Lawmakers on Wednesday overwhelmingly approved a measure to allow victims of dating violence to seek protective orders against their abusers. If ultimately approved, the bill would give abused girlfriends or boyfriends the same legal protections as abused husbands and wives.
Under current law, protective orders are available only in married or cohabitant situations. HB28, sponsored by Rep. David Litvack, D-Salt Lake, would allow those in dating situations, who are 16 or older, to also apply for protection.
Litvack ran a similar bill last year, but it failed amid concerns about the enforcement of protective orders for teenagers, especially minors.
On Wednesday, the Utah House passed HB28 with a 70-2 vote. It will now go to the Senate for consideration.
Blog: Utah Legislature
Observations and highlights from our reporters covering Utah's political landscape.
Guv may call special session
Gov. Gary Herbert indicated Thursday he may call lawmakers into special session to put a new assessment test for high school students in place.
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