Staff Analysis of the Legislation
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HB 231 expands temporary protective orders (TPO) to cover instances of dating violence, which includes felonies, simple battery, battery, simple assault, and stalking, so long as it is between two people through whom a current pregnancy has developed or who are currently in a “dating relationship” or have been in a “dating relationship” within the last six months. The bill sets the definition of “dating relationship” to mean a committed romantic relationship with a level of intimacy above friends, however the definition does not necessitate sexual involvement. Within ten days of a filed petition, a hearing shall be held at which time the petitioner must prove his or her allegations by a preponderance of the evidence. The court shall use the specifically listed determinants that confirm the existence of a dating relationship, and may grant any protective order or approve any consent agreement to end the dating violence, excluding mutual protective orders that do not meet outlined requirements.
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