Senator Michelle Hinchey announced Monday that Melanie’s Law (S.6288/A.6026), legislation she sponsored to expand the jurisdiction of family court to allow orders of protection to cover family members impacted by domestic violence, has been signed into law. Hinchey welcomed Governor Kathy Hochul to Dutchess County on Monday for a bill signing ceremony at Family Services, with Melanie’s mother, Cheryl Chianese, local officials, and advocates in attendance.

Melanie’s Law is named in memory of Melanie Chianese, a 29-year-old mother from Dutchess County who was tragically murdered by her mother’s ex-boyfriend. At the time, a protective order was issued for Melanie’s mother, but it did not extend to Melanie, exposing a critical gap in criminal procedure law and the Family Court Act. Currently, protective orders can cover domestic violence victims, minors under their care, and individuals deemed in need of protection by a judge. Melanie’s Law specifically expands the jurisdiction of the family court so that orders can include relatives of domestic violence victims, ensuring that family members at risk of harm can file their own protective orders.

“Today, thanks to one mother’s extraordinary courage and advocacy for change, Melanie’s Law, championed by her mom, Cheryl, is now law,” said Hinchey. “Domestic violence leaves a trail of trauma that impacts entire families, and when people come forward for help, they deserve a legal system that offers protection and compassion. I’m proud to sponsor Melanie’s Law, which will help do that, effectively allowing orders of protection to now extend to relatives of DV victims, providing a vital safeguard for those who often bear the ripple effects of abuse. My deepest thanks go to Cheryl Chianese, who has been a driving force and has not only brought hope to families in crisis but has provided families with a stronger voice in their fight for safety through Melanie’s Law.”