The "Kayleigh’s Law Act of 2026" proposes natural lifetime injunctions for defendants convicted of covered offenses. This means that courts will issue orders, with the victim's consent, prohibiting any contact with the victim for the life of the defendant at the time of sentencing. The order will be included in the sentencing proceeding, and any violations will be punishable as a contempt of court. This legislation impacts the criminal justice system and aims to provide long-term protection for victims of certain offenses.
Kayleigh’s Law Act of 2026
This bill establishes a federal statutory framework to require federal courts to issue an order prohibiting contact with a victim (i.e., a no-contact order) in the case of a defendant who is convicted of certain violent crimes or sex crimes.
Specifically, in the case of a defendant convicted of a felony offense that is a crime of violence or that involves a sexual act or sexual conduct, on a motion by the victim or federal government, the court must issue a no-contact order.
Under the framework, the no-contact order must be imposed at sentencing and be in effect for the lifetime of the defendant unless it is terminated or suspended in accordance with specified procedures. Additionally, no fee may be assessed or collected from a victim in connection with the issuance of a no-contact order.