Longer orders for protection (new law)

An Order for Protection is a tool that victims of abuse have to protect themselves from harassment and their abusers. A new law, signed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty May 15, allows a court to issue an order for up to 50 years.

Sponsored by Rep. Larry Hosch (DFL-St. Joseph) and Sen. Tarryl Clark (DFL-St. Cloud), the new law provides the option for a longer term if the respondent has violated a previous order on two or more occasions, or if there have been two or more orders issued against the respondent.

The order prohibits any acts of violence and any contact, be it in person, by mail or electronic means.

Effective July 1, 2008, the law also allows the person named in the order to request the order be vacated or modified if it has been in effect for five years and not been violated.

HF1625/SF3492*/CH316