Relating to required findings for the issuance of a protective order.

HB 2288 allows respondents in family violence protective order cases to argue that future violence is "not likely to occur" as an affirmative defense. If a court finds family violence occurred, it must issue a protective order against the perpetrator unless the respondent proves this defense by a preponderance of evidence. The bill directly affects individuals accused of family violence who seek to challenge protective orders. Key provisions require courts to issue orders under Section 85.022 unless the defense succeeds, and apply only to applications filed on or after September 1, 2025. The law does not change the standard for finding past violence but adds a new defense mechanism for respondents.