Restraining orders.

Assembly Member Quirk-Silva's legislation modernizes California's restraining order system by mandating electronic filing options and expanding remote court access. The bill requires courts to accept restraining order petitions electronically at no cost to petitioners, while allowing parties, support persons, and witnesses to appear remotely at hearings without fees. Courts must develop and post local rules for remote appearances on their websites.

The legislation applies these changes across multiple types of protective orders, including those for civil harassment, domestic violence, and elder/dependent adult abuse. For domestic violence cases specifically, courts must prominently display electronic filing information and self-help resources on their homepages. The bill also maintains existing fee waivers for restraining orders based on stalking or credible threats of violence.

To enhance enforcement, the bill authorizes courts to permit alternative service methods when traditional personal service proves unsuccessful due to evasion or inability to locate the respondent. Law enforcement officers who determine a protective order exists but hasn't been served can provide verbal notice to respondents, which constitutes legal service. The legislation preserves current penalties for violating restraining orders and restrictions on firearm possession by restrained parties.

For elder and dependent adult protective orders, the bill requires courts to assist petitioners who wish to participate in hearings, whether in person or remotely. Adult protective services agencies must take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of protected individuals, including helping locate alternative accommodations when needed.