NC bill seeks to strengthen domestic violence protections

If enacted, House Bill 615 would let judges temporarily renew a domestic violence protective order to fill the gap in time between an order’s expiration and a forthcoming court hearing.

The measure was approved in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday and now moves to the chamber’s rules committee. If approved in committee, it would go to the Senate floor and then the state House before reaching Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s desk.

State Sen. David Craven, a Randolph County Republican, said local police in his county were called this year to assist with a roadside domestic violence situation, where it was discovered a woman had a gap in protection after her protective order had expired and a renewal motion was pending in court.

“This modification will help us fill the void of protection and allow the continuous [protective order] coverage while motions to renew are pending,” Craven said, adding that the measure is supported by the North Carolina Sheriff’s Association and has no known opposition.

Due to procedural restrictions of the abbreviated legislative session, Craven overhauled the provisions of a bill House lawmakers passed last year to address the mental health of juvenile delinquents. The new measure addressing domestic violence protections mirrors much of the language of Senate Bill 836.