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SC H5366
Bill
Status
Introduced
3/11/2026
Primary Sponsor
Joseph Bustos
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AI Summary
- Authorizes magistrates to issue ex parte orders of protection without prior notice to the respondent when there is probable cause of immediate danger of bodily injury to a household member due to abuse
- Requires a hearing within 14 days after issuing an ex parte order, with the respondent receiving a copy and notice at least 5 days before the hearing
- Expands magistrate authority to grant relief including both restraining orders and exclusion from the dwelling, whereas previously limited to restraining orders only
- Changes emergency hearing language from "may" to "shall" hold within 24 hours after service when good cause is shown
- Allows law enforcement to accompany respondents to retrieve personal belongings from a shared residence when executing protection orders
Legislative Description
Orders of Protection
Last Action
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
3/11/2026
Committee Referrals
Judiciary3/11/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available