PHOENIX — Legislation has been signed that will extend the length of time orders of protection will remain effective before they expire.

After passing through both chambers of the Arizona Legislature, House Bill 2604 was signed into law this week by Gov. Doug Ducey.

The bill extends the effective duration of an emergency protection order to seven calendar days after being issued by a judge. Regular orders of protection can now remain effective for two years — rather than one — from the time they’re served to the defendant.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe at home, and in the unfortunate case where there is a victim of crime, they should have the right to privacy and isolation from the offender,” the governor said in a statement.

The legislation additionally allows any judge or justice of the peace in counties with a population of fewer than 150,000 to issue emergency protection orders by telephone after the courts are closed.

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