NC H380

Allow aggrieved parties and defendants to participate via video conference in domestic violence protective order renewal hearings, with the clerk of superior court assisting with remote participation.

Automatically extend a protective order for up to 30 days beyond its expiration date if a renewal hearing is scheduled after the order's expiration, effective upon service of notice to the defendant.

Require forms containing identifying information of plaintiffs and defendants in protective order actions to be sealed upon filing, accessible only by court order, law enforcement, or approved domestic violence advocacy groups.

Make unauthorized release of sealed identifying information, including by legal counsel, punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Effective October 1, 2021, applying to motions filed on or after that date.