Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that extends current domestic abuse laws to include protections for dating partners regardless of whether they live with one another or are of the same gender.

Highlights:

• Authorizes dating partners to apply for state assistance for protection against domestic abuse, battery or aggravated assault (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that this bill applies to any individual formerly or presently involved in a sexual or intimate relationship regardless of their sex or gender and regardless of whether they live together (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that this bill also applies to any child presently or formerly living in the same residence with the offender, or any child of the offender regardless of where the child resides (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that victims of domestic abuse, battery or aggravated assault are eligible to apply for temporary restraining orders, protective orders, or other assistance provided under the Protection From Family Violence Act (Sec. 2).  

Full Bill Text

Signed by Governor John Bel Edwards