Bill > SB234

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Protection from Abuse law to provide more flexibility and clarity regarding emergency protective orders issued by minor judiciary (local judges or hearing officers). The key changes include allowing counties to establish local rules that can extend the expiration of emergency protection orders to either when a court hearing occurs or within 10 business days (instead of the current standard of expiring at the end of the next business day), and mandating that these locally extended orders be entered into a statewide registry. The bill also modifies instructions for hearing officers, requiring them to provide more comprehensive guidance to both plaintiffs and defendants in counties with these local rules. Specifically, in such counties, hearing officers must now notify both parties about the date, time, and location of the upcoming court hearing for finalizing or continuing the protective order. The bill aims to improve the process for obtaining and maintaining emergency protection orders by providing more structured procedures and ensuring both parties are informed about next steps. The legislation will take effect 60 days after enactment.