HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order Monday, April 27, 2020, extending existing personal protection orders that would otherwise expire during the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.
Executive Order 2020-63 matches a Michigan Supreme Court administrative order extending the validity of personal protection orders until 90 days after Michigan’s emergency declaration is lifted. The orders take immediate effect.
“Michiganders who file for personal protection orders due to threats, stalking, and abuse should have peace of mind in their homes during the ongoing health crisis,” Whitmer said, in a statement emailed to media. “By extending the expiration of existing personal protection orders, we are helping secure the safety of vulnerable residents as we continue to flatten the curve and plan for Michigan’s resurgence.”
The order requires law enforcement agencies to extend the validity of personal protection orders to July 21, 2020.
“Unfortunately, these victims are particularly vulnerable to stalking and harassment — which is why they sought protection in the first place,” Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said. “Until today, victims were unable to effectively seek extensions of PPOs during this health care crisis – building upon the anxiety of an already fearful situation.”
