PA HB498

Amends Title 23 (Domestic Relations) to allow counties to adopt local rules extending emergency protection from abuse orders from one business day to up to 10 business days or until a court hearing, whichever occurs sooner

Requires emergency orders issued under extended local rules to be entered into the Statewide registry in accordance with existing law enforcement notification requirements

Mandates courts to schedule hearings on protection orders and continue orders necessary to protect plaintiffs or minor children from abuse until the hearing date

Requires hearing officers in counties with extended order rules to notify both plaintiff and defendant of the hearing date, time, and place, and inform plaintiffs of contempt procedures, domestic violence programs, and free legal assistance

Takes effect 60 days after enactment