Sen. Rolison Announces Law Passes Committee

ALBANY – State Senator Rob Rolison (39th District) announced today that Melanie’s Law (S.6288), bipartisan legislation on which he is a prime co-sponsor, unanimously passed among those present at the Senate’s Children and Families Committee, where Rolison serves as Ranking Member.

The measure is named for Melanie Chianese, who tragically lost her life at the hands of her mother’s ex-boyfriend, a man she was unprotected from due to a legal loophole in New York State’s order of protection laws. Melanie’s Law seeks to close a dangerous gap in the state’s legal framework and criminal procedure law. The legislation enables courts to issue orders of protection for immediate family members or household members of victims of domestic violence, regardless of their age.

Melanie’s Law is sponsored by Sens. Michelle Hinchey and Rolison and cleared the Senate unanimously in late 2023. It failed to come to the Assembly floor. Senator Rolison has been a vocal advocate for the bill’s passage, most recently at a press event in Albany on February 28.

“I appreciate my colleagues’ support for Melanie’s Law today, but our work is not yet done. We must deliver justice for the Chianese family and protect all New Yorkers from domestic violence predators by passing Melanie’s Law this year. This bipartisan bill is vital to enhance public safety and prevent future tragedies like the one which befell an innocent young Dutchess County woman,” said Rolison.

Rob Rolison (R-39th District) was elected to the New York State Senate in November 2022. The 39th Senate District includes parts of Dutchess, Putnam, and Orange counties.