DOMESTIC ABUSE: Provides relative to continuance of hearings in domestic abuse matters

HLS 26RS-863 ENGROSSED
2026 Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. 366
BY REPRESENTATIVE EDMONSTON
DOMESTIC ABUSE: Provides relative to continuance of hearings in domestic abuse
matters
1 AN ACT
2 To amend and reenact R.S. 46:2135(E), relative to continuance of hearings with respect to
3 temporary restraining orders; to limit the opportunity for further continuance; and to
4 provide for related matters.
5 Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:
6 Section 1. R.S. 46:2135(E) is hereby amended and reenacted to read as follows:
7 §2135. Temporary restraining order
8 * * *
9 E. If the hearing pursuant to Subsection B or D of this Section is continued,
10 the court shall make or extend such temporary restraining orders as it deems
11 necessary. Any continuance of a hearing ordered pursuant to Subsection B or D of
12 this Section shall not exceed one period of fifteen days, unless good cause is shown
13 for further continuance. If the defendant has not been served and fails to appear at
14 the hearing pursuant to Subsection B or D of this Section, the hearing may be
15 continued and reset within twenty-one days from the date of service of the petition.
16 Any order made or extended pursuant to this Subsection shall remain in effect until
17 the hearing.
18 * * *
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
HLS 26RS-863 ENGROSSED
HB NO. 366
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 366 Engrossed 2026 Regular Session Edmonston
Abstract: Removes the ability to show cause for continuance of a temporary restraining
order protecting the petitioner, any minor children, or a person alleged to be an
incompetent.
Present law provides for a temporary restraining order in civil suits alleging domestic
violence.
Present law provides that when a hearing to show cause for the temporary restraining order
is continued, a continuance of hearing regarding the temporary restraining order must not
exceed 15 days unless good cause is shown.
Proposed law removes the ability to show good cause for continuing the temporary
restraining order, effectively prohibiting the continuance of the temporary restraining order
beyond 15 days. Further prohibits the continuance of the temporary restraining order beyond
one period of 15 days.
Proposed law provides that if the defendant has not been served and fails to appear at the
hearing, the hearing may be continued and reset within 21 days from the date of the service
of the petition. Requires any order made or extended pursuant to present law to remain in
effect until the hearing.
(Amends R.S. 46:2135(E))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Civil Law and
Procedure to the original bill:
1. Prohibit the continuance of a temporary restraining order beyond one period of
15 days.
2. Provide that if the defendant has not been served and fails to appear at the
hearing, the hearing may be continued and reset within 21 days from the date of
service of the petition. Further require any order made or extended pursuant to
present law to remain in effect until the hearing.
Page 2 of 2
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.