This bill amends existing laws related to domestic violence protection by expanding the definition of "abuse" to include additional forms of harmful behavior. Specifically, it adds "nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images" as a new type of abuse and introduces the concept of "coercive control," which encompasses a range of manipulative behaviors intended to intimidate or control the victim. The court is now permitted to consider evidence of coercive control and the overall pattern of abusive behavior, regardless of when the acts occurred, when determining the need for a domestic violence order of protection.

Additionally, the bill modifies the procedures for the Department of Justice's Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee, allowing it to review cases even if there is potential or pending civil litigation. This change removes the previous requirement that the committee's review be delayed for three years in such circumstances, ensuring that the committee can access necessary records and testimonies without obstruction. Overall, these amendments aim to enhance the legal framework for protecting individuals from domestic violence and improving the response to domestic violence cases.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 173-B:1, 173-B:3
As Amended by the Senate: 173-B:1, 173-B:3, 21-M:16-
Version adopted by both bodies: 173-B:1, 173-B:3, 21-M:16-
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 173-B:1, 173-B:3, 21-M:16-
HB1522 text: 173-B:1, 173-B:3