H.R. 8733: Melanie's Law

This bill, known as Melanie's Law, aims to enhance the legal protections available to individuals who are at risk of domestic violence, specifically targeting those who are related by blood or marriage to individuals in intimate relationships. Here’s a breakdown of what the bill would do:

Purpose

The main goal of the bill is to support states in implementing protective orders that safeguard individuals from those they are related to or involved with through intimate relationships. It seeks to improve the legal system's response to domestic violence cases.

Melanie's Law Protective Order Authorities

The legislation defines "Melanie’s Law protective order authorities," which would allow family courts and criminal courts to issue and enforce protective orders in specific scenarios:

• When two individuals are related by blood or marriage.
• When two individuals are legally married.
• When individuals were formerly married, regardless of current living situations.
• If the individuals have a child in common, regardless of their marital status.
• If the individuals are currently or have been in an intimate relationship.

Moreover, it allows courts to protect a third individual (related by blood or marriage) from either party involved in an intimate relationship.

Grant Program

The bill establishes a grant program under the authority of the Attorney General for states that create and maintain these protective order authorities. The grants can be used for several purposes:

• Training and educating law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts regarding the protective orders.
• Improving the service of protective orders across jurisdictional lines.
• Establishing systems to manage and track protective orders and any violations.
• Supporting designated units or positions focusing on protective orders or domestic violence.
• Providing victims with legal services, advocacy, emergency shelter, counseling, and other assistance related to protective orders.

Eligibility for Grants

To receive a grant, states must certify that they enforce the Melanie's Law protective order authorities, thus allowing them to access federal funding to support these initiatives.

Application Process

States interested in obtaining a grant must submit an application to the Attorney General, which will include a detailed plan on how the funds will be utilized and assurance that federal funds will supplement existing non-federal resources.

Funding Allocations

The Attorney General is authorized to allocate funds for the grants as follows:

• 75% on a formula basis, based on the state's population.
• 22% on a competitive basis among states.
• 3% for administrative expenses related to program administration.

Additionally, every eligible state is guaranteed a minimum funding amount through the formula allocation.

Reporting Requirements

States that receive funding must provide reports on the effectiveness and outcomes of the initiatives supported by the grants.

Definition of State

The term "State" is defined broadly to include all U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and certain territories such as Puerto Rico and Guam.

Authorization of Appropriations

The bill authorizes an appropriation of up to $200 million each year from 2026 to 2036 to support the activities outlined above.

Relevant Companies

None found