California AB 2261 expands protective orders to include victim's family and household members
August 30, 2026
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Where This Stands
Currently Unknown. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Introduced.
Version history & redline
3 versions on fileOfficial version history is partial: 3 linked texts are unavailable or incomplete. Source links remain available below.
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The Frame
This bill increases the legal protections available to the families and household members of crime victims by allowing judges to legally restrict a defendant's contact with them, potentially impacting the safety and privacy of those individuals.
Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.
Crime victims
Victims may now request or receive broader protective orders that include their family and household members.
Defendants
Defendants may be subject to broader court-ordered contact restrictions regarding the victim's family and household.
Local agencies
Local agencies are responsible for enforcing these orders but will not receive state reimbursement for the associated costs.
Last recorded activity August 30, 2026.
Introduced.
Summary
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Why It Matters
This bill increases the legal protections available to the families and household members of crime victims by allowing judges to legally restrict a defendant's contact with them, potentially impacting the safety and privacy of those individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can be protected under this new bill?
Does this change the penalty for violating a protective order?
News Coverage
Lobbying Activity
Protect Democracy United (formerly known as UNITED TO PROTECT DEMOCRACY)
2026
“In support of the No Political Enemies Act to prevent executive punishing of individuals or organizations for constitutionally protected speech, belies, viewpoints, or political participation. In support of amending DHS appropriation riders to improve oversight and accountability on Department of Homeland security surveillance. In opposition to the SAVE America Act and requiring unnecessary barriers to voting. In support of increasing federal election security funding and identifying risks to election security and confidence posed by executive orders. In support of encouraging congressional members to uphold their legal duty to seat future lawfully elected members of Congress from the midterm elections. In support of reforms that strengthening the independence of the Judge Advocate General Corps through reforms of notification to Congress on before their termination. In support of reforms to protect independent legal advice within DoD and protect the non-political nature of the armed forces. In support of reforming the national emergencies framework to prevent executive abuses. Advocating in support of reforms that would prevent the executive branch from harming First Amendment rights of broadcasters. ”
Protect Democracy United (formerly known as UNITED TO PROTECT DEMOCRACY)
2026
“In support of the No Political Enemies Act to prevent executive punishing of individuals or organizations for constitutionally protected speech, belies, viewpoints, or political participation. In support of amending DHS appropriation riders to improve oversight and accountability on Department of Homeland security surveillance. In opposition to the SAVE America Act and requiring unnecessary barriers to voting. In support of increasing federal election security funding and identifying risks to election security and confidence posed by executive orders. In support of encouraging congressional members to uphold their legal duty to seat future lawfully elected members of Congress from the midterm elections. In support of reforms that strengthening the independence of the Judge Advocate General Corps through reforms of notification to Congress on before their termination. In support of reforms to protect independent legal advice within DoD and protect the non-political nature of the armed forces. In support of reforming the national emergencies framework to prevent executive abuses. Advocating in support of reforms that would prevent the executive branch from harming First Amendment rights of broadcasters. ”
CORNERSTONE GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, INC.
on behalf of FLORIDA CITRUS MUTUAL
ROBERTSON, MONAGLE, & EASTAUGH LLC (FKA ROBERTSON, MONAGLE & EASTAUGH PC)
on behalf of SOUTHEASTERN FISHERIES ASSOCIATION, INC.
Protect Democracy United (formerly known as UNITED TO PROTECT DEMOCRACY)
2024
“In support of proper enforcement of the Federal Vacancies Reform Act and proper use of recess appointments powers. In support of increasing federal election funding, including funding for protection of elections officials. In support of the Right to Vote Act. In support of protecting the right to vote and preparation for/prevention of election subversion and certification issues. In support of reform to the Insurrections Act. In support of preventing abuse of executive power, including restoring Congress as a meaningful check on executive authority. In support of reforms to the National Emergencies Act. In opposition to H.R. 9495 (Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act) provision of empowering unilateral revocation of tax-exempt status of U.S. non-profits In opposition to Schedule F reforms weakening the federal civil work service. In support of the PRESS Act to protect journalists from court-ordered disclosure of sources in the absence of a threat of imminent violence or terrorism threat against the U.S. In support of checks against the weaponization of the Department of Justice In support of an amendment to the constitution regarding the presidential pardon power. ”
Protect Democracy United (fka UNITED TO PROTECT DEMOCRACY)
2024
“In support of proper enforcement of the Federal Vacancies Reform Act and proper use of recess appointments powers. In support of increasing federal election funding, including funding for protection of elections officials. In support of the Right to Vote Act. In support of protecting the right to vote and preparation for/prevention of election subversion and certification issues. In support of reform to the Insurrections Act. In support of preventing abuse of executive power, including restoring Congress as a meaningful check on executive authority. In support of reforms to the National Emergencies Act. In opposition to H.R. 9495 (Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act) provision of empowering unilateral revocation of tax-exempt status of U.S. non-profits In opposition to Schedule F reforms weakening the federal civil work service. In support of the PRESS Act to protect journalists from court-ordered disclosure of sources in the absence of a threat of imminent violence or terrorism threat against the U.S. In support of checks against the weaponization of the Department of Justice In support of an amendment to the constitution regarding the presidential pardon power. ”
Connected Entities
Sources
openstates.org
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance65How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy20Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz15Current news / social attention level
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