SB 359 - Under current law, a hearing must be held within fifteen days after the filing of an ex parte order of protection. If the petitioner has proven the allegation of abuse or stalking, the court issues a full order of protection for at least 180 days and not more than one year. This act provides that if at the fifteen-day hearing the respondent demonstrates by sufficient facts to the court that the petitioner made false allegations either at the hearing or in the petition, the court shall vacate the ex parte order, make a finding of fraud upon the court and sanction the petitioner an amount deemed just and fair by the court. Within fifteen days, the court shall hold a hearing on the damages, if any, caused to the respondent and may award attorney's fees and costs. ADRIANE CROUSE