(a) The following persons may file an application for a protective order under this subchapter without regard to the relationship between the applicant and the alleged offender:
(1) a person who is the victim of an offense under Section 21.02, 21.11, 22.011, 22.021, or 42.072, Penal Code;
(2) a person who is the victim of an offense under Section 20A.02, 20A.03, or 43.05, Penal Code;
(3) a parent or guardian acting on behalf of a person younger than 17 years of age who is the victim of an offense listed in Subdivision (1);
(4) a parent or guardian acting on behalf of a person younger than 18 years of age who is the victim of an offense listed in Subdivision (2); or
(5) a prosecuting attorney acting on behalf of a person described by Subdivision (1), (2), (3), or (4).
(b) An application for a protective order under this subchapter may be filed in:
(1) a district court, juvenile court having the jurisdiction of a district court, statutory county court, or constitutional county court in:
(A) the county in which the applicant resides;
(B) the county in which the alleged offender resides; or
(C) any county in which an element of the alleged offense occurred; or
(2) any court with jurisdiction over a protective order under Title 4, Family Code, involving the same parties named in the application.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 469 (H.B. 4173), Sec. 1.02, eff. January 1, 2021.