WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 259

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: Authorizes the creation of a civil protective order online application portal. (8/1/26)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Abraham and 12 co-sponsors

Allows online filing for protective orders statewide, streamlining access while maintaining data systems, and waiving sworn affirmations for portal petitions.

Signed by the Governor. Becomes Act No. 752.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 259

Summary of SB 259 (Session 2026 – Louisiana)

Title

Domestic Violence: Authorizes the creation of a civil protective order online application portal. (Effective August 1, 2026)

Purpose and Intent

  • To modernize and streamline access to protective orders by authorizing the judicial administrator’s office to develop and implement a statewide online portal.
  • The portal would allow petitioners to file online for any protective order authorized under existing Louisiana law.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • New Online Portal: Creates authorization for the judicial administrator’s office to develop and implement a statewide portal through which petitioners can file a petition requesting any protective order (as currently authorized by law).
  • Preservation of Current Law: The bill retains all existing provisions related to the La. Protective Order Registry and data collection by the judicial administrator’s office. It simply adds the online filing mechanism.
  • Affirmation Requirements for Petitions:
    • Under current law, petitions requesting an ex parte temporary restraining order must include a written affirmation sworn under penalty of perjury, witnessed, dated, and signed by the witness.
    • The bill modifies this requirement for petitions filed through the statewide online portal:
    • A petition filed via the portal does not require the sworn affirmation that is otherwise required under current law.
  • Effective Date: August 1, 2026.
  • Statutory Additions: Adds R.S. 46:2136.2(H) to establish the portal provision.

Who and What Would Be Affected

  • Petitioners Seeking Protective Orders: Individuals seeking protective orders could use an online submission process rather than filing in person or via traditional means.
  • Judicial Administrator’s Office: Responsible for implementing and maintaining the online portal and continuing data collection for the Protective Order Registry.
  • Court and Law Enforcement Data Systems: Continued integration with the Protective Order Registry data, now potentially receiving online filings as part of the statewide data pool.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Implementation Window: The online portal framework would be developed and implemented by the judicial administrator’s office, with the law taking effect on August 1, 2026.
  • Amendments (Senate Committee): Technical amendments were adopted to clarify wording (e.g., minor editorial changes to “may file online an online petition requesting” and related phrasing).

Practical Impact

  • Improves accessibility and convenience for individuals seeking protection by enabling online applications.
  • Could streamline processing and data collection for protective orders, aiding enforcement and monitoring.
  • Reduces or eliminates the need for an in-person affirmation in certain online filings, aligning with the online process.

Note: This summary reflects the bill text and committee amendments as introduced in the 2026 Regular Session and does not constitute legal interpretation or analysis beyond the stated provisions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.