Lauer’s victims protection bill receives ceremonial signing

Columbus State Rep. Ryan Lauer took part in a signing ceremony this week for a bill that he authored to strengthen protections for crime victims.

The governor held a signing ceremony this week for House Enrolled Act 1286 which gives courts guidelines for considering civil protective orders normally outside of the court’s purview when deciding protective orders here. Specifically, the new law gives courts the ability to consider military protective orders and those issued in Canada.

Lauer said without clear guidelines, orders issued outside the state’s purview may not be considered in a state civil court.

Protective orders are used to legally separate victims of harassment and domestic abuse from their abusers.

Lauer said that by creating clear guidelines, “victims can more easily seek and receive the protection they need and deserve.”