The purpose of this act is to authorize courts to issue natural lifetime no-contact injunctions protecting victims of violent crimes and sexual offenses from convicted offenders. 

INTRODUCTION

This model legislation, known as Kayleigh’s Law, provides a framework for each individual state to enact lifetime protections for victims of violent crimes, sexual crimes, domestic violence crimes and stalking. This legislation is named after Kayleigh Kozak, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, who was molested by her P.E. teacher for two years while she was in 6th and 7th grade. In 2020, she discovered that her only form of protection was directly tied to her convicted abuser’s probation status, and should his probation be terminated, the direct protection would also be terminated. Kayleigh’s Law changes that by allowing victims of certain crimes to obtain a permanent order of protection. It allows courts, upon motion by the prosecuting attorney with victim consent or by the victim, to issue at sentencing a lifetime order prohibiting the convicted defendant from any contact with the victim. The order remains in effect for the natural life of the defendant and may be terminated only under limited circumstances. This policy strengthens victim safety and ensures lasting protection beyond the term of incarceration or supervision. Arizona was the first state to pass this model, and since its enactment in 2021, thousands of victims have obtained permanent protection. Wisconsin followed shortly after, and most recently in 2026, the state of Missouri also passed a similar model.

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE AND PURPOSE

This Act may be cited as “Kayleigh’s Law.” The purpose of this Act is to authorize courts to issue natural lifetime injunctions, also known as a permanent order of protection, prohibiting contact between convicted offenders and their victims in cases involving state specific covered offenses of violent crimes, sexual crimes, domestic violence crimes and stalking, thereby providing enduring protection for victims and enhancing public safety across each individual State.

SECTION 2. NATURAL LIFETIME INJUNCTIONS

(a) In General. In the case of any defendant convicted of a covered offense, the court shall, on motion of the prosecuting attorney (with the consent of a victim) or a victim, issue, at the time of sentencing, an order prohibiting contact with a victim. Such order shall remain in effect for the life of the defendant, subject to subsection (c).

(b) Sentencing; Violation. The imposition of such order shall be included in any sentencing proceeding. A violation of such order shall be punishable as a class 6 misdemeanor, and up to one year in jail. Repeat violations shall result in a felony enhancement and up to three years in prison.

(c) Termination of Injunction.

(1) An order issued under subsection (a) may be terminated or suspended only:

(A) on the written request of the victim to whom such order pertains; or

(B) on motion of the defendant, alleging that the conviction was dismissed, vacated, or overturned on appeal.

(2) The court shall order a hearing on such motion, and may take evidence regarding the allegations included therein. A defendant's motion cannot compel the victim's appearance.

(d) No Fee. No fee may be assessed or collected from a victim in connection with the issuance of an order under subsection (a).

(e) Service, Registration, and Notice. An order issued under subsection (a) is effective immediately and shall be served on the defendant at the time of sentencing. The court shall transmit the order to [the State department of public safety] for entry into the State’s protective order registry and the National Crime Information Center, and shall notify the victim that the order has been issued. A law enforcement agency shall serve an order issued under this section at no charge to the victim.

(f) Previously Sentenced Defendants. If a victim did not request an order at the time of sentencing, or if the defendant was sentenced for a covered offense before the effective date of this Act, the victim may petition the sentencing court for an order under this section. No filing fee may be charged for a petition under this subsection.

(g) Continuing Validity. An order issued under this section is not affected by the expiration or termination of the defendant’s sentence, probation, parole, or other supervision, or by any set aside, sealing, or expungement of the defendant’s record of conviction.

SECTION 3. DEFINITIONS AND RULE OF CONSTRUCTION

(a) Definitions. For purposes of this section,

(1) The term “covered offense” means:

(A) a crime of violence that is a felony under the laws of this State; or

(B) an offense that includes as an element a sexual act or sexual contact that is a felony under the laws of this State; and includes any offense involving sex trafficking, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation of children, child pornography, stalking, transportation for illegal sexual activity, aggravated domestic violence, stalking, unlawful disclosure of intimate images or similar felonies under State law; or

(C) any offense under State law constituting domestic violence or stalking, including any comparable misdemeanor offense.

(2) The term “contact” means any direct or indirect communication, transmission, or physical interaction between two or more persons, including communication or interaction by written, oral, electronic, digital, or physical means, whether initiated personally, through an intermediary, or by automated or technological systems.

(b) Rule of Construction. Nothing in this section may be construed to limit the application of an order under this section or any other protective order available under the laws of this State or any other jurisdiction.

DRAFTER’S NOTE

States are encouraged to adapt the definitions of covered offenses to align with existing criminal codes and to ensure consistency with federal definitions where appropriate for interstate enforcement.

The lifetime nature of the injunction reflects the ongoing risk posed by certain offenders and prioritizes the long-term safety and peace of mind of victims and their families.

This model policy is designed for broad distribution to state legislatures to promote uniform protections for victims nationwide while respecting each State’s unique legal framework.

Violations of the lifetime injunction shall be punishable as a class 6 misdemeanor, and up to one year in jail. Repeat violations shall result in a felony enhancement and up to three years in prison, providing an additional enforcement mechanism beyond any underlying criminal penalties.