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Utah Senate Approves Dating‑Violence Protective‑order Law After Extended Floor Debate
Summary
After hours of debate over definitions, ex parte orders and potential firearms implications, the Utah Senate passed House Bill 50 to allow protective orders for people in dating relationships; sponsors said judges retain discretion and high evidentiary standards remain.
The Utah Senate passed House Bill 50 on third reading after extended floor debate over how the bill defines a "dating relationship" and when a judge may issue a protective order. Senator Mark Bramble, the Senate floor sponsor, said the bill fills a gap between stalking statutes and protections that already apply to cohabiting partners and spouses.
"Abuse means intentionally or knowingly causing or attempting to cause physical harm to a dating partner or placing a dating partner in a reasonable fear of imminent physical harm," Bramble said on the floor, directing senators to the bill's definition as the key limitation on overbroad…
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