H.R. 8481 · Passed House · Crime and Law Enforcement

Kayleigh’s Law Act of 2026

Sponsor: Abraham J. Hamadeh (R-AZ)

What it does

• Require federal courts to issue lifetime no-contact orders against defendants convicted of violent crimes or sexual offenses, upon motion by the victim or government.
• Establish procedures for terminating or suspending no-contact orders only in accordance with specified legal standards.
• Prohibit federal courts from charging victims any fees for obtaining or maintaining a no-contact order.

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.

Latest action

Sep 14, 2026: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Committee: Senate Judiciary