Plain English Breakdown
The bill has passed both chambers but an official effective date is not yet provided in the source material.
Workplace Violence Restraining Orders
Starting July 1, 2027, this law allows people involved in workplace violence restraining order cases to appear at hearings remotely without paying a fee and requires courts to accept electronic filings.
What This Bill Does
- Allows any party or witness to appear remotely at a hearing for these restraining orders starting July 1, 2027.
- Prohibits charging fees for appearing remotely at the hearing.
- Requires each county court to create rules and instructions for remote appearances.
- Mandates that courts post these rules and instructions on their websites.
- Requires courts to allow electronic filing of documents related to these protective orders starting July 1, 2027.
Who It Names or Affects
- Parties involved in petitions for workplace violence restraining orders
- Witnesses who must appear at hearings for these cases
- County courts that handle these legal filings and hearings
Limits and Unknowns
- The specific rules for remote appearances will be created later by each county court.
- The law does not specify which types of electronic devices are allowed.