HB 2739 Summary

• Amends the Protection from Domestic Abuse Act (22 O.S. §§ 60.1-60.4) to strengthen protections for domestic violence victims and clarify procedures for protective orders.

• Prohibits courts from assessing costs, filing fees, or service charges to plaintiffs/victims when they fail to appear at protective order hearings; allows cost assessments only for frivolous filings with prior notice.

• Requires permanent protective orders to be entered within 60 days of service on defendant (180 days maximum) and prohibits courts from requiring parenting classes or joint counseling sessions as conditions of protective orders.

• Authorizes service of protective orders by private investigators or private process servers for good cause, with costs borne by the requesting party; expands service options beyond law enforcement.

• Mandates the Administrative Office of the Courts provide annual domestic violence educational training for judges and effective date set for November 1, 2012.