Kayleigh’s Law Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Aug 7, 2026
Bottom line
The Kayleigh's Law Act of 2026 creates a new federal mechanism for lifetime no-contact orders for victims of serious violent and sexual felonies, enforceable by contempt of court.
What it actually does
This bill amends Title 18 of the U.S. Code to establish a new federal judicial order called a "natural lifetime injunction." These injunctions prohibit any direct or indirect contact between a defendant convicted of a covered violent or sexual felony and their victim. The order is issued at sentencing, remains in effect for the defendant's lifetime, and a violation is punishable as contempt of court.
Proponents argue
Proponents would argue this bill provides essential, long-term protection for victims of severe crimes, offering peace of mind and preventing further trauma from unwanted contact. They would emphasize the importance of empowering victims to seek these injunctions and the need for a robust federal tool to ensure their safety and prevent harassment by convicted offenders.
Opponents contend
Opponents might raise concerns about the broad definition of "contact" and the potential for overreach or misuse, particularly given the lifetime duration and contempt-of-court enforcement. They might also question the necessity of a new federal mechanism when state laws or existing federal protective orders may already address similar issues, or argue about potential due process implications for defendants seeking to challenge such orders.
The bill is very short and can be read and understood quickly by any informed reader.
Section 2(a), adding new Section 3773 to Chapter 238 of title 18, United States Code.
Creation of Natural Lifetime Injunctions for Covered Offenses
This provision establishes a new federal court order, called a "natural lifetime injunction," that prohibits a convicted defendant from having any direct or indirect contact with a victim. These orders are issued at sentencing for specific violent or sexual felonies, either at the government's motion (with victim consent) or the victim's motion.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision provides a crucial, long-lasting layer of protection for victims of severe crimes, ensuring they are not subjected to further harassment or intimidation by their offenders. It empowers victims by allowing them to initiate the motion for such an order.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that existing state and federal protective orders already offer sufficient protection, and this new federal mechanism could lead to overlapping jurisdiction or unnecessary complexity. Concerns might also be raised about the broad definition of "contact" and the potential for minor, unintentional interactions to be deemed violations.
Tradeoffs
Balances victim safety and peace of mind against potential concerns regarding the scope and enforcement of lifetime restrictions on defendants.
Section 2(a), adding new Section 3773(a) to title 18, United States Code.
Scope of Applicable Crimes and Prohibited Interactions
This section defines "covered offense" to include federal felony crimes of violence (as defined in section 16(a)) and federal felony offenses involving a sexual act or conduct (as defined in section 2246). It also explicitly lists numerous specific federal statutes related to sexual exploitation, abuse, and trafficking. The term "contact" is broadly defined to include any direct or indirect communication or physical interaction, by any means, personal or automated.
Section 2(a), adding new Section 3773(b) to title 18, United States Code.
Enforcement and Lifespan of Injunctions
This provision specifies that the injunctions remain in effect for the life of the defendant. The order must be included in and served during the sentencing proceeding. Any violation of the order is punishable as contempt of court, providing a direct enforcement mechanism.
Section 2(a), adding new Section 3773(c) to title 18, United States Code.
Conditions for Modifying or Terminating Injunctions
An injunction can only be terminated or suspended under specific conditions: either on motion by the victim (alleging a pardon/commutation or a change in circumstances) or on motion by the defendant (alleging the conviction was dismissed or overturned on appeal). The court must hold a hearing and may take evidence on such motions.
Section 2(a), adding new Section 3773(d) to title 18, United States Code.
Fee Prohibition for Victims
This provision explicitly states that no fee may be assessed or collected from a victim in connection with the issuance of an order under this section.
Section 2(a), adding new Section 3773(e) to title 18, United States Code.
Preservation of State Jurisdiction
This rule clarifies that nothing in this section should be construed to limit the application of an order under this section within the jurisdiction of any State. This means the federal injunctions are intended to complement, not supersede, state-level protective orders.
States that nothing in this section limits the application of an order within the jurisdiction of any State.
Section 2(a), adding new Section 3773(e) to title 18, United States Code.
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to clarify federal-state relations and avoid unintended preemption. It's not necessarily evasive.
Case for: Ensures that the new federal injunctions do not inadvertently weaken or replace existing state-level protective orders, providing victims with potentially multiple layers of protection.
Case against: No significant case against this clarification, as it aims to prevent legal ambiguity.
Estimated impact: Clarifies legal jurisdiction, preventing potential conflicts between federal and state courts regarding protective orders.