Bill > HB218

This bill amends Delaware law to add provisions related to military protective orders and their consideration in domestic violence and sexual violence cases. Specifically, the bill defines a "military protective order" as a protection order issued by a commanding officer in the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard against a person under their command. The bill requires courts to consider whether such a military protective order has been issued when determining if there is an immediate and present danger in domestic violence proceedings. Additionally, the legislation mandates that if a law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe a service member has violated a military protective order registered in the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Crime Information Center database, the officer must notify the law enforcement agency that originally entered the order. The bill adds these definitions and requirements to two sections of Delaware's legal code related to domestic violence and interpersonal violence, with an effective date of January 1, 2026. The goal appears to be providing additional protection and consideration for victims of domestic violence, particularly in military contexts, by giving more weight to military-issued protective orders in legal proceedings.

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https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142554