HB 1363 (Dougherty) is expected to be heard Monday, March 2 at 8 a.m. in the Senate Courts of Justice Committee.
This bill says that when judges issue full Family Abuse Protective Orders (POs) to protect domestic and sexual violence survivors from their abusers, they may also order payment of the rent or mortgage for the residence, the utilities, or suitable alternative housing.
Judges don’t have to order payment, but HB 1363 gives them guidance that they may order it. More importantly, many people who request protective orders are representing themselves. Even if they would qualify for a legal aid attorney, they often are not able to retain one for their PO hearing. Having payment language in the statute would let them know they can ask the judge for the abuser to pay for relief issued through the PO, not just for the relief itself.
Please, as soon as possible, urge members of the Senate Courts of Justice Committee to support HB 1363.
Read the bill here: https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1363
View the Senate Courts of Justice Committee here: Senate Courts of Justice – 2026 Regular Session | LIS
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