The House Judiciary Committee heard Rep. Hatfield’s HB 1607 on bullying and orders of protection. This bill defines bullying and provides that a person may qualify for a protection order against a person who commits harassment or bullying. The bill allows the court to impose certain terms and conditions when allowing the petitioner and respondent to occupy the same location (such as school or work). The bill makes the knowing or intentional violation of an order for protection against bullying a Class A misdemeanor. The bill was amended by consent to eliminate protected speech and protect legitimate business communications.
The Indiana Public Defender Council and the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence testified in opposition to the bill. The bill passed 10-1.
Read the bill at http://www.iga.in.gov/legislative/2019/bills/house/1607.