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House advances substitute domestic-violence bill after extensive floor debate and amendments
Summary
Lawmakers debated substitute H.B. 314, a broad domestic-violence package that removes filing and service fees, standardizes protective-order forms and reporting, expands mandatory-arrest language and increases penalties for repeat offenders; amendments were adopted but members raised concerns about police workload and victim safety, and final consideration was left for the next day.
The House spent much of the afternoon debating substitute House Bill 314, a comprehensive domestic-violence reform package. The measure, introduced in committee as a domestic-violence amendment by Representative Marta Gilreath and amended on the floor, targets protective-order processes, service and reporting, and penalties for violations.
The sponsor described the bill as a crime-prevention intervention and said the package "removes filing fees and fees for service of orders," creates uniform forms and a designated agency to handle filings, and requires reporting of protective orders into the statewide warrant system to improve enforcement across jurisdictions. The sponsor added the changes were needed to qualify for federal Crime Bill grants.
Supporters argued the bill strengthens victim protections and closes gaps that have contributed to repeat violence. "We have an epidemic in our midst," a supporter said, urging the House to act and calling for tougher penalties and more coordinated services for victims.
Law-enforcement and other representatives pressed for clarifications. Members raised specific operational concerns about the bill's requirement that officers provide written notice and shelter information to victims, warning that giving contact information could risk safety if an abuser later obtains shelter details. One member asked how officers should identify a primary victim in mutual-altercation calls; sponsors replied the bill allows discretion in extenuating circumstances and builds in existing law's good-faith protections.
Floor amendments were offered and adopted to address service, forms, and procedural details; the sponsor conceded some language ("intent to comply") was removed after law-enforcement input. Members also questioned the bill's fiscal note (about $777,000 in the original bill) and whether required counseling or services would require new state spending; sponsors said much of the activity is already funded or uses existing systems.
After extended debate, the House adopted amendments and left the bill on the board at adjournment so consideration could continue the next day. The House set reconvening for 9:00 a.m. tomorrow, leaving final passage and any additional amendments pending.
