State Rep. Joseph Pavlov this week voted to approve a plan that would make personal protection orders more accessible and ensure court orders designed to protect victims are served quickly and effectively. 

“We should be doing everything we can to protect people who have taken the step of seeking a personal protection order,” said Pavlov (R-Smiths Creek). “This is a common-sense solution that removes unnecessary financial barriers and helps ensure these orders are served quickly and effectively.” 

The three-bill package would ensure people seeking a personal protection order are not charged to have the order served. The plan would also establish clearer requirements for law enforcement when delivering the orders. 

While Michigan does not charge a fee to file for a personal protection order, the order must still be delivered, or “served,” to the person it is issued against. Under current law, the person seeking protection can be responsible for the cost of that service. Depending on travel distance, the cost can be as much as $190. 

House Bills 5120 and 5121 would eliminate those costs for people seeking protection. Instead, law enforcement agencies that serve the orders could be reimbursed through a new state fund. 

The legislation would also strengthen requirements for ensuring protection orders are delivered. The bills would require service as soon as feasible, but no later than 72 hours after an order is issued. If law enforcement cannot serve an order on the first attempt, officers would be required to make at least two additional attempts within 10 days. If those attempts are unsuccessful, the agency would have to notify the person who sought the order, document its attempts, and continue trying unless directed otherwise by the court. 

The bills now head to the Senate for further consideration.