Congressman Hamadeh Introduces Kayleigh’s Law to Protect Victims of Dangerous Crimes from Their Abusers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Abraham Hamadeh (AZ-08) has introduced Kayleigh’s Law to protect victims of dangerous crimes from their abusers. Kayleigh’s Law delivers stronger, lifelong protection to survivors of federal sex crimes and violent felonies by requiring courts to issue permanent no-contact injunctions against convicted offenders.

Introduced during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the goal of this legislation is to eliminate the “legal tug-of-war” where survivors must repeatedly face their attackers in court to maintain basic safety protections. Having passed at the state level in both Arizona and Wisconsin, this legislation, named after Kayleigh Kozak, a young mother from Arizona who was victimized as a child, prohibits all forms of direct or indirect contact with the victim for the rest of the guilty predator’s life. The prohibition will remain in effect even after prison, probation, or supervised release ends.

“As a former prosecutor, I know how vulnerable victims can be, how determined their predators often are, and how judges can frequently fail victims of crime. That is why we must require federal courts to impose these lifetime injunctions when requested by the government or the victim during sentencing,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “I have seen what victims go through as the predator’s adjudication process plays out and know how important it is for the victim’s healing process to begin. That process cannot be interrupted by their predators simply because our courts fail to take crime seriously and fail to impose lifetime injunctions.”

Original cosponsors of this bill include Representatives Brian Babin (TX-36) , Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Tim Burchett (TN-02), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Eli Crane (AZ-02), Troy Downing (MT-02), Mike Ezell (MS-04), Brandon Gill (TX-26), Paul Gosar (AZ-09), David Joyce (OH-14), Nancy Mace (SC-01), Dan Meuser (PA-09), Barry Moore (AL-01), Gary Palmer (AL-06), Chris Smith (NJ-04), David Schweikert (AZ-01), Greg Steube (FL-17), Marlin Stutzman (IN-03), David Taylor (OH-02), and Delegate Kimberly King-Hinds (MP).

“Kayleigh’s Law originated in Arizona and will uplift thousands of victims of unspeakable crimes. I’m proud to join my colleagues in supporting this commonsense legislation to ensure victims of dangerous crimes can obtain lifetime protections against their abusers,” said Congressman Ciscomani. “Survivors should not be faced with uncertainty about those who have harmed them. Kayleigh’s Law will close critical gaps in federal law by strengthening protections, enhancing enforcement, and ensuring lasting safety for victims.”

“Victims of violent crime and sexual assault deserve to have permanent, basic safety protections without having to repeatedly face their attacker in court. The emotional and psychological toll of these legal proceedings is high. Kayleigh’s Law gives victims one less thing to worry about by removing the fear and dread of reliving these experiences. I am proud to cosponsor Congressman Hamadeh’s bill to ensure these criminals hold no power over their victims,” said Congressman Stutzman.

“The harm caused by sexual assault is not temporary. It is lifelong,” stated Kaleigh. “The protections for those who have been sexually violated should be lifelong too. No survivor should have to repeatedly return to court just to request the continuation of a protective order from the person who was convicted of sexually violating them. Kayleigh’s Law ensures no victim ever has to endure the nightmare of continuously justifying their need for safety. When I was a little girl, I could not protect myself from the teacher who sexually abused me at school – but I can fight now to protect myself, other innocent children, and every victim.”