Assemblyman Scott Bendett (R,C-Sand Lake) attended a press conference 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, the mother of Melanie Chianese, to call for the immediate passage of Melanie’s Law (A.6026/S.6288). Melanie was a young mother who was 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 change this to allow courts to issue orders of protection for immediate family members or household members of victims of domestic violence, regardless of age.

“I was proud to support the efforts of my colleagues in advocating for the passage of Melanie’s Law,” said Bendett. “This important measure will help bring peace to the Chianese family and protect countless others across the state. When it comes to protecting the lives of the people we love in a potentially dangerous situation, age should not be a factor in the equation.”

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