State Rep. Anil Beephan Jr., District 105 | Official U.S. House headshot
State Rep. Anil Beephan Jr., District 105 | Official U.S. House headshot
Assemblyman Anil Beephan, Jr. (R,C-East Fishkill) has announced the passage of "Melanie's Law" in the New York State Assembly after two years of effort. The legislation addresses a loophole in order of protection laws that came to light following the tragic death of Melanie Chianese, a Dutchess County resident. Melanie was killed by her mother's ex-boyfriend, who had been barred from visiting Melanie’s mother and her son but not Melanie herself.
The bill, which aims to provide equal orders of protection to all family members, was developed through the collaboration of Beephan, Assemblyman Brian Cunningham, and Senators Rob Rolison and Michelle Hinchey. It has now been approved by both legislative bodies and awaits Governor Kathy Hochul's signature.
"This could not have happened without bipartisan support, which is why I want to thank my colleague in the Assembly, Assemblyman Cunningham, and my colleagues in the Senate, Senators Hinchey and Rolison, for their unwavering support and dedication to this important issue," Beephan stated.
He also expressed gratitude towards Cheryl Chianese, Melanie’s mother: "I want to thank Cheryl for sharing her story and bringing awareness to this issue. I feel incredibly honored to have been part of this body of advocates and legislators to enact real change that will protect people in the future. The best of government is people coming together to solve problems, and in Melanie’s memory, I was glad we could do that here."
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