Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C-Deerpark) recently participated in a bipartisan press conference to express his support for a piece of legislation that would work to protect the children of parents who have been given orders of protection.

Titled “Melanie’s Law,” the bill honors the life of Melanie Chianese, a young mother killed by her own mother’s ex-boyfriend after Melanie was not included in her mother’s order of protection. Melanie’s infant son and her mother were issued orders of protection from the killer; however, Melanie was deemed ineligible due to her age, 29 at the time of death. Melanie’s Law closes the loophole to include persons related “by consanguinity or affinity to parties who are or have been in, on the order of protection.” Brabenec believes the measure to be worthwhile and is glad to see so much bipartisan support for it.

“It’s inspiring to see legislators from both sides of the aisle come together in support of a bill that could save so many lives,” Brabenec said. “I’m proud of my colleagues for pushing this legislation forward and doing so in a way that honors Melanie and her family. I eagerly await this bill’s arrival on the Assembly floor and its subsequent passage into law.”

Melanie’s Law mirrors another piece of legislation Brabenec is pushing for, Kyra’s Law, which strives to protect minors from danger in situations of visitation and custody.

“We’ve got a lot of holes in our system we can fix right now if we work together. I’m ready to do whatever is necessary to ensure the children of New York have the protections they deserve,” Brabenec concluded.