The bill would amend the Code of Criminal Procedure to require the Office of Court Administration (OCA) to create standardized forms and other materials necessary to apply for, issue, deny, revise, rescind, serve, and enforce all magistrates' orders of emergency protection, protective order applications, temporary ex parte orders, and final protective orders governed by the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Family Code. The bill would require OCA to make all such forms and materials available on its website no later than June 1, 2022.
The bill would also require OCA to consult with individuals and organizations with knowledge and experience in the issues of protective orders, including the Texas Council on Family Violence, as well as consider uniformity of law among the states that enact the Uniform Interstate Enforcement of Domestic Violence Protection Orders Act.
The bill would require that all applicants and courts use the standardized forms created by OCA for the purpose of applying for or issuing a temporary ex parte order, final protective order, or magistrates' order of emergency protection.
Based on information provided by OCA, no significant fiscal impact to the state court system is anticipated as a result from implementing the provisions of the bill.
According to the Texas Association of Counties, no significant fiscal impact to counties is anticipated.