Bill > HB1276

This bill amends the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to modify the provisions related to emergency relief orders issued by the minor judiciary (e.g., magisterial district judges) in protection from abuse cases. The key changes include: (1) allowing local courts to establish rules that either set a time limit on the expiration of emergency orders (up to 10 business days) or require a hearing before the court within that timeframe; (2) requiring hearing officers to provide additional instructions and information to plaintiffs regarding the next steps in the legal process and the availability of domestic violence support services; and (3) requiring hearing officers to notify both the plaintiff and defendant of the date, time, and place of the upcoming court hearing in counties where the emergency order expires upon the court hearing.