Existing law permits a petitioner to seek a restraining order, including a temporary restraining order, to protect against domestic violence. Existing law requires the court to decide whether to grant a request for an ex parte restraining order on the same day that the petition is submitted to the court, which will be effective until the hearing on the petition, except as specified. Existing law directs the Judicial Council to promulgate rules and forms for a petitioner seeking a domestic violence restraining order and to assist local courts in developing procedures to assist a petitioner.

This bill would require any court or court facility that receives petitions for domestic violence restraining orders or temporary restraining orders to permit such petitions to be submitted in a drop box located on the court premises, during or and after normal business hours. The bill would provide that the deadlines applicable to any action taken by the court with respect to a petition filed directly with the court also apply to any action taken with respect to a petition submitted in a drop box. The bill would require the Judicial Council to develop rules and to assist courts in developing local rules or procedures necessary to effectuate this provision.