Central OC Times

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Diane Dixon (R-Newport Beach) introduced Assembly Bill 1931, Kayleigh’s Law, which aims to provide lifetime injunctions for victims of heinous crimes. The bill is named after Kayleigh Kozak, who successfully advocated for a similar law in Arizona in 2021, and Kristy von Waldburg, an Orange County native and childhood sexual abuse survivor who collaborated with Kayleigh to push for the law in California.

"After meeting with Kristy it became clear and compelling that we needed to provide a voice for survivors and further protections in the law," said Assemblymember Dixon. She added, "Specifically, AB 1931 will allow a judge the discretion to issue a lifetime injunction against a defendant at the time of sentencing for a serious felony, a violent felony or a felony sex offense."

Dixon highlighted the shortcomings of current law, stating, "The fact that survivors have to face their abusers over and over again to get basic protections is unnecessary and recurring trauma. This bill will provide critical protections for survivors of childhood sexual abuse from their abusers."

The proposed legislation seeks to address the limitations of temporary restraining orders by offering long-term protection for victims of serious offenses. This initiative is expected to make a significant impact on the lives of victims in California.

The bill, if passed, will offer a crucial lifeline to survivors of sexual abuse and other violent crimes, ensuring they have the necessary legal protections in place.