June 3, 2021 - SACRAMENTO, CA - The California State Senate on Wednesday unanimously passed a bill by Senator Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) that will allow victims to file domestic violence restraining orders electronically as they seek protection from abusers.

Senate Bill 538 will strengthen protections for survivors of domestic violence by requiring California’s Superior Courts to allow parties to electronically file Domestic Violence Restraining Orders and Gun Violence Restraining Orders. The bill will also allow parties and witnesses to appear remotely at the hearing on a petition.

“Domestic violence victims in California continue to face unnecessary barriers while trying to leave dangerous situations, and SB 538 will lower these obstacles by allowing them to use technology as they seek protections from their abusers,” Senator Rubio said. “I want to thank my Senate colleagues for their bipartisan support, my sponsor, the City of San Diego, and other stakeholders for working with me on this bill. We should be making it easier for victims, not harder, during a terrifying time in their lives.”

SB 538 now heads to the California State Assembly.
Source: Senator Susan Rubio