All Roll Calls
Yes: 250 • No: 0
CaliforniaAB 5612025-2026 Regular SessionHouse
Restraining orders.
Sponsored By: Sharon Quirk-Silva (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Guns must be surrendered; violations are crimes
If you are under a protective order, you cannot own, have, buy, or receive a gun or ammunition while the order is in effect. The court orders you to surrender any firearms. Violating a restraining order is a crime and can be prosecuted. For elder protective orders, the gun ban does not apply if the order is only for financial abuse or for isolation without force, threat, harassment, intimidation, or other abuse.
Stronger protections for elders and dependents
Adult Protective Services (APS) can file for protective orders for an elder or dependent adult who cannot understand the risk, or who gave written permission; APS must refer incapacity cases to the public guardian. After a hearing, courts can stop someone from isolating an elder who wants contact and has capacity, unless the isolation responded to abuse or the elder chose no contact; some facility exceptions apply. Courts may order the restrained person to attend licensed counseling or anger management. Courts must quickly send elder order details and service information to law enforcement and the state DOJ system so officers can see and enforce them. The winning party may recover court costs and attorney’s fees.
Faster restraining order timelines and access
The law lets anyone who is harassed ask the court for a temporary restraining order and a later order after a hearing. The court decides same day on a no‑notice temporary order, or the next court day if filed too late in the day. A temporary order lasts up to 21 days, or 25 days if the hearing is extended for good cause. The hearing must be set within 21 days (25 with good cause). Final orders can last up to five years and can be renewed for up to five more; if no end date is written, they last three years. Notices tell respondents the court can issue orders that may last up to five years if they do not attend. Service rules are clearer: personal service at least five days before the hearing (the court can shorten or allow another method if evasion), and enforcement is allowed when the respondent had actual notice; a final order identical to a served temporary order can be mailed if the respondent skipped the hearing. Each side gets one continuance as of right, and a temporary order stays in place. A child under 12 can appear with a guardian ad litem for these requests. You may file in the county where you live, where the respondent lives, or where the acts happened, and the law defines key terms like harassment and credible threat. Courts may award attorney’s fees and costs to the winning party.
Lower costs and online filing in harassment cases
There is no court filing fee if your petition alleges violence, stalking, or a credible threat, and no fee for related subpoenas or responses. The sheriff or marshal does not charge to serve orders based on stalking, unlawful violence, or a credible threat. Starting January 1, 2027, you can file harassment petitions online and appear by phone or video at no charge; courts must post clear rules. Parties must use the Judicial Council’s simple forms. Some sheriffs or marshals may require prepayment for service of process if they use that rule countywide, but this does not apply to the no‑fee protective order services above; fee amounts are capped by state law.
Free e-filing and remote DV hearings
Starting January 1, 2027, you can file domestic violence restraining order petitions electronically at no charge. You, a support person, or a witness can attend the hearing remotely with no fees. Courts must post clear rules and instructions.
No-fee remote and e-filing for elder cases
There is no filing fee for elder protective order petitions, responses, reissuance, changes, or enforcement. Starting January 1, 2027, courts must allow free electronic filing and must show e‑filing and self‑help information clearly. Also starting January 1, 2027, parties, APS representatives, and witnesses can appear remotely at no charge, and courts must post local rules and steps.
Protect pets and kids' privacy
A judge can, for good cause, give you exclusive care of your pet and order the other person not to harm, take, or go near it. A minor or the minor’s guardian can ask the court to seal the minor’s case information if strict privacy findings are met; improper disclosure can be fined up to $1,000.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Sharon Quirk-Silva
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 9/10/2025
Item 246 — Assembly AFLOOR
Yes: 79 • No: 0
Senate vote • 9/9/2025
Item 241 — Senate SFLOOR
Yes: 40 • No: 0
legislature vote • 8/29/2025
Vote in CS61
Yes: 7 • No: 0
legislature vote • 8/25/2025
Vote in CS61
Yes: 6 • No: 0
legislature vote • 7/8/2025
Vote in CS53
Yes: 13 • No: 0
House vote • 6/2/2025
Item 114 — Assembly AFLOOR
Yes: 79 • No: 0
legislature vote • 5/23/2025
Vote in CX25
Yes: 14 • No: 0
legislature vote • 3/25/2025
Vote in CX13
Yes: 12 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 267, Statutes of 2025.
10/3/2025SenateApproved by the Governor.
10/3/2025legislatureEnrolled and presented to the Governor at 3 p.m.
9/22/2025legislatureSenate amendments concurred in. To Engrossing and Enrolling. (Ayes 79. Noes 0. Page 3222.).
9/10/2025HouseIn Assembly. Concurrence in Senate amendments pending.
9/9/2025HouseRead third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. (Ayes 40. Noes 0. Page 2668.).
9/9/2025SenateRead second time. Ordered to third reading.
9/8/2025SenateRead third time and amended. Ordered to second reading.
9/4/2025SenateOrdered to third reading.
9/3/2025SenateFrom special consent calendar.
9/3/2025SenateOrdered to special consent calendar.
9/2/2025SenateRead second time. Ordered to third reading.
8/29/2025SenateFrom committee: Do pass. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (August 29).
8/29/2025SenateIn committee: Referred to suspense file.
8/25/2025Senate(Ayes 27. Noes 0. Page 2170.)
8/18/2025SenateFrom committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to committee. Read second time, amended, and re-referred to Com. on APPR.
8/18/2025SenateIn committee: Hearing postponed by committee.
8/7/2025SenateRead second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
7/10/2025SenateFrom committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 13. Noes 0.) (July 8).
7/9/2025SenateIn committee: Hearing postponed by committee.
6/26/2025SenateReferred to Com. on JUD.
6/11/2025SenateIn Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.
6/3/2025SenateRead third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 79. Noes 0. Page 1838.)
6/2/2025HouseRead second time. Ordered to third reading.
5/27/2025HouseFrom committee: Do pass. (Ayes 14. Noes 0.) (May 23).
5/23/2025House
Bill Text
Chaptered
10/3/2025
Enrolled
9/12/2025
Amended Senate
9/4/2025
Amended Senate
8/18/2025
Amended Senate
7/10/2025
Amended Assembly
3/10/2025
Introduced
2/12/2025