Federal law now mandates lifetime no-contact orders for violent and sex crime convictions.

What it does

This bill requires federal courts to issue lifetime no-contact orders against defendants convicted of violent felonies or sex offenses, effective at sentencing and lasting the defendant's entire life. Victims can request termination only if the conviction is pardoned, commuted, or overturned on appeal, or if circumstances change; defendants can request termination only if the conviction is dismissed or overturned. Violations are contempt of court, and victims pay no fee.

Why we flagged it

The bill's sole operative mechanism is a new federal statute creating lifetime no-contact injunctions for victims of violent and sexual felonies. It is a straightforward victim-protection measure with no riders, tax provisions, or regulatory carve-outs.

What the text implies

• Lifetime injunctions may create enforcement challenges across state lines and after defendant release/parole, requiring coordination between federal and state courts.
• The bill does not specify remedies for violations beyond contempt of court; enforcement mechanisms and penalties depend on existing contempt doctrine.
• Injunctions apply only to federal crimes; state-level violent and sexual offenses are not covered unless prosecuted under federal statute.
• The 'change in circumstances' termination standard (subsection b(1)(A)(ii)) is undefined and may generate litigation over what constitutes sufficient change.

Section numbers refer to the bill text the analysis read — linked under Primary records below.

Who it affects

Crime victims, particularly those harmed by violent and sexual offenses, gain a statutory right to a lifetime no-contact order at no cost, with strong procedural protections (victim consent required for termination, court hearing required). The mechanism is victim-centered and does not restrict citizens' rights or remedies—it expands victim protections.

Named in the bill

U.S. Department of Justice, Federal courts, Crime victims, Defendants convicted of violent felonies and sex offenses

Where it stands

21 cosponsors: 21 Republicans.

• Apr 23, 2026 — Introduced · Congress.gov: “Introduced in House”
• Apr 23, 2026 — Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary and Senate Committee on the Judiciary · Congress.gov: “Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary”
• Jun 3, 2026 — Markup held in committee · Congress.gov: “Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held”
• Jun 3, 2026 — Reported out of committee · Congress.gov: “Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 23 - 0”
• Aug 31, 2026 — Passed the House · Congress.gov: “On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote”
• Aug 31, 2026 — Floor vote scheduled · Congress.gov: “Ms. Lee (FL) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended”

Dates and quoted wording are Congress.gov's action record; the timeline shows status changes, not every procedural step.