House Judiciary subcommittee hears testimony on federal 'Kaylee's Law' to extend survivor protections

Chairman Biggs convened the crime subcommittee hearing to consider a federal version of "Kaylee's Law," a proposal that would allow sentencing courts to impose long-term no-contact injunctions to protect victims of violent and sexual crimes. Witnesses testified that gaps in existing state and federal practice can leave survivors exposed when parole, probation or other conditions lapse.

The bill under consideration, referenced in testimony as HR 8481, would require a sentencing court, upon motion by the government or the victim, to include an order prohibiting contact between a convicted defendant and the victim. Supporters said that embedding protections at sentencing would give survivors consistent, proactive protection instead of forcing them to return to court repeatedly.

Senator Suzette Valadares (California State Senate) described California’s experience and urged federal action. "If someone is dangerous enough to commit a serious violent crime, a survivor should not have to keep going back to court just to stay safe," she said, arguing that parole and early-release decisions have, in some cases, left victims exposed. Valadares…