An Act Concerning The Prevention Of Family Violence.
Impact
If enacted, HB 05926 would significantly update and streamline the judicial processes related to family violence. It mandates that courts provide safe spaces for victims, ensures that Family Violence Victim Advocates have access to arrest reports, and defines how violations of protective orders will be treated legally. This would highlight the serious nature of such violations and define them as family crimes, thus potentially leading to stricter penalties for offenders.
Summary
House Bill 05926, known as the Act Concerning the Prevention of Family Violence, seeks to enhance protections for victims of domestic violence in Connecticut. This legislation emphasizes addressing coercive control and non-physical abusive behaviors, which have traditionally been overlooked in legal contexts. A significant change proposed is the alteration of the restraining order application process, allowing victims to submit their requests online and under penalty of false statement rather than requiring notarization, thereby making the process more accessible.
Contention
While the bill has strong support as a critical step toward improving the legal framework for addressing domestic violence, some points of contention may arise, particularly regarding the implications for landlords and insurance practices. The requirement for landlords to change locks for tenants with protective orders, and the prohibition against insurers discriminating against victims, may face pushback from property and insurance companies concerned about potential liabilities and costs associated with these mandates.
An Act Concerning Victims Of Domestic Violence, The Unsolicited Transmission Of Intimate Images By Means Of An Electronic Communication Device And The Impermissible Use Of Nondisclosure Agreements In The Workplace.