AUGUSTA – A bill sponsored by Maine Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo) to protect domestic abuse victims is making its way through the Legislature.
The bill (LD 1563), “An Act To Enact the Uniform Interstate Enforcement of Domestic Violence Protection Orders Act” is currently in front of the Judiciary Committee.
If signed into law, the bill would require Maine to adopt the Uniform Interstate Enforcement of Domestic Violence Protection Orders Act which establishes a uniform system for the enforcement of domestic violence protection orders across state lines. Congress passed the Violence Against Woman Act of 1994, but many states have their own laws with differing statutes regarding interstate enforcement of protection orders. The Uniform Interstate Enforcement of Domestic Violence Protection Orders Act ensures that protection orders are treated exactly the same, regardless of where they were issued.
So far 18 states have enacted this legislation including California, Alabama, Texas and Rhode Island. Wisconsin is currently considering it.
“This is an important piece of legislation for domestic abuse victims and for law enforcement,” Senator Thibodeau said. “It ensures that the same protections that are in place for victims here in Maine will be observed if they go to another state that has adopted this legislation.
“Domestic abuse victims have already endured enough trauma. They need and deserve protection regardless of where a protection order was issued.”
The Judiciary Committee is expected to vote on the bill before it goes to the full Legislature before lawmakers adjourn in April.
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