AN ACT CONCERNING AN AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE FOR A CRIMINAL VIOLATION OF A PROTECTIVE ORDER OR A STANDING RESTRAINING ORDER.

HB 5310 adds a new defense for individuals accused of violating protective or restraining orders. It allows defendants to argue that the person protected by the order (not the defendant) initiated or encouraged the contact that led to the alleged violation. This defense applies to all covered orders, including those related to domestic violence or harassment, but does not apply if the defendant’s actions already constitute a separate crime. The bill does not change the underlying criminal penalties for violations but modifies the legal defense available during prosecution.