In July, Gov. Ryan signed legislation authorizing courts to notify schools (including public and private schools and colleges and universities) and day-care facilities if a child is the subject of an order of protection.
Public Act 91-262 makes a domestic battery offender ``liable for the cost of any counseling required'' for a child under 18 years of age who ``was present and witnessed the domestic battery.''
Prior to Public Act 91-112, any first-time offense of domestic battery was a Class A misdemeanor, unless the offender previously violated an order of protection.
In determining policyholder ``rating, underwriting, or claims handling'' decisions, insurance companies cannot solely consider the fact of domestic violence injuries.
According to Public Act 90-734, domestic battery committed by a defendant with a prior conviction for violating an order of protection is a Class 4 felony.