This bill amends the Child Protection Act to broaden the scope of individuals against whom a parent or guardian can seek a restraining order on behalf of a minor child alleging abuse. Specifically, it removes the limitation that the alleged abuse must be by a member of the minor's family or household, allowing for a wider range of potential abusers to be included in protective orders. Additionally, the bill clarifies that a parent cannot file a petition against the other parent, and it allows minor plaintiffs to seek protective orders without needing to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The bill also includes provisions for guardians to file petitions for protective orders on behalf of their wards under the same expanded criteria. The changes aim to enhance the protection of minors from abuse by enabling more flexible legal recourse. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 169-C:7-a
Version adopted by both bodies: 169-C:7-a