Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced on Sept. 23 that a bill he sponsored protecting victims of domestic abuse, stalking, elder abuse and other crimes has been signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Assembly Bill 1281, authored by Assemblywoman Blanca E. Rubio (D-Baldwin Park), amended sections of the expungement laws so that a case dismissal does not automatically lead to the dismissal of an unexpired 10-year restraining order that would protect someone from being physically or sexually abused, threatened, stalked or harassed.

“This bill plays a significant role in protecting some of our most vulnerable victims of violent crime,” Gascón said. “It’s crucial that victims do not suffer any further trauma.”

Previously, the law offered no protections regarding unexpired, 10-year protective orders after a defendant’s case was dismissed following the completion of probation or camp for any crime, or after serving a non-probationary sentence for a misdemeanor offense.

AB 1281 clarified that a case dismissal does not automatically release a defendant from the requirements of a protective order issued at the time of sentencing.

The law become effective on Jan. 1.