Message from the Chair

• Publication year: 2021
• Author: Stephen A. Montagna, CFLS

Message from the Chair

Stephen A. Montagna, CFLS

"Just a Bill"

"I'm just a bill.

Yes, I'm only a bill.

And I'm sitting here on Capitol Hill

Well, it's a long, long journey

To the capital city.

It's a long, long wait

While I'm sitting in committee,

But I know I'll be a law someday

At least I hope and pray that I will,

But today I am still just a bill."

Most of you should be familiar with the lyrics above. If not, it's the first stanza from the School House Rock educational video that first aired in 1976. Initially designed to educate school aged children on the process of how a bill becomes a law, it seems appropriate as this article falls in the midst of legislative season.

Last year during this time, everything came to a grinding halt due to the temporary shutdown in Sacramento and with most family law bills taking a back seat to COVID-19 related legislation. This legislative season we're back on track with over 30 bills currently being monitored by our legislative committee headed by Legislation Chair, Justin O'Connell, CFLS of Monterey County. Justin and his team will continue to keep track all of the legislation coming out of Sacramento, identify those bills that may impact the practice of family law. Here are just a few bills currently sitting on capitol hill:

AB 887 is just a bill which would require any court or court facility that receives petitions for DV restraining orders or temporary restraining orders to permit those petitions to be submitted electronically during and after normal business hours, and to do so as soon as possible, but no later than January 1, 2023. It will also require a prominent link to electronically file the petitions on the court's website and for the Judicial Council to develop rules and assist courts in developing local rules or procedures necessary to effectuate the ability to submit restraining order requests online.

SB 374 is just a bill that would amend section 6320 of the Family Code, by adding to the current definition of disturbing the peace of the other party, acts which can be described as "reproductive coercion." Engaging in acts of reproductive coercion, includes control over the reproductive autonomy of another through force, threat of force, or intimidation. It may include, but not limited to, excessively pressuring the other party to become pregnant, deliberately interfering with contraception use or to reproductive health information, or using coercive tactics to control, or attempt to control, pregnancy outcomes.

SB 536...