Federal bill would lock in lifetime no-contact orders for violent and sex crime convicts

What does this do?

HR 8481 would require federal courts to automatically issue a permanent no-contact order whenever someone is convicted of a federal violent felony or sex-related felony. The order covers all forms of contact with the victim, including in-person, phone, social media, and contact through third parties. The order stays in place for the lifetime of the offender unless the victim requests removal following a pardon or commutation, or the conviction is overturned on appeal.

Who does it affect?

The bill directly affects victims of federal violent and sex crimes, who would receive automatic lifetime protection without taking extra legal steps or paying any fees. It also affects anyone convicted of these federal felonies, who would face a permanent legal restriction on contacting their victim regardless of time elapsed since conviction.

Why does it matter?

Victims would have a guaranteed legal barrier against offender contact without bearing any procedural or financial burden to obtain it. Offenders would remain under a court-enforceable restriction indefinitely, with violation treated as contempt of court, and individual states retain the ability to apply their own similar protections separately.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• No fee charged to victims

Where does it stand?