House OKs bill to protect domestic abuse victims
The Oregon House on Thursday unanimously passed House Bill 2776, a bipartisan bill to increase protections for people in danger of domestic violence or abuse.
It would allowing peace officers to obtain temporary emergency protective orders with the victim’s consent or permission, and if the peace officer has probable cause to believe the person is in danger.
Backers say the measure serves as another tool that allows for immediate and increased protections for Oregonians who have been or could be exposed to domestic violence or abuse.
“This proposal will help protect individuals from domestic abusers as they make plans to remove themselves from dangerous home situations and seek help,” said Rep. Julie Parrish (R-West Linn/Tualatin), who served as chief co-sponsor of the measure.
“Too often, victims that are seeking help or safety from an immediate danger at home are forced to wait days while paperwork processes. This bill gives immediate protection for these innocent Oregonians as they seek to find safer, more permanent arrangements for themselves.”
HB 2776 authorizes a peace officer to inform a person in danger of abuse of the officer’s ability to apply for an ex parte emergency protective order and, with the person’s consent or permission, may apply to a circuit court for the order when the peace officer has probable cause to believe the person is in immediate danger of abuse by a family or household member and an emergency protective order is necessary to prevent the person from being exposed to additional or recurring abuse.
The peace officer may also obtain an emergency protective order for a person if the peace officer has responded to an incident of domestic disturbance and the circumstances for mandatory arrest exist. The emergency protective order is valid for seven calendar days from the date the court signs the order.
In addition to Rep. Parrish, HB 2776 was chief co-sponsored by Democratic Representative Kathleen Taylor and a bipartisan group of additional sponsors, including Representatives Cliff Bentz, Ann Lininger, Andy Olson, Bill Post, Sherrie Sprenger and Jim Weidner. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
