Newsom Signs AB 1657, Unifying DV Restraining-Order Rules Statewide
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 1657 on Sept. 20, 2026, a bill governing applications for domestic-violence temporary restraining orders. It is now state law applying across California — not limited to Sonoma County.
AB 1657 was championed by the Family Justice Center Sonoma County and authored by Assemblymember Chris Rogers. After passing the Legislature, it was signed into law by the governor.
Under the bill, when an applicant seeks an ex parte domestic-violence restraining order, courts may not require advance notice to the restrained party before accepting or deciding the application, nor demand a written explanation for why notice was not given.
Courts also may not deny an ex parte application in whole or part solely because the applicant did not notify the other party in advance. Local courts may not adopt or keep rules, forms or procedures conflicting with these requirements.
The bill further provides that if an applicant uses the Judicial Council's mandatory forms, submits all required documents and clearly identifies both parties, the court clerk may not refuse to accept the filing.
The law targets the initial application stage, aiming to standardize intake across county courts and reduce procedural barriers for people seeking emergency protection. It does not mean automatic approval — courts still decide based on the filings and legal standards.
"No advance notice" does not permanently strip the restrained party of notice or a chance to be heard; service, the formal hearing and any longer-term order still follow California's prescribed procedures.
AB 1657 amends the California Family Code and therefore binds courts statewide. Though initiated by Sonoma County's Family Justice Center, it is a statewide statute, not a local rule.
Under California's default effective-date rule, AB 1657 takes effect Jan. 1, 2027.
(Sources: Governor's Office, AB 1657 bill text, Sonoma County DA's Office. Note: This article is news reporting, not legal advice.)
Related: Orange County Family Justice Center Marks 20 Years; Multilingual Help Including Chinese
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
