Assemblyman Keith P. Brown (R,C-Northport) attended a press conference calling for the immediate passage of Melanie’s Law (A.6026/S.6288) alongside Assemblyman Anil Beephan, Jr. (R,C-East Fishkill), Assemblyman Brian A. Cunningham (D-43^rd District), Sen. Michelle Hinchey, Sen. Rob Rolison and Cheryl Chianese, Melanie’s mother. Melanie Chianese was a young mother killed by her mother’s ex-boyfriend after Melanie was not included in her mother’s order of protection—she was deemed ineligible due to her age. Melanie’s Law will rectify this dangerous loophole by allowing courts to issue orders of protection for immediate family members or household members of victims of domestic violence, regardless of age.

“All too often, we see tragedy strike first, and legislation follow second—that is exactly what happened to Melanie Chianese and her loving family,” said Brown. “Simply because of Melanie’s age, she was not offered the same protection that her son and mother were granted under the order of protection against her mother’s ex-boyfriend. This was a grave oversight that resulted in the taking of young Melanie’s life. I fully support my Assembly and Senate colleagues in advocating for the passage of this law, and I am hopeful it will protect New York families and save innocent lives.”

Editor’s Note: To read Melanie’s Law (A.6026/S.6288), please click here.