ALBANY – State Senator Rob Rolison (39th District) announced that Melanie’s Law (S.6288), bipartisan public safety legislation on which he is a prime co-sponsor, unanimously passed the Senate for the second straight year. Melanie’s Law is sponsored by Sens. Michelle Hinchey and Rolison and cleared the upper chamber with no dissenting votes in late 2023.
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.
Senator Rolison has long been a vocal advocate for the bill’s passage and closure for the Chianese family. He appeared at a press event in Albany on February 28 to raise awareness about the bill. The legislation subsequently passed the Children and Families Committee, where Rolison serves as Ranking Member, on March 26.
“Today is a great step forward for justice and the safety of all New Yorkers. But we have more work to do. I am therefore again calling on my colleagues in the Assembly to take up this urgent measure and pass it before the end of the legislative year. The safety and protection of our residents is at stake. Let’s get it done,” 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.
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