Central OC Times

Assemblymember Diane Dixon (R-Newport Beach) expressed her disappointment after Assembly Bill 1931, known as Kayleigh’s Law, was killed in the Assembly Public Safety Committee. Dixon stated, “There is a reason that survivors, like Kayleigh and Kristy, dedicate their time to advocating for victims. It is unthinkable that without this bill, survivors must see their abusers multiple times in their life to secure a very basic protection of a restraining order. If a predator has attacked an individual resulting in a serious felony, violent felony or a felony sex offense, shouldn’t the victim be protected from having to face that felon again with a lifetime restraining order? Without it, victims are left to confront their fear – and re-live a heinous crime – over and over again. I am incredibly disappointed. By allowing Kayleigh’s Law to fail, the Committee failed to protect vulnerable Californians.”

Kayleigh’s Law, named after Kayleigh Kozak, who successfully advocated for a similar law in Arizona in 2021, aimed to provide victims of heinous crimes with the option to seek a lifetime injunction against their perpetrator. Kristy von Waldburg, an Orange County resident and childhood sexual abuse survivor, collaborated with Kayleigh to push for the bill’s passage in California. Kristy, who advocates for crime victims, is actively engaged with local organizations to create a supportive environment for survivors.

The current law allows for temporary restraining orders or protective orders in cases of domestic violence, harassment, elder abuse, and other crimes to safeguard victims. However, these orders only offer short-term relief, requiring victims to face their perpetrators in court each time the order approaches expiration.

The failure of Kayleigh’s Law in the Assembly Public Safety Committee represents a missed opportunity to provide long-term protection for victims of serious crimes in California.