Exempts victims of domestic abuse, stalking, or sexual assault from filing fees and court costs in connection with the filing, issuance, registration, or service of a protection order. (SD1)

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. Chapter 607, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§607- Exemption of costs and fees. Victims of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault shall be exempt from paying the costs and fees prescribed in this chapter in connection with filing, issuance, registration, or service of a protection order, or a petition for a protection order, warrant, or witness subpoena issued for the purpose of preventing violent or threatening acts or harassment against, or contact or communication with or physical proximity to, another person. For purposes of this section, the term "protection order" means any temporary or final order of protection, a restraining order, or an injunction involving domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault issued by a civil or criminal court, other than a support or custody order."

SECTION 2. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.