Family Law - Permanent Protective Orders - Consent

SB 721 allows an individual subject to an existing protective order to consent to having that order become permanent, rather than requiring a court hearing based on conviction or new abuse. It directly affects individuals already under temporary or final protective orders who choose to waive their right to contest a permanent order. The bill specifies that if consent is given, the permanent order can only include the same protections granted in the original order (e.g., no-contact or relocation requirements). It does not change the existing requirements for permanent orders based on criminal convictions or new acts of abuse. The change takes effect October 1, 2025.