
Public Law 266
5/5/2019