Melanie's Law
- Sponsor
- Rep. Ryan, Patrick [D-NY-18]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- May 11, 2026
Bottom line
The bill creates a federal grant program to incentivize states to broaden their protective order laws to cover family members of individuals in intimate relationships, aiming to enhance safety for those indirectly affected by domestic violence.
What it actually does
This bill establishes a new federal grant program, named "Melanie's Law," under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. The program provides financial assistance to states that adopt and implement specific protective order authorities. These authorities expand the scope of protective orders to protect individuals related by blood or marriage to those in intimate relationships, not just the intimate partners themselves. Grant funds can be used for training, improving service of process, enhancing information systems, supporting specialized units, and providing comprehensive victim services.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that current protective order laws often leave vulnerable family members unprotected from abusers, especially when an abuser targets relatives of their intimate partner as a form of control or retaliation. "Melanie's Law" addresses this critical gap, providing a vital tool for courts to safeguard individuals who are related by blood or marriage to victims of domestic violence, thereby enhancing overall community safety and supporting victims more comprehensively.
Opponents contend
Opponents might express concerns about the potential for overreach in protective order issuance, arguing that expanding the scope to include distant relatives could lead to misuse or complicate legal proceedings. They might also raise questions about the financial burden on states to implement these new authorities and the federal government's role in influencing specific state legal frameworks through grant incentives.
The bill is concise and clearly written, making it accessible for a quick and informed review by interested readers.
Section 1
Short Title 'Melanie's Law'
This section formally names the Act 'Melanie's Law.' This provides a concise and memorable reference for the legislation, making it easier for the public and policymakers to identify and discuss its purpose.
Supporters argue
Supporters would argue that a short, memorable title helps raise awareness and simplifies discussion of the bill's purpose, making it more accessible to the public.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against short titles, as they are primarily for identification and public recognition.
Tradeoffs
None apparent for this provision, as it serves a purely descriptive function.
Section 2, adding Part PP to Title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968
Establishment of Grant Program to Support Protective Orders
This section amends existing federal law to create a new grant program under the Attorney General. The program provides financial assistance to eligible states that adopt and implement "Melanie's Law protective order authorities." These grants are intended to help states enhance their capacity to issue and enforce protective orders, particularly those protecting family members of individuals in intimate relationships.
Section 2, new Section 3061(b)
Definition of Melanie's Law Protective Order Authorities
This section defines the core legal changes that states must implement to be eligible for grants. It requires state laws to ensure that family and criminal courts have the authority to issue and enforce protective orders that protect a third individual, regardless of age, who is related by blood or marriage to either of the two individuals in an intimate relationship. This expands protection beyond just the intimate partners themselves.
Section 2, new Section 3062(a)
Eligible Uses of Grant Funds
This section specifies five categories for which states can use the federal grant money. These include providing education and training to law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts; facilitating the service of process for protective orders; establishing or enhancing information management and sharing systems; supporting specialized units for protective orders or domestic violence; and enabling or improving victim services such as civil legal aid, advocacy, shelter, counseling, and safety equipment.
Section 2, new Section 3062(b)
State Eligibility Requirement for Grants
To be eligible for grants under this program, a state must have in effect, and certify that it has in effect, the "Melanie's Law protective order authorities." This means the state's laws must allow courts to issue protective orders protecting family members of individuals in intimate relationships, as defined in the bill.
Section 2, new Section 3067
Authorization of Appropriations
This section authorizes the appropriation of $200,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2036 to carry out the grant program established by "Melanie's Law." This sets the maximum amount that Congress *may* appropriate for the program over an eleven-year period, but it does not actually appropriate the funds.