On Monday, the Minnesota Senate unanimously voted to pass Senator Mark Johnson’s Uniform Recognition and Enforcement of Canadian Orders for Protection Act. The bill would recognize domestic violence protection orders from Canada in Minnesota.

I am glad to carry this commonsense bill forward,” said Senator Mark Johnson. The bill is a protective shield for victims of domestic violence which does not stop at international borders. It is important we work with our neighbors from Canada to improve the public safety of people on both sides of the border.

The bill requires a peace officer to enforce a Canadian order for protection (Canadian OFP) as if it were an order issued by a court in Minnesota and permits a Minnesota court to issue an order enforcing a Canadian OFP.

Similar legislation has been enacted in six states, including North Dakota and Wisconsin. The Canadian provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Quebec already recognize and enforce Minnesota orders for protection.

Fittingly, the bill passed the Senate floor on International Women’s Day.