Report Title:

Temporary Restraining Orders; Appropriation

 

Description:

Requires the judiciary to establish a three-year statewide pilot project for the electronic filing of requests for and issuance of domestic abuse temporary restraining orders on nights and weekends.  Makes an appropriation.

 


HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

728

TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT


 

 

RELATING TO TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDERS.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  The judiciary shall establish a three-year statewide pilot project for the electronic filing of requests for and issuance of domestic abuse temporary restraining orders on nights and weekends, when the courts are closed.

     In establishing the pilot project, the judiciary shall examine the electronic temporary restraining order program in New Jersey, known as "E-TRO."

     The judiciary shall also consider allowing electronic signatures of judges and complainants on nights and weekends, as well as for complaints to appear immediately on the judiciary's website for service and enforcement.

     The police departments and prosecuting attorneys in each county shall cooperate with the judiciary to develop and implement the pilot project.

     The judiciary shall submit interim reports of the pilot project to the legislature, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular sessions of 2010 and 2011, and a final report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2012.  The reports shall include information and recommendations about the efficacy of, and costs associated with, the electronic temporary restraining order pilot project.  The final report shall also recommend whether the electronic temporary restraining order pilot project should be made permanent.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2009-2010 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2010-2011 for a electronic temporary restraining order pilot project to be established by the judiciary.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the judiciary for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2009.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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