Panel backs bill to remove notice requirement that can put domestic violence survivors at risk
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Summary
AB1675 would eliminate court rules that require some domestic-violence survivors to notify alleged abusers before seeking temporary restraining orders. Sonoma County District Attorney Carla Rodriguez and multiple committee members supported the change as a safety measure; the committee passed the bill to the floor as amended.
Assemblymember Rogers presented AB1675 to the Assembly Judiciary Committee and accepted committee amendments before debate. The bill would prevent courts from imposing a pre-filing notice requirement that can expose domestic-violence survivors to danger when they seek temporary restraining orders.
Carla Rodriguez, Sonoma County district attorney, testified in support, saying her office prioritizes serving victims and operates a family justice center that helps survivors. "One of the ways we can support them is by not requiring them to serve their abuser with notice of a restraining order prior to actually going to court," Rodriguez told the committee, noting that service requirements can create additional barriers and increase risk for people who are already afraid to report crimes.
Several committee members praised the measure and asked to be added as coauthors. Assemblymember Stephanie, a former prosecutor, urged adding protections and said she would join as a coauthor. Members emphasized that the bill is intended to protect survivors during the most perilous hours after they leave an abusive situation.
The committee recorded a motion and then passed the measure, sending it to the floor as amended.
What happens next: AB1675 will proceed to the Assembly floor; sponsors and supporters expect additional work to refine the technical amendments and coauthorship list before final passage.