Governor Newsom Signs Rubio Bill Allowing Victims to Use Remote Technology As They Seek Protection From Abusers

SACRAMENTO, CA – Governor Newsom today signed a bill by Senator Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) that will provide greater protections and safety for victims as they try to leave dangerous situations. 

Senate Bill SB 538 strengthens protections for survivors of domestic violence by requiring California’s Superior Courts to maintain procedures allowing parties to electronically file for Domestic Violence Restraining Orders and Gun Violence Restraining Orders. The bill will also allow parties and witnesses to appear remotely at a hearing for the petition.

“We should make it easier for victims to seek protection during one of the most terrifying times in their lives,” said Senator Susan Rubio. “We need to eliminate barriers that prevent survivors of abuse from obtaining domestic violence and gun violence restraining orders. Remote testimony is a critical part of the solution, and I am grateful to see this bill signed by Governor Newsom. I want to thank San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and San Diego City Attorney Mara Elliott for their support and collaboration.”

“I’m grateful to Governor Newsom for signing SB 538, which will allow domestic and gun violence survivors to file restraining orders electronically, limiting the impacts of additional trauma,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “Ensuring our court processes protects survivors of domestic and gun violence is critical to public safety and the City of San Diego is proud to have sponsored this important legislation. Thank you to Senator Rubio for her strong advocacy and leadership on this effort.”

“This bill makes California safer and our justice system more accessible by empowering domestic violence victims to seek restraining orders without the trauma of facing their abusers in a courtroom,” said San Diego City Attorney Mara W. Elliott. “I thank Senator Rubio for working with my Office to remove this unnecessary barrier that prevents victims from seeking legal protections for themselves and their children. I hope this modernization of our court procedures becomes a model for the rest of the nation.”

#

Media Contact: Edward Barrera, edward.barrera@sen.ca.gov