The proposed bill amends the Domestic Abuse Act of 1991 to strengthen protections for victims of domestic violence. Key enhancements include provisions for remote testimony during hearings, allowing victims to participate safely without being physically present. The bill also introduces oversight for domestic violence intervention programs and updates the requirements for filing petitions for orders of protection, specifying that these must be filed with the circuit clerk in the appropriate county. It broadens the definition of domestic abuse to include new forms of coercive control and emotional distress, and adds definitions for "course of control" and "disturbing the peace," which detail behaviors that unreasonably interfere with a person's liberty or emotional well-being.

Additionally, the bill grants courts the authority to provide exclusive care and possession of animals involved in domestic abuse cases and prohibits respondents from contacting or harming these animals. It includes measures for the protection of minors, such as appointing an attorney ad litem for children in these cases, and expands the types of relief available to include temporary possession of personal effects and expedited hearings for violations of protection orders. The bill also repeals previous definitions related to "course of control" and "disturbing the peace," while establishing new duties for sheriff's offices in serving protection orders and maintaining records. Overall, the bill aims to enhance legal protections for victims and streamline the processes for obtaining and enforcing protection orders.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1829 V2 - 3-19-2025 03:39 PM: 9-15-103, 03-19-2025, 9-15-201, 9-15-203, 9-15-205(a), 9-15-219
Old version HB1829 Original - 3-18-2025 01:40 PM: 9-15-103, 9-15-201, 9-15-203, 9-15-205(a), 9-15-219
HB 1829: 9-15-103, 9-15-201, 9-15-203, 9-15-205(a), 9-15-219