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AB-1297 • 2026

Automatic temporary restraining orders.

Automatic temporary restraining orders.

Children
Enacted

This bill passed the Legislature and reached final enactment based on the latest official action.

Sponsor
Stefani
Last action
2025-07-14
Official status
Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 48, Statutes of 2025.
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The candidate explanation included details about insurance plans ending due to non-payment or failure to renew which is consistent with the bill summary. However, other specifics like exact start date and consequences for violations were removed as they were speculative or unsupported.

Automatic Temporary Restraining Orders

This law adds new restrictions on temporary restraining orders in divorce and child support cases.

What This Bill Does

  • Prohibits both parties from allowing insurance plans to lapse due to nonpayment of premiums or failure to renew them.

Who It Names or Affects

  • People involved in divorce proceedings
  • Parents dealing with child support issues

Terms To Know

temporary restraining order
A court order that stops someone from doing certain things for a short time.
premiums
The money paid regularly to keep an insurance plan active.

Limits and Unknowns

  • Does not specify the consequences if the rule is violated.
  • The new restrictions will start on January 1, 2027.

Bill History

  1. 2025-07-14 California Legislative Information

    Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 48, Statutes of 2025.

  2. 2025-07-14 California Legislative Information

    Approved by the Governor.

  3. 2025-07-02 California Legislative Information

    Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 2 p.m.

  4. 2025-06-24 California Legislative Information

    In Assembly. Ordered to Engrossing and Enrolling.

  5. 2025-06-23 California Legislative Information

    Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. (Ayes 37. Noes 0. Page 1706.).

  6. 2025-06-18 California Legislative Information

    Read second time. Ordered to Consent Calendar.

  7. 2025-06-17 California Legislative Information

    From committee: Do pass. To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 12. Noes 0.) (June 17).

  8. 2025-05-07 California Legislative Information

    Referred to Com. on JUD.

  9. 2025-04-02 California Legislative Information

    In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.

  10. 2025-04-01 California Legislative Information

    Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 76. Noes 0.)

  11. 2025-03-27 California Legislative Information

    Read second time. Ordered to Consent Calendar.

  12. 2025-03-26 California Legislative Information

    From committee: Do pass. To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 12. Noes 0.) (March 25).

  13. 2025-03-20 California Legislative Information

    Re-referred to Com. on JUD.

  14. 2025-03-19 California Legislative Information

    From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on JUD. Read second time and amended.

  15. 2025-03-10 California Legislative Information

    Referred to Com. on JUD.

  16. 2025-02-24 California Legislative Information

    Read first time.

  17. 2025-02-22 California Legislative Information

    From printer. May be heard in committee March 24.

  18. 2025-02-21 California Legislative Information

    Introduced. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 1297, Stefani.
Automatic temporary restraining orders.
Existing law authorizes the issuance of temporary restraining orders in proceedings for dissolution of marriage, nullity of marriage, legal separation of the parties, and under the Uniform Parentage Act. Existing law requires that a temporary restraining order issued under these provisions remains in effect until the petition is dismissed, a final judgment is entered, or until further court order. Existing law prohibits the parties subject to a temporary restraining order from, among others, cashing, borrowing against, canceling, transferring, disposing of, or changing the beneficiaries of insurance or other coverage, including life, health, automobile, and disability, held for the benefit of the parties and their child or children for whom support may be ordered.
Commencing on January 1, 2027, this bill would further prohibit both parties from allowing a plan to lapse for nonpayment of premiums or for failing to renew insurance, as specified.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
Download Bill PDF