Va. Lawmakers OK Protective Order Expansion

Virginia legislators have enacted sweeping changes to the state's protective order laws, expanding them to anyone who fears harm.
      
The General Assembly voted unanimously Saturday for the changes, which now go to Gov. Bob McDonnell. A McDonnell spokesman said the governor supports strengthening protective orders and would review
the bill.
      
Currently, only family members or those being stalked can get the orders.
      
The legislation would set uniform criteria and penalties for both types of protective orders and do away with the requirement to take out a warrant before getting one.
      
Legislators also have passed a bill to allow judges to require GPS monitoring of those with protective orders against them.
      
More than 74,000 protective orders are issued in Virginia each year.
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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