SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6005

BYSenators Pullen and Talmadge

Protecting the victims of domestic violence.

Senate Committee on Law and Justice

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 27, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Pullen, Chairman; Hayner, Madsen, Nelson, Newhouse, Niemi, Rinehart, Talmadge, Thorsness.

Senate Staff:Richard Rodger (786-7461)

                  April 15, 1989

House Committe on Judiciary

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 10, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Under current law a victim of domestic violence may obtain an order of protection against any party.  The court may enter an order excluding a party from a residence or shared dwelling, restrain a party from committing acts of domestic violence, or restrain a party from interfering with the custody of minor children.  The statute does not specifically provide for a no contact provision in the temporary order.

It is suggested that the statute be amended to specify the victim's right to obtain a temporary no contact order.  The availability of a no contact provision gives the court broader discretion in preventing contact between parties.

SUMMARY:

The statutes dealing with domestic violence protection orders are amended.  The court may enter a temporary no contact order against any party.  The temporary order may be for up to 14 days and may be renewed.  After a hearing, the court may enter the no contact order for up to one year.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Judge Robert E. McBeth, Superior Court Judges Association (pro)

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

The court is granted the power to prohibit contact with the victim's children and the victim's household members.

The compromise of misdemeanor statute is amended to prohibit the compromise of domestic violence cases.