Relates to providing judges more discretion regarding securing orders and limiting the lengths of certain orders; repealer

2025 Regular Session Introduced by George Borrello and 3 co-sponsors

Bill S 5118 would expand judges’ discretion in securing orders and limit their durations, repealing certain existing provisions.

REFERRED TO CODES

Summary of Bill S 5118

Bill S 5118, introduced February 19, 2025, seeks to give judges greater discretion regarding securing orders and to limit the lengths of certain orders, with a repealer of current provisions. The bill has been referred to the Codes Committee.

Purpose and Intent

The central aim appears to be expanding judicial discretion in how orders are secured (i.e., the process by which an order is granted or confirmed) and in determining how long certain orders may remain in effect.

The bill also explicitly repeals some existing provisions (a repealer), which would remove or modify current statutory requirements related to these orders.

The title suggests a focus on balancing judicial flexibility with constraints to prevent overly lengthy orders in situations governed by these statutes.

Key Provisions (high-level, based on the title)

Increase in Judge Discretion: The bill would authorize or encourage judges to exercise broader discretion in deciding how an order is secured and in tailoring the terms and conditions of the order.

Limitation of Durations: The bill would set limits or allow shorter durations for certain orders, reducing the maximum lengths or imposing new timeframes for review or renewal.

Repealer: The bill would repeal one or more existing statutory provisions related to securing orders or the durations of those orders, removing current mandatory or fixed-duration requirements.

(Note: The specific types of orders affected and the exact limits or criteria would be defined in the enacted text and associated provisions. The summary here reflects the bill’s descriptive title and status.)

Who Would Be Affected

Courts and judges: Direct impact on how they issue, secure, and term an order.

Parties seeking orders: Petitioners or respondents subject to orders may experience changes in duration, terms, or renewal procedures.

Law enforcement and court staff: Administrative and procedural adjustments to reflect new discretion and potential changes in order durations.

Potentially impacted constituencies include victims, plaintiffs, or defendants depending on the nature of the orders addressed by S 5118.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Status: Referred to Codes (the Senate committee responsible for criminal and civil codes matters).

Introduced: February 19, 2025.

Legislative actions show the bill being referred to Codes on February 19, 2025 (listed twice in the record).

Related Bills

S 8987, S 1802, S 1266 (all prior-session bills with related subject matter). These may represent earlier efforts to adjust ordering procedures or durations and could inform context or amendments in S 5118.

Practical Considerations and Next Steps

Text Availability: The exact language is not provided here. Reading the full bill text is essential to understand the specific orders affected, the exact discretionary standards, duration limits, and the repealed statutes.

Implementation: If enacted, the judiciary and court administration would need guidance, training, and possible updates to forms and procedures to reflect the new discretion and duration rules.

Public Impact: Stakeholders such as advocates, petitioners, and respondents should monitor for changes in how long orders last and how they are secured.

For readers seeking precise provisions, reviewing the official bill text and the sponsor memorandum once available will provide the exact statutory changes and affected authorities.