SALT LAKE CITY — Utah is closer to extending violence protection to people in dating relationships.
The House voted 61-11 Friday to pass the measure. It protects people subjected to violence by someone they are romantically involved with but do not live with.
Under the bill, people over 18 years old could seek a protective order for relationship violence.
Democrat Rep. Jennifer Seelig, the bill’s sponsor, said Utah laws currently cover minors and couples who live together, but not people who are dating.
Republican Rep. Lavar Christensen of Draper opposed the bill, saying courts already provide protective orders for people in a broad range of circumstances. Christensen said that a specific bill to protect people who are dating is unnecessary.
The bill now goes to the Senate for approval.
Comments