SF0007

Amends Wyoming law regarding stalking, sexual assault, and domestic violence protection orders to modify hearing timelines, filing procedures, service requirements, and attorney appointment provisions.

• Extends the deadline for holding a hearing on a protection order petition from 72 hours to 10 days after filing or after granting a temporary order. (W.S. 7-3-508(a), W.S. 35-21-104(a)(iii) and (iv))
• Allows courts to appoint an attorney to represent an indigent petitioner or victim under age 21 in stalking and sexual assault protection order cases, unless the victim hires an attorney or files pro se. (W.S. 7-3-507(d))
• Permits courts to appoint an attorney to assist petitioners or represent victims under age 21 in domestic abuse protection order cases, unless the victim hires an attorney or files pro se. (W.S. 35-21-103(e))
• Specifies that victims, the district attorney with victim consent, or persons with legal authority on behalf of minors, vulnerable adults, or incapacitated adults may file domestic violence protection order petitions. (W.S. 35-21-103(a))
• Authorizes service of protection order extensions by mailing the order to the respondent's last known address on file with the court clerk, which constitutes valid notice of the extension. (W.S. 7-3-510(b)(i), W.S. 35-21-106(b)(i))
• Clarifies that personal service of protection orders is not required if the respondent or respondent's attorney was present in person or by remote means when the order was granted. (W.S. 7-3-510(a), W.S. 35-21-106(a))
• Requires that copies of protection orders be filed with the clerk of court and sent to the county sheriff for notification to local law enforcement. (W.S. 7-3-510(a), W.S. 35-21-106(a))
• Provides that the running of time for a protection order is tolled during incarceration or imprisonment of the subject, and upon release the remaining effective period is the time left from incarceration or one year from release, whichever is greater. (W.S. 7-3-510(b)(ii), W.S. 35-21-106(b)(ii))
• Specifies that filing for divorce does not supersede a domestic violence protection order.