Kayleigh’s Law Act of 2026
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (14 Sep 2026): Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
What this bill does
H.R. 8481, the Kayleigh's Law Act of 2026, would amend federal criminal law to allow courts to issue lifetime no-contact orders against defendants convicted of certain serious federal crimes. At sentencing, a judge would be required to issue such an order—prohibiting the defendant from contacting the victim—either at the request of the victim or at the request of the government with the victim's consent. The order would last for the defendant's lifetime, and violating it could be treated as contempt of court. No fee could be charged to a victim for obtaining the order.
The bill applies to defendants convicted of specified federal offenses, including violent felonies and sexual offenses such as sex trafficking, sexual abuse, child exploitation, and related crimes listed in the bill. Victims of these crimes would gain a new tool to seek long-term protection from further contact. An order could only be ended or paused if the victim requests it (for example, citing a pardon or change in circumstances) or if the defendant shows the conviction was overturned or dismissed, and only after a court hearing. The law would not limit similar protective orders under state law.
The bill passed the House on August 31, 2026, by voice vote after being amended. It now goes to the Senate for consideration; it would need to pass the Senate and be signed by the President before becoming law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
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.
Timeline
14 Sep 2026
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 8481 do?
- H.R. 8481, the Kayleigh's Law Act of 2026, would amend federal criminal law to allow courts to issue lifetime no-contact orders against defendants convicted of certain serious federal crimes. At sentencing, a judge would be required to issue such an order—prohibiting the defendant from contacting the victim—either at the request of the victim or at the request of the government with the victim's consent. The order would last for the defendant's lifetime, and violating it could be treated as contempt of court. No fee could be charged to a victim for obtaining the order. The bill applies to defendants convicted of specified federal offenses, including violent felonies and sexual offenses such as sex trafficking, sexual abuse, child exploitation, and related crimes listed in the bill. Victims of these crimes would gain a new tool to seek long-term protection from further contact. An order could only be ended or paused if the victim requests it (for example, citing a pardon or change in circumstances) or if the defendant shows the conviction was overturned or dismissed, and only after a court hearing. The law would not limit similar protective orders under state law. The bill passed the House on August 31, 2026, by voice vote after being amended. It now goes to the Senate for consideration; it would need to pass the Senate and be signed by the President before becoming law.
- Has H.R. 8481 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 8481. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 8481?
- H.R. 8481 was sponsored by Rep. Hamadeh, Abraham J. [R-AZ-8] (R-AZ), with 21 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 8481?
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (14 Sep 2026).
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