(KCPW News) Utah is one step closer to stepping up its dating violence laws. Today the Utah House voted to pass a measure that would extend violence protection to people in dating relationships. House Minority Leader Jen Seelig, the bill’s sponsor says the 42 other states currently offer such protections and it’s time for Utah to join them.
“Currently under state code couples who date or people who have gone out on a date and have been harmed or have had threat of harm do not have the opportunity to get a protective order like those who cohabitate together do,” said Seelig.
Seelig says 15 people were killed in dating relationships between 2004 and 2011 in the state. Under the bill, anyone over 18 could seek a protective order for relationship violence. The bill passed out of the House will a vote of 61-11 and will now be heard in the Senate.
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