Two bills are heading to Wyoming’s 2025 legislative session, aimed at helping victims of sexual assault and stalking get protection orders more easily.
Protection orders are court-issued restraining orders that can protect victims of abuse. These orders are temporary for up to three years, but if the person accused of abuse is jailed, the victim has to go through the process of pausing the order until the abuser is released. Additionally, victims must request a renewal when the order expires.
One of the new bills, Senate File 12, would make these protection orders permanent, removing the burden from victims to keep renewing or pausing them. Cara Chambers, Director of the Wyoming Division of Victim Services, explained that this would address the issue of “tolling,” which involves pausing orders when the accused is in jail.
Sen. Bill Landen, co-chairman of the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee, emphasized the importance of updating the state’s laws around sexual abuse and domestic violence, as well as strengthening stalking laws.
Senate File 12 would also expand who can apply for protection orders. Currently, only victims of domestic abuse can apply, but the bill would allow those who have been victims of violent felonies to file for an order as well.
Another bill, Senate File 7, would help people under 21 get protection orders. This bill would allow a prosecutor to apply for the order on behalf of victims and extend the time to schedule a court hearing from 72 hours to 10 days, since court schedules can often be backed up.
Sen. Landen praised the work being done to improve these laws, particularly in addressing stalking, and emphasized the importance of keeping the laws up to date.