New bill provides for possibility of lifetime protective orders

A new law in the State of Missouri will extend orders of protection for some victims of domestic violence for a period lasting up to an entire lifetime.

Missouri State Rep. Lane Roberts of Joplin was instrumental in getting Missouri Senate Bill 71 passed.

The new bill also provides for the inclusion of pets in orders of protection.

Previously, state law allowed protective orders of 180 days to one year with renewals for a maximum of one year in most cases.

Gov. Mike Parson has signed the bill into law. It will take effect on August 28th.