S6288

The New York State Senate passed S6288, legislation to amend the Family Court Act and Criminal Procedure Law, on a roll call vote of 60-0. The bill, sponsored by Senator Hinchey and previously carried by former Senator Sue Serino, expands Family Court jurisdiction to address domestic and family violence cases. During floor debate, Senator Helming supported the measure but raised alarm about the strain on court resources, citing statistics showing family offense petitions surged 46 percent between 2020 and 2023 and now represent 14 percent of all Family Court filings statewide. She warned that expanding jurisdiction without increasing staffing would further burden courts already struggling with heavy caseloads. Senator Rolison praised passage of what he called 'Melanie's Law,' emphasizing the Senate's commitment to addressing public safety concerns related to domestic violence. The bill takes effect immediately.

The New York State Senate unanimously passed "Melanie's Law," legislation amending the Family Court Act and Criminal Procedure Law to close a loophole in orders of protection. Senate Print 6288, sponsored by Sen. Hinchey and listed as Calendar Number 1684, passed on a roll call vote of 61-0. The bill allows direct family members of any age to be included in existing orders of protection. The legislation was prompted by the May 2022 murder of Melanie Chianese, a 29-year-old Dutchess County woman whose mother had obtained an order of protection against her ex-boyfriend but was unable to extend it to her adult daughter. Sen. Hinchey and co-sponsor Sen. Rolison both spoke in favor, praising the victim's mother Cheryl Chianese for her advocacy in turning the tragedy into legislative action. The bill takes effect immediately.