Melanie's Law

This bill, titled "Melanie's Law," amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to establish a new grant program. Its primary purpose is to support states in implementing and carrying out protective order authorities, particularly those related to domestic violence. A key provision defines "Melanie's Law protective order authorities" as laws ensuring courts can issue and enforce protective orders not only between individuals in intimate relationships but also to protect third individuals related by consanguinity or affinity to either party in such relationships. The Attorney General is authorized to provide grants to eligible states, which must certify they have these expanded protective order authorities in effect. Grant funds can be used for a variety of critical activities, including providing education and training to law enforcement and courts, facilitating the service of process for protective orders, and establishing or enhancing information management systems for tracking orders and violations. Additionally, the grants support specialized units and enable or improve the provision of comprehensive victim services , such as civil legal aid, advocacy, emergency shelter, counseling, and communication equipment. The bill authorizes $200,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2036 to fund this program.