Raised Bill No. 5403, introduced in the February Session of 2024, aims to amend existing laws concerning military protection orders and other interpersonal violence protections. The bill includes several key changes to the general statutes. Firstly, it expands the definition of "foreign order of protection" to include orders issued by appropriate military authorities, specifically defining "military protection order" as one issued by a commanding officer in the armed forces of the United States or the Connecticut National Guard. The bill ensures that valid foreign orders of protection, including military protection orders, are to be fully recognized and enforceable in the state as if they were issued by a state court. It also outlines the process for registering a foreign order of protection in the state, including the submission of documents to the Superior Court and entry into the automated registry of protective orders.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 53a-183 of the general statutes, which pertains to harassment in the second degree. It clarifies the types of communication that can be considered harassment and adds a provision that makes it an offense to engage in certain conduct within one year after being directed by a commanding officer not to do so, regardless of the individual's membership status in the National Guard at the time of the conduct. The bill also introduces a new subsection (h) to Section 27-20, which mandates that the Adjutant General provide financial assistance to current and former members of the National Guard who are victims of sexual assault or harassment and are involved in related administrative or Connecticut Code of Military Justice proceedings. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2024, and amends Sections 46b-15a, 53a-183, and 27-20(h) of the general statutes.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 27-20
VA Joint Favorable Change of Reference: 27-20