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Bill

A 10469

Relates to orders of protection

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mary Beth Walsh

The bill expands who qualifies for protective orders by broadening “intimate relationship” criteria to include former spouses/partners and relatives, based on objective factors.

HELD FOR CONSIDERATION IN JUDICIARY
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Bill Summary · A 10469

Summary of Bill A. 10469 (2025-2026)

Purpose and intent

  • The bill amends the Family Court Act and the Criminal Procedure Law to update and expand definitions related to “intimate relationships” for the purposes of orders of protection.
  • By clarifying who is eligible to obtain protective orders, the bill aims to improve protection for individuals in intimate relationships and related family contexts.

Key provisions and changes

  1. Family Court Act – section 812 (amendments to subdivision 1)

    • Adds a new paragraph (g) and revises existing paragraphs (e) and (f).
    • Definitions and criteria for who qualifies as being in an “intimate relationship”:
      • Paragraph (e): Reiterates criteria for determining an “intimate relationship” between two people who are not related by blood or marriage, including:
      • Nature or type of the relationship (including non-sexual aspects).
      • Frequency of interaction.
      • Duration of the relationship.
      • Clarifies that casual acquaintances or ordinary fraternization in business or social contexts do not constitute an “intimate relationship.”
      • Paragraph (f): Includes relatives by blood or affinity to parties who have or had an intimate relationship (as defined in paragraph (e)).
      • Paragraph (g): Adds a new category for individuals who are not related by blood or marriage where one person is the spouse or intimate partner of the other person’s former spouse or former intimate partner. The term “intimate partner” is defined as someone in an intimate relationship as defined in paragraph (e).

  2. Criminal Procedure Law – section 530.11 (amendments to subdivision 1)

    • Adds a new paragraph (g) with basically the same definitions and criteria as in the Family Court Act:
      • Establishes criteria for determining an “intimate relationship.”
      • Includes the same non-qualifying categories (e.g., casual acquaintances).
      • Expands to cover situations where one party is the former spouse/intimate partner of the other party.
      • Uses the same definition language for “intimate partner” as in the Family Court Act.

Who/what is affected

  • Individuals seeking orders of protection in:
    • Family court proceedings (under the Family Court Act).
    • Criminal procedure contexts (under the Criminal Procedure Law).
  • Specifically expands protection eligibility to:
    • People in intimate relationships who may not have lived together.
    • People related by blood or marriage to someone in an intimate relationship.
    • People connected through a former spouse or former intimate partner (i.e., someone who is the former spouse or former intimate partner of the other party).
  • Clarifies what constitutes an “intimate relationship” to prevent misclassification or exclusion of qualifying relationships.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: Immediate upon enactment.
  • The bill was introduced March 6, 2026, and, as of the provided text, referred to the Judiciary Committee with a note indicating it was later held for consideration (May 18, 2026).

Practical impact and considerations

  • By broadening the definition of “intimate relationship,” more individuals in various relational contexts may be eligible for protective orders.
  • The inclusion of former spouses or former intimate partners expands protective reach beyond current relationships.
  • The focus remains on objective factors (nature/type, frequency, duration) to assess relationship status while ensuring exclusion of casual or purely social/business interactions.
  • Agencies and courts may need to adapt to these clarified criteria when evaluating petitions for protection orders and determining eligibility.

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

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