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Subcommittee approves tougher penalties for repeat injunction violators, including mandatory jail time
Summary
CS/HB 643, reported 14-1, would enhance penalties for repeat violations of domestic-violence injunctions (raising certain second/subsequent violations to a third-degree felony), add assault and battery to qualifying prior convictions, and require a minimum 10-day county jail sentence per violation; the bill drew survivor testimony and debate over judicial discretion and fiscal effects.
Representative Plaikin presented CS for HB 643, saying the bill strengthens injunction laws in three ways: it enhances penalty from a first-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony upon a second or subsequent violation, adds assault and battery to the list of prior convictions that can trigger an enhanced penalty, and requires the court to sentence a person convicted of such an offense to a minimum of 10 days in county jail for each violation.
Christine Marin, who identified herself as a survivor of domestic violence, testified in support and recounted that her own restraining order was violated dozens of times and that she lost her son as a result of one violation. Committee debate acknowledged the gravity of repeat injunction violations; Representative Gottlieb restated concerns about removing judicial discretion and called the mandatory minimum a potential unfunded burden on sheriffs and county jails. Representative Plaikin said the bill will provide a "wake-up call" and indicated penalties could vary depending on circumstances.
The committee recorded a roll-call vote of 14 yays, 1 nay; the chair announced the bill will be reported favorably and advance in the legislative process.
