Committee weighs H.222 amendment to let judges order domestic violence accountability programs in civil protection orders

The Senate Judiciary Committee reviewed a revised draft of H.222 that adds remedies in civil protection order proceedings, including authority for a court to award temporary possession of a vehicle and to require a defendant to complete a domestic violence accountability program approved by the Council on Domestic Violence.

Michelle Childs of the Office of Legislative Council reviewed the draft amendment. The vehicle provision would allow a court, at a final hearing or on an ex parte temporary basis when necessary to prevent further abuse, to award possession of a vehicle to a plaintiff if the court finds the plaintiff needs the vehicle to protect themselves or stabilize the household. The temporary, ex parte vehicle award would be subject to a higher standard at an initial hearing.

The amendment would add a new option to the list of relief available in final civil protection orders: a…