Bill > A08785

This bill extends the current legal authorization for referees to determine applications for orders of protection in family court, which was originally established in 2010, by changing the expiration date from September 1, 2025 to September 1, 2027. An order of protection is a legal document issued by a court to protect someone from harassment, stalking, or potential violence, typically in domestic or family-related situations. A referee in this context is a legal professional appointed by the court who can make certain determinations on behalf of a judge. The bill essentially provides two more years for the chief administrator of the courts to allow referees to handle these specific types of court applications during family court hours. By extending this provision, the legislation aims to maintain flexibility in processing protective orders and potentially reduce court backlogs by allowing referees to handle these applications. The bill will take effect immediately upon passage.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8785