The bill amends the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, specifically section 2950, to strengthen the provisions related to personal protection orders (PPOs) in Michigan. It allows individuals to petition the family division of the circuit court for a PPO against certain individuals, including spouses, former spouses, and those with whom they share a child or have had a dating relationship. Key enhancements include the right for petitioners to keep their addresses confidential in court documents and a requirement for the court to issue a PPO if there is reasonable cause to believe that the restrained individual may commit acts of violence or harassment. The bill also details the procedures for issuing and enforcing PPOs, ensuring immediate enforceability upon a judge's signature, and outlines the responsibilities of court clerks and law enforcement in notifying relevant parties.

Additionally, the bill introduces penalties for violations of PPOs, including potential imprisonment and fines, and prohibits mutual PPOs. It establishes that individuals who knowingly provide false statements in support of their PPO petitions can be held in contempt of court. The bill clarifies the enforceability of PPOs under specific sections of the criminal procedure code and outlines circumstances that prevent a court from issuing such orders, particularly when the respondent is a minor child related to the petitioner. Furthermore, it defines the ownership interest a petitioner may have in an animal and provides definitions for terms like "dating relationship" and "neglect" to enhance clarity in the law's application. The amendments will take effect 90 days after enactment and are contingent upon the passage of House Bill No. 4131.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 600.2950