Protective orders: credibly impersonating and falsely personating.

Existing law authorizes a court to issue an ex parte order enjoining a party from engaging in specified acts against another party, including threatening or harassing that party, and, in the discretion of the court, against other named family or household members. A violation of this court order constitutes contempt of court, which is punishable as a misdemeanor. This bill would, commencing July 1, 2014, additionally authorize a court to issue an ex parte order enjoining a party from credibly impersonating or falsely personating another party. Because a violation of this court order would be punishable as contempt, a misdemeanor, this bill would create a new crime and would thereby impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.