HB 2496 modifies the criteria for issuing protective orders in family violence cases. It requires courts to find that family violence occurred within the two years preceding the application for the protective order before issuing the order. Additionally, it creates a presumption that family violence occurred if the respondent was convicted of a Title 5 (Offenses Against the Person) or Title 6 (Offenses Against the Family) Penal Code offense during that period and if their parental rights were terminated as a result. The bill also allows courts to issue protective orders lasting more than two years if the respondent committed a felony family violence offense, caused serious bodily injury, or was subject to two prior protective orders for family violence within the preceding two years. The law applies to applications for protective orders filed on or after September 1, 2025​.