This bill amends various sections of Alaska law concerning protective orders, particularly in relation to victim counseling centers. It introduces provisions that empower employers of these centers to petition for protective orders against individuals who threaten or commit acts of violence against their employees. The bill allows for ex parte issuance of these protective orders, stipulating conditions for their grant, including a hearing and notice to the respondent. It also ensures that petitioners seeking these protective orders will not face attorney fees, thereby removing financial barriers to legal protection. Additionally, the bill expands the definition of protective orders to encompass those related to victim counseling centers and clarifies law enforcement's responsibilities in serving these orders.

Moreover, the legislation enhances the powers and responsibilities of judges and magistrates in Alaska, allowing judges to act as referees and review administrative revocations of driver's licenses. It establishes procedures for the temporary detention of minors in dangerous situations and amends specific rules within the Alaska Rules of Civil Procedure regarding fees and service of process for protective orders. The amendments will apply to protective orders issued before, on, or after the effective date of the Act, which will take effect on January 1, 2027, pending a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of the legislature.

Statutes affected:
HB0222A, AM HB 222, introduced 05/07/2025: 11.56.740, 18.66.100, 18.65.850, 18.65.855, 18.65.860, 18.65.867, 13.26.450, 13.26.460, 18.65.875, 18.65.899, 18.65.870, 18.66.180, 13.26.455, 18.65.530, 11.41.100, 11.41.130, 12.30.016, 12.30.027, 18.65.540, 18.65.877, 18.65.880, 18.66.120, 18.65.865, 18.65.885, 18.65.890, 18.65.895, 29.71.800, 18.65.897, 11.41.270, 18.66.150, 22.15.100, 09.55.020, 09.55.069, 18.15.375
HB0222B, AM CSHB 222(JUD), introduced 05/16/2026: 11.56.740, 18.66.100, 18.65.850, 18.65.855, 18.65.860, 18.65.867, 13.26.450, 13.26.460, 18.65.875, 18.65.899, 18.65.870, 18.66.180, 13.26.455, 18.65.530, 11.41.100, 11.41.130, 12.30.016, 12.30.027, 18.65.540, 18.65.877, 18.65.880, 18.66.120, 18.65.865, 18.65.885, 18.65.890, 18.65.895, 29.71.800, 18.65.897, 11.41.270, 18.66.250, 18.66.150, 22.15.100, 09.55.020, 09.55.069, 18.15.375