The bill amends the Kansas Protection from Abuse Act, specifically K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 60-3107, to clarify the precedence of child-related orders issued under this act. It introduces provisions that allow the court to grant various protective orders, including restraining defendants from abusing or interfering with the plaintiff or minor children, granting possession of the residence to the plaintiff, and establishing temporary custody and parenting time. The bill also specifies that any protection from abuse order shall not be entered against the plaintiff unless certain conditions are met, including the filing of a written cross or counter petition by the defendant and specific findings of abuse against both parties.

Additionally, the bill outlines that legal custody or parenting time orders issued under the revised Kansas code for care of children or juvenile justice code will take precedence over any conflicting orders issued under the protection from abuse act. It also establishes that protective orders will remain in effect for a fixed period of time, with provisions for extensions based on the plaintiff's motion and the defendant's history of violations. The bill repeals the existing section of K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 60-3107, indicating a comprehensive update to the legal framework surrounding protection orders in Kansas.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 60-3107, 21-5414, 21-5924