Parents could seek court protection for teens harmed by peers

Parents or guardians could ask Superior Court for a minor protection order. Both the alleged victim and the teen named in the request would have to be ages 14–17. Dating or domestic cases would cover specified crimes or attempts. Outside those relationships, only specified sexual misconduct or attempts, stalking, or online harassment would qualify. Domestic cases involving caregivers or siblings would instead require a report to the Department of Children and Families. The law would take effect on the first day of the 13th month following enactment.

Judges could set restrictions and would have to ban weapon access and require weapons to be surrendered. These rules would apply to teens subject to final protection orders. A final order would require a court finding or admission of covered conduct. Final orders would last six months to one year. At the victim’s request and for good cause, courts could extend them in six-month steps until the teen’s 18th birthday. Orders issued at age 17½ or older could last until age 18½.

People who purposely or knowingly break a minor protection order would face charges. This would cover temporary and final minor protection orders. A violation would be a fourth-degree crime if the conduct could also be a separate crime or a disorderly persons offense, a lesser offense. Other deliberate violations would be disorderly persons offenses.

The state would set aside money from its main fund to carry out the law. The money would go to the Administrative Office of the Courts. The courts’ administrative director would certify the amount needed. The state’s budget and accounting director would have to approve the funding.