Kayleigh’s Law Act of 2026

Bill Number: H.R. 8481
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2026-07-06: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 636.
Last Updated: 2026-07-11T20:06:18Z

AI-Generated Summary

Summary of H.R. 8481: Kayleigh's Law Act of 2026

Purpose

This legislation amends federal law to require courts to issue orders that prohibit contact between certain convicted defendants and their victims. The orders are designed to remain in effect for the natural lifetime of the defendant.

Key Provisions

Issuance of Orders: For any defendant convicted of a "covered offense," a federal court must issue an order at sentencing that bans all direct or indirect contact with the victim. This occurs on the motion of the government (with the victim's consent) or the victim themselves. The order is served during the sentencing process, and violations are treated as contempt of court.
Duration and Termination: The order lasts for the defendant's lifetime but can be ended or paused only in limited cases. A victim may request termination if the conviction was pardoned or commuted, or due to a change in circumstances. A defendant may request it only if the conviction is dismissed or overturned on appeal. The court must hold a hearing on such requests.
No Costs to Victims: Victims face no fees for obtaining these orders.
Covered Offenses: These include federal felony crimes of violence or felonies involving sexual acts or conduct. Specific statutes listed include those related to sex trafficking (section 1591), aggravated sexual abuse (section 2241), sexual abuse (sections 2242–2245), child pornography (sections 2251–2252A), interstate domestic violence (section 2261A), and transportation for illegal sexual activity (sections 2421–2425).
Definition of Contact: This covers any communication or interaction, whether written, oral, electronic, digital, or physical, including through intermediaries or automated systems.
State Jurisdiction: The law states that it does not limit similar orders within state jurisdictions.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill adds a new section (3773) to Chapter 238 of Title 18 of the United States Code, creating a mandatory lifetime no-contact order tied to the defendant's lifespan. It expands beyond traditional injunctions by making them automatic for listed serious offenses and limiting termination options primarily to the victim.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: Federal courts must incorporate these orders into sentencing proceedings, and the Department of Justice may handle related motions. Enforcement of violations falls under contempt proceedings.
Citizens: Victims gain long-term protection from contact, while convicted individuals face ongoing restrictions that could affect their post-release activities.
International Relations: No direct effects are outlined in the legislation.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Victims of covered federal offenses, who can initiate or consent to the orders.
Defendants convicted of the specified crimes.
Federal courts and the U.S. Department of Justice.
Potentially state-level justice systems, given the provision on state jurisdiction.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

The legislation introduces a new form of lifetime restriction enforceable through federal courts, with built-in mechanisms for modification based on specific legal events like pardons or appeals. It applies only to federal convictions but includes language that preserves state authority in this area.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Hamadeh, Abraham J. [R-AZ-8]

Cosponsors (21)

Rep. Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5], Rep. Burchett, Tim [R-TN-2], Rep. Schweikert, David [R-AZ-1], Rep. Joyce, David P. [R-OH-14], Rep. Downing, Troy [R-MT-2], Rep. Babin, Brian [R-TX-36], Rep. Taylor, David J. [R-OH-2], Del. King-Hinds, Kimberlyn [R-MP-At Large], Rep. Palmer, Gary J. [R-AL-6], Rep. Mace, Nancy [R-SC-1], Rep. Stutzman, Marlin A. [R-IN-3], Rep. Crane, Elijah [R-AZ-2], Rep. Gosar, Paul A. [R-AZ-9], Rep. Moore, Barry [R-AL-1], Rep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6], Rep. Meuser, Daniel [R-PA-9], Rep. Steube, W. Gregory [R-FL-17], Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4], Rep. Ezell, Mike [R-MS-4], Rep. Gill, Brandon [R-TX-26], Rep. Calvert, Ken [R-CA-41]

Recent Actions

2026-07-06: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 636.
2026-07-06: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-731.
2026-07-06: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-731.
2026-06-03: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 23 - 0.
2026-06-03: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
2026-04-23: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
2026-04-23: Introduced in House
2026-04-23: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

Kayleigh’s Law Act of 2026 — issued 2026-04-23 — PDF (4 pages)
Kayleigh’s Law Act of 2026 — issued 2026-07-06 — PDF (6 pages)