Bill > HB498

This bill modifies Pennsylvania's Protection from Abuse (PFA) law regarding emergency orders issued by minor judiciary (local courts). The key changes allow counties to establish local rules that can extend the expiration of emergency protection orders from the next business day to up to 10 business days or until a court hearing, whichever occurs sooner. When a county adopts such a local rule, the hearing officer must provide both the plaintiff and defendant with specific notice about the upcoming court hearing. In counties using this new approach, the hearing officer must inform both parties about the date, time, and location of the court hearing where a final or temporary protection order will be considered. The bill also requires hearing officers to continue providing information about domestic violence support programs and free legal assistance to plaintiffs. These modifications aim to give courts more flexibility in handling emergency protection orders and ensure that both parties are properly informed about upcoming legal proceedings. The bill will take effect 60 days after its enactment.