The bill amends Section 60.2 of the Protection from Domestic Abuse Act to allow victims of domestic abuse, stalking, harassment, rape, and other crimes to file a petition for a protective order in any county within the state, rather than being restricted to the county where the victim resides, the defendant resides, or where the domestic violence occurred. Additionally, it stipulates that if the person seeking relief is not a family or household member or in a dating relationship with the defendant, they must first file a complaint with law enforcement before petitioning for a protective order. The bill also clarifies that the filing of a petition does not require jurisdiction or venue of the criminal offense if either party resides in the county.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for the exclusive care and control of animals involved in domestic abuse situations, prohibits the court from requiring victims to pursue legal sanctions against defendants before hearing their petitions, and allows certain victims to petition for emergency orders regardless of their relationship with the defendant. The bill specifies that no fees will be charged to the plaintiff or victim for filing a petition for a protective order, and it establishes that the court may assess costs against the defendant if a protective order is granted. The act is set to become effective on November 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 22-60.2