SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Co-sponsored by San Diego City Attorney Heather Ferbert, Assembly Bill 561 was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on Friday. The bill aims to help the elderly and dependents have more accessibility in filing restraining orders.

California offers Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Restraining Orders (EAROs) to help elderly and dependent groups take legal actions against someone who may be abusing or neglecting them.

The new legislation allows EAROS to be obtained through electronic filing of petitions, the individual to attend hearings remotely and courts to serve notices in more practical ways.

“AB 561 ensures that seniors and dependent adults can access the protections they need without unnecessary barriers,” Ferbert said.

Last year, nearly one in six peop

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