Restraining orders.

Assembly Member Quirk-Silva's legislation modernizes California's restraining order system by establishing electronic filing options and remote hearing capabilities across multiple categories of protective orders. The bill eliminates filing fees for petitions based on stalking, unlawful violence, or credible threats, while requiring courts to accept electronic submissions for domestic violence restraining orders and protective orders for elder or dependent adults.

The legislation mandates that superior courts develop and publish protocols for remote appearances, allowing petitioners, support persons, and witnesses to participate in hearings virtually without incurring fees. For cases where traditional service proves difficult, courts may authorize alternative methods of serving respondents who appear to be evading contact or cannot be located after diligent attempts at personal service.

To enhance accessibility, the bill requires courts to prominently display information about electronic filing and self-help resources on their websites. The Judicial Council must create standardized forms and procedures to implement these changes, ensuring consistent application across jurisdictions. The legislation maintains existing protections regarding firearms restrictions, confidentiality measures, and enforcement mechanisms through law enforcement databases.

For elder and dependent adult protective orders, the bill expands electronic filing requirements while preserving the ability of authorized representatives, including conservators and adult protective services agencies, to file petitions on behalf of vulnerable individuals. County courts must ensure their self-help centers maintain current information about elder abuse restraining orders and make these resources readily available to the public.