Melanie's Law
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8733
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-11: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-12T15:33:22Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
The bill, titled "Melanie's Law," aims to help states create and use rules allowing courts to issue court orders that protect family members related by blood or marriage to people in close personal relationships. It also funds activities to address domestic violence through these orders.
Key Provisions Outlined
- The legislation adds a new section called Part PP to the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968.
- It defines the required rules, called "Melanie's Law protective order authorities," which let family courts and criminal courts issue and enforce orders protecting individuals who are related by blood or marriage, current or former spouses, people with children in common, or those in intimate relationships. These rules also cover a third person related by blood or marriage to either individual in an intimate relationship, regardless of age.
- Grants to qualifying states can fund training for police, prosecutors, and courts; better ways to deliver court orders (in person, electronically, or across state lines); systems to track orders and violations; special teams focused on these cases; and victim support including legal help, advocacy, shelters, counseling, and emergency aid.
- States must have these rules in place and certify this to qualify. They can use the grants to cover costs in other federal victim support programs.
- Funding splits as follows: up to 75% by population formula (with a minimum of 0.5% per state), up to 22% competitively, and up to 3% for federal administration.
- States must submit plans on how funds will be used and report on results. Up to $200 million is authorized each year for fiscal years 2026 through 2036. The term "State" includes the District of Columbia and U.S. territories.
Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced
This bill creates a new grant program in the 1968 Act that did not previously exist, with specific rules for states to expand court order protections to family members of those in intimate relationships. It ties federal funding to states having these expanded rules in effect.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: Provides funding to state police, prosecutors, courts, and related systems to improve training, tracking, and enforcement of court orders in domestic violence cases.
- On citizens: Offers more support services to victims and their relatives, potentially helping prevent harm through better access to legal protection and aid.
- On international relations: The bill contains no provisions that would affect international matters.
Main Stakeholders Affected by This Legislation
- State governments, including their law enforcement, prosecutors, and court systems.
- Individuals facing domestic violence and their blood or marriage relatives.
- Organizations that provide legal services, shelters, counseling, and other support to victims.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- The bill uses federal grants to encourage states to broaden the reach of court orders beyond direct relationships to include family members connected by blood or marriage.
- It focuses on supplementing state efforts in the justice system without directly requiring all states to change their laws.
- No specific constitutional issues or political requirements are detailed in the bill text.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-11: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2026-05-11: Introduced in House
- 2026-05-11: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Melanie's Law — issued 2026-05-11 — PDF (7 pages)