Rep. Ryan Introduces Melanie's Law to Expand Protective Orders for Family Members
Melanie's Law is currently in the early stages of the legislative process. It was recently sent to the House Committee on the Judiciary for review. The bill is actively moving forward as it waits for the committee to discuss it.
Most bills introduced in the House never make it past the committee stage without a large group of supporters from both parties.
The bill specifically addresses cross-jurisdictional service of process across state, tribal, and local lines. Tribal communities often face challenges enforcing protective orders across overlapping jurisdictions, and this funding could improve coordination and enforcement for tribal members experiencing domestic violence.
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Congressman Pat Ryan introduced Melanie's Law at the federal level, a bill inspired by a New York tragedy that would create a federal grant program to incentivize states to allow adult family members of domestic violence survivors to obtain protective orders against abusers.
The federal version of Melanie's Law aims to close legal loopholes by providing $200 million in annual grants to states that expand protective order eligibility to include immediate family members, ensuring relatives like parents and siblings are protected from domestic violence threats.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Melanie's Law
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