ORDERS OF PROTECTION (Sections 455.073 & 455.075)

This act provides that if a full order of protection is granted by a court, all temporary orders shall continue in the full order of protection and shall remain in full force and effect unless otherwise ordered by the court.

Additionally, this act adds that the court may order a party to pay a reasonable amount for the other party's attorney fees incurred prior to the proceeding, throughout the proceeding, and after entry of judgment for orders of protection. This provision is identical to provisions in SB 1127 (2022).

NOTICE OF ORDER OF PROTECTION (Section 455.085)

Under current law, a person is deemed to have notice of an order of protection against him or her if a law enforcement officer responding to a call of domestic violence or violation of the order of protection presented a copy of the order. This act adds that notice is also given by actual communication to the person in a manner reasonably likely to advise him or her.

WITNESSES IN DOMESTIC ASSAULT PROCEEDINGS (Sections 546.262 & 546.263)

A court shall not compel a victim or member of the victim's family in a domestic assault proceeding to disclose a residential address or place of employment on the record in open court unless the court finds that disclosure of the address or place of employment is necessary.

Additionally, a person may testify in a domestic assault proceeding if the person testifying is the victim of offense. The circuit court shall develop rules for appearances by video and shall post these rules on their website.

These provisions are identical to provisions in SB 1127 (2022).

BATTERER INTERVENTION PROGRAM (Section 595.320)

If a judge orders a person convicted of domestic assault to undergo a batterer intervention program, such person shall be financially responsible for any costs associated with attending such class.

These provisions are substantially similar to provisions in SB 1127 (2022).

MARY GRACE PRINGLE