Melanie's Law creates a federal grant program to help states strengthen their ability to issue and enforce protective orders (restraining orders) that protect not just people in intimate relationships, but also their family members. Right now, protective order laws vary widely by state, and some states don't adequately protect relatives of people in abusive relationships. This bill would give states federal funding to update their laws and systems so that courts can issue protective orders for family members—like a parent, sibling, or child—who are being harmed because of someone's abusive relationship with another family member.

The bill provides money for states to train police officers, prosecutors, and judges on how to use these expanded protective order authorities. It also funds practical improvements like better ways to serve protective orders (including electronically across state lines), computer systems to track protective orders and violations, and victim support services. These services include legal help getting protective orders, emergency shelter, counseling, transportation assistance, and safety equipment. States that want the grant money must first pass laws giving their courts the authority to issue these broader protective orders. The federal government would provide up to $200 million per year for ten years (2026-2036) to support these efforts, with most money distributed to states based on population, and some reserved for competitive grants and administrative costs.