Melanie's Law offers grants to widen domestic violence protective orders
In committeeH.R. 8733Latest action
Sponsor: Patrick Ryan · Representative · NY
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Melanie's Law
119th Congress
Topics: Crime & justice
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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Melanie's Law creates federal grants for states whose courts extend protective orders to victims' and partners' family members.
45-second read · 5 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 8733, known as Melanie's Law, establishes a federal grant program encouraging states to let courts issue domestic violence protective orders covering not just partners but also related family members, like parents, children, or in-laws. States must show their laws already allow this expanded coverage to qualify, and can use funds for training, tracking systems, specialized units, and victim services.
Who does it affect?
State court systems, law enforcement agencies, and domestic violence victim service organizations would receive and use the funding; victims and their extended family members could gain broader legal protections.
Why does it matter?
States would face new incentives to expand who protective orders can cover, though actual funding depends on future congressional rather than being guaranteed.
What does it cost, and who pays?
- $200 million a year, 2026-2036
- up to 75% by state population
- up to 22% competitive grants
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMay 11, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · May 11, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.