The bill "Kayleigh’s Law Act of 2026" amends the U.S. legal code to introduce natural lifetime injunctions for certain federal offenses, including crimes of violence and sexual acts. These injunctions would prohibit contact between the defendant and the victim for the defendant's lifetime, with violations being punishable as contempt of court. The bill includes provisions for termination or suspension of the injunction, addressing changes in circumstances or appeal outcomes. Importantly, it ensures that no fees can be charged to the victim for obtaining the injunction, and clarifies that this law does not limit its application within any state's jurisdiction.
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.
