RD51 - SB 641 - Protective Orders in Dating Relationships


Executive Summary:
During the 2002 Session of the Virginia General Assembly, Senator John C. Watkins introduced Senate Bill 641 (SB 641), see Attachment 1, which would expand the definition of a family and household member (Va. Code § 16.1-228), and extend the availability of protective orders, to those in dating relationships. This bill was amended in the Senate, see Attachment 2, and after passing to the House of Delegates, was referred to the House Courts of Justice Committee where it was left in Committee pending referral and study by the Virginia State Crime Commission. As a result of the study effort, the following recommendations were made to expand the availability of protective orders to all individuals in the Commonwealth.

Recommendation

Expand the availability of protective orders to all individuals in the Commonwealth under the current laws addressing protective orders in cases of stalking (Va. Code §§ 19.2-152.9, 19.2-152.10).