This week, Senator Suzette Martinez Valladares (R-Santa Clarita) introduced “Kayleigh’s Law,” to give judges the option to issue lifetime protective orders for survivors of serious felonies, violent crimes, and felony sex offenses—offering them lasting security and peace of mind.
“Victims of violent crimes shouldn’t have to keep fighting to stay safe,” said Senator Valladares. “Safety, dignity, and healing should never have an expiration date. By allowing judges to issue lifetime injunctions, we’re giving survivors the protection they deserve—without forcing them to keep reliving their trauma.”
Right now, victims can get temporary restraining orders (TROs) or protective orders, but those only last for a limited time. Once they expire, survivors are forced to go back to court—again and again—to request renewals, often facing their perpetrators in the process. This can be re-traumatizing and puts unnecessary burdens on those who have already endured so much.
“This essential legislation offers protections for survivors, ensuring they are safeguarded from their abusers,” said Kayleigh Kozak, for whom the bill is named. “I am profoundly grateful to Senator Valladares for sponsoring this bill and advocating for survivors in California.”
The Story Behind “Kayleigh’s Law”
The bill is named after Kayleigh Kozak, a survivor and advocate for victims’ rights. More than a decade after her case was closed, she had to face her abuser in court once again just to extend her protective order. That experience showed her firsthand how the system falls short in protecting survivors—and inspired her to push for change.
Under SB 421, judges would have the power to issue lifetime injunctions at sentencing. These orders would only be lifted under specific conditions, such as if the victim requests it, the conviction is overturned, or in the event of the victim’s passing.
Similar versions of Kayleigh’s Law have been implemented in Arizona, Wisconsin, Colorado, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia, and have been introduced for consideration in Missouri and Wyoming for the 2025 legislative cycle.