Bill would bring related domestic violence cases before one judge

Each Superior Court district would establish an Integrated Domestic Violence Court and assign at least two judges to it. Cases must involve multiple members of the same family or household, a domestic violence case, and another case involving divorce, child custody or support, domestic violence crimes, or juvenile offenses. Combining cases would depend on court rules and a court finding that they are suitable. Cases could come from municipal courts or another court district. The Administrative Office of the Courts would report annually to the Governor and Legislature on the program’s operation and results. The program would take effect on the first day of the third month after enactment.

The Judiciary would receive money from the Domestic Violence Victims’ Fund to put the program into operation. The money would fund implementation of the statewide court program. The Administrative Director of the Courts would determine the amount needed. The Treasury Department’s Director of the Division of Budget and Accounting would have to approve that amount. The funding provision would take effect on the first day of the third month after enactment. The courts’ administrative director could prepare for implementation beforehand.