A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as "Melanie's Law," seeks to amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. It aims to establish a grant program to help States implement specific protective order authorities. These authorities allow courts to issue and enforce orders for individuals related by blood or marriage to those in intimate relationships. The program provides funding for various support services, including education, law enforcement training, and victim assistance. It also covers the establishment of information tracking systems and the support of specialized official units. The bill authorizes $200,000,000 for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2036.
Yes· 3 of 13
- Scored +5
Would women be better off under this?
Women are statistically the primary victims of domestic violence and stand to benefit most from enhanced protective orders and support services.
- Scored +4
Would children be better off under this?
Extending protective orders to family members and third individuals helps keep children and other vulnerable family members safe.
- Scored +4
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
Low-income victims benefit greatly from provisions for civil legal services, emergency shelter, and financial assistance.
The opposite
- Scored -2
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
The bill authorizes appropriations of $200,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2036.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Expanded Court Authority: The bill grants family and criminal courts the jurisdiction to issue protective orders for individuals related by blood or marriage to those in intimate relationships, including former spouses or those with children in common (Section 3061(b)(1)).
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Protection for Third Parties: Courts would have the authority to protect a third individual, regardless of age, if that person is related by blood or marriage to people in an intimate relationship (Section 3061(b)(2)).
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Improved Law Enforcement and Information Sharing: Funds can be used to train law enforcement and prosecutors, as well as to create systems that track protective orders and violations across different agencies (Section 3062(a)(1) and (3)).
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Enhanced Victim Support Services: The bill provides for several practical benefits for victims, such as legal services, crisis response, emergency shelter, relocation assistance, childcare, and transportation (Section 3062(a)(5)).
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Safety and Communication Tools: Victims may receive access to counseling, trauma-informed therapy, and communications equipment to assist with personal safety or participating in official proceedings (Section 3062(a)(5)(D) and (E)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- State Eligibility Requirements: To receive any grant money, a State must have and certify that it has specific "Melanie's Law protective order authorities" already in effect (Section 3062(b)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would women be better off under this? — Women are statistically the primary victims of domestic violence and stand to benefit most from enhanced protective orders and support services. Would children be better off under this? — Extending protective orders to family members and third individuals helps keep children and other vulnerable family members safe. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Low-income victims benefit greatly from provisions for civil legal services, emergency shelter, and financial assistance. Would immigrants be better off under this? — The bill explicitly provides civil legal services to help victims in matters involving immigration.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow the gap between how men and women are treated? — The bill provides essential protections and support services that disproportionately benefit women facing domestic violence. Does this make housing cost less? — Grants can support emergency shelter, relocation, and short-term housing assistance for victims. Does this change how police departments operate? — Provides education and training to law enforcement officers on protective order authorities. Does this make child care cost less? — Grants may be used to provide childcare assistance to victims needing safety and stability. Is this likely to reduce homelessness? — Providing emergency shelter and short-term housing assistance helps reduce homelessness among abuse victims.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — Grantees are required to submit reports to the Attorney General evaluating the effectiveness of projects. Does this give the federal government more power? — The legislation establishes a new federal grant program administered by the Attorney General.
- Healthcare
- Does this make mental health care easier to get? — Grant funds can be used to provide counseling, trauma-informed therapy, and case management to victims.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill supports funding for legal services, victim advocacy, and specialized positions related to domestic violence protection. Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The bill authorizes appropriations of $200,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2036.
- 6/8/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/20/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/11/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Introduced in House
Timothy KennedyDemocrat · New York
Michael LawlerRepublican · New York