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119-hr-8733119th Congress

Melanie's Law

Sponsored By: Representative Ryan, Patrick [D-NY-18]

Introduced

Summary

Would create a national grant program to help States extend protective orders to close relatives and, in some cases, third parties connected to intimate relationships. It would set rules for which family relationships qualify and fund States to implement and enforce those orders.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Broader protective-order authority

If enacted, the bill would require family and criminal courts to be able to issue and enforce protective orders in more family and intimate-relationship situations. Covered people would include relatives by blood or marriage, current or former spouses, people who share a child, and people who are or were intimate partners. When two people are or were intimate partners, a court could also issue protective orders to protect a third person who is related by blood or marriage to either partner. This definition would take effect upon enactment.

Federal grants for protective orders

If enacted, the Attorney General would make grants to States to help implement and enforce new protective-order rules and to support victims. The bill would authorize $200,000,000 for each year from 2026 through 2036. Up to 75% of each years money could be formula grants, up to 22% could be competitive grants, and up to 3% could pay admin, training, and evaluation. States would have to adopt and certify the new protective-order authorities and apply with an implementation plan, performance measures, and a promise that federal funds will supplement, not replace, their own funds (with a limited exception to cover non-Federal shares).

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Ryan, Patrick [D-NY-18]

NY • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]

    NY • R

    Sponsored 5/20/2026

  • Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26]

    NY • D

    Sponsored 6/8/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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