HF2608 Bill Summary

• Expands domestic abuse no contact order law to include orders for protection and no contact orders issued as pretrial orders, probationary orders, and sentencing orders in criminal domestic abuse cases.

• Extends protection area in ex parte orders to include a reasonable area surrounding the dwelling or residence, which must be described specifically in the order and can only be modified by further court order.

• Creates new crime of "stalking" (effective August 1, 2010) with penalties ranging from gross misdemeanor to felony depending on circumstances, including aggravated violations, repeat offenses, and pattern of conduct involving threats or fear of bodily harm.

• Increases maximum bail for domestic abuse offenses to six times the highest cash fine for misdemeanor/gross misdemeanor violations and ten times for certain offenses under sections 518B.01, 609.2242, and 629.75.

• Establishes pilot project allowing judges to order electronic monitoring as condition of pretrial release for domestic abuse offenders, with advisory groups to develop standards and evaluate effectiveness by January 15, 2013.