House Bill 33 Summary

• Modifies the definition of "personal relationship" in domestic violence statutes to include persons of opposite sex in romantic relationships living together within the year preceding the filing of action, and dating relationships within the year preceding filing.

• Removes the requirement that abuser treatment programs be approved by the Domestic Violence Commission and instead requires programs be reasonably available, affordable, and reasonably likely to resolve issues causing domestic violence.

• Expands language regarding mandatory abuser treatment programs to apply to "any party" found solely or jointly responsible for acts of domestic violence, rather than only defendants.

• Establishes a 60-day review hearing process to assess compliance with court-ordered counseling or treatment programs, with ability to waive the hearing if the ordered party provides written enrollment confirmation.

• Becomes effective December 1, 2021, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.