How SB 234 changes current law

AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

The bill modifies existing provisions regarding emergency relief by minor judiciary for protection from abuse cases, specifically addressing the expiration of orders and the instructions provided to plaintiffs and defendants.

• 23 Pa.C.S. § 6110(b)

  An order issued under subsection (a) shall expire at the end of the next business day the court deems itself available[.] → unless a court by local rule provides that orders issued under subsection (a) expire when the court holds a hearing under this chapter or within 10 business days, whichever occurs sooner.

  This change allows for local rules to determine the expiration of emergency orders, providing more flexibility.

• 23 Pa.C.S. § 6110(d)

  [Upon] → (1) Except in a county where by local rule an order issued under subsection (a) expires when the court holds a hearing under this chapter, upon issuance of an emergency order, the hearing officer shall provide the plaintiff instructions regarding the commencement of proceedings in the court of common pleas at the beginning of the next business day and regarding the procedures for initiating a contempt charge should the defendant violate the emergency order.

  This establishes a distinction in instructions provided to plaintiffs based on whether local rules affect the expiration of emergency orders.

• 23 Pa.C.S. § 6110(d)

  [Upon] → (2) In a county where by local rule an order issued under subsection (a) expires when the court holds a hearing under this chapter, upon issuance of an emergency order, the hearing officer shall provide both the plaintiff and the defendant notice of the date, time and place of the hearing before the court of common pleas for the issuance of a final order or the continuation of a temporary order and shall provide the plaintiff notice of the procedures for initiating a contempt charge should the defendant violate the emergency order.

  This ensures that both parties are informed about hearing details in counties with specific local rules.