Serino, Rolison, Beephan Rally Together For Melanie's Law

Before Domestic Violence Awareness Month comes to a close, Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino, State Senator Rob Rolison, and Assemblyman Anil "AJ" Beephan are joining together to advocate for the immediate signing of Melanie’s Law, legislation which closes a dangerous loophole by expanding the scope of coverage for orders of protection to all family and household members of domestic violence victims regardless of age. Melanie’s Law overwhelmingly passed the Senate and Assembly in May 2024, but has yet to be sent to the governor for her signature by legislative leadership.

 

“Standing with survivors and protecting our communities should never be delayed, and every day without this law in place is another day of continued vulnerability for women, children and survivors of domestic abuse across the state,” said Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino. “Melanie’s Law closes a dangerous loophole in the law and is a step forward in safeguarding vulnerable individuals. I join my colleagues in calling on the leadership in Albany to take swift action and sign this vital legislation.”

“Every hour Albany succeeds in delaying the signing of this critical legislation another domestic partner or other innocent survivor runs the risk of being victimized, abused or worse,” said Rolison. “We are calling on Senate Majority leadership and Governor Hochul to immediately take action. It’s never too late to do the right thing: Make Melanie’s Law the law of New York State, today.”

“The signing of Melanie’s Law is long overdue. It’s time to close dangerous loopholes in our family courts and hopefully save lives for years to come,” said Beephan.

 

According to the trio’s joint letter, Melanie’s Law would provide necessary reforms and protections for domestic violence survivors across the state.

 

The legislation is named for Wappinger resident Melanie Chianese, who was tragically murdered in 2022 by her mother’s ex-boyfriend. While her mother was granted an order of protection, Melanie was denied because she was no longer a minor despite the fact that they resided in the same household.

 

Melanie’s Law passed the New York State Senate on May 6, 2024, with unanimous support, and passed the State Assembly on May 21, 2024. There has been no action from the Senate Legislative Body since that time and the governor has not intervened to call for the bill’s release.

 

In addition, Rolison and Beephan co-hosted a tele-town hall on Wednesday, October 30, calling on Albany to act on the legislation.