Press Release

Sen. Blakespear’s Bill to Protect Against Domestic Violence Passes Committees

SB 99 improves coordination among military and civil authorities so those with military protective orders are covered off bases

SACRAMENTO – Legislation by Sen. Catherine S. Blakespear, D-Encinitas, to improve coordination among military and civil authorities to protect against interpersonal violence was passed on Tuesday by two Senate committees.

SB 99 would require law enforcement officers to notify military authorities if they believe a military protective order (MPO) – the equivalent version of a restraining order issued by a civil court for domestic violence – has been violated off base. It also would allow MPOs to be used as evidence in court. 

There are distinct differences between MPOs and restraining orders issued by civil courts. MPOs are issued directly by commanding officers, whose primary concern is maintaining mission readiness and ensuring military members with firearms are not a danger to others. But although there are differences, they have the same goal – to protect people from interpersonal violence. 

“Many military families live off base, and that can create gaps in protection for people who have been granted military protective orders,” Sen. Blakespear said. “SB 99 helps ensure that those with MPOs living off base are able to receive the support and protection they need.”

The legislation is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense. 

Specifically, the legislation would:

  • Allow an MPO to be used as evidence in court. 

  • Require courts considering restraining orders to search the National Crime Information Center system for MPOs.

  • Require police officers to notify military authorities if they believe an MPO has been violated.

  • Allow local authorities to enter into agreements with the military for communicating with each other about potential violations of civil restraining orders and MPOs. 

SB 99 was passed Tuesday by the Senate Public Safety Committee and, separately, the Senate Judiciary Committee. It goes next to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration. 

Sen. Blakespear’s Senate district includes the U.S. Marine Corps base Camp Pendleton, one of the largest bases in North America, with about 42,000 active-duty military personnel. San Diego County, with an estimated 115,000 active-duty military personnel, has the largest concentration of military members of any county in the nation. 

Blakespear represents Senate District 38, which covers northern San Diego County and southern Orange County. To learn more about the district and Sen. Blakespear, visit her Senate website.