OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin has signed a bill meant to improve protection for victims of domestic abuse.
The bill reduces the time it takes for a victim of domestic violence to get a protection order, saying a court must hear a petition within two weeks of its filing instead of the current 20 days. Fallin signed the bill and four others Friday.
The new law says courts may order domestic abuse counseling for defendants but can't put the victim in harm's way by requiring that they attend.
Fallin also signed a bill authorizing a Lupus Awareness and Education license plate, with the plate's fee going to the Lupus Foundation of Oklahoma. Other bills she signed include regulations on absentee ballots and a board overseeing marginally producing oil and gas wells.