Monday, April 27, 2026
The Honorable Jim Jordan
Chair, House Committee on the Judiciary
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable Jamie Raskin
Ranking Member, House Committee on the Judiciary
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Chair Jordan and Ranking Member Raskin:
On behalf of the Arizona Sheriffs’ Association (ASA), we respectfully submit this letter for the record in support of H.R. 8481, the Kayleigh’s Law Act of 2026.
Arizona is the birthplace of Kayleigh’s Law, and our state’s experience provides a clear example of why this policy matters. In Arizona, lifetime no-contact injunctions issued at sentencing ensure that offenders are prohibited from contacting their victims for the duration of their lives, providing a level of certainty and security that traditional protective orders, often limited in duration, cannot offer.
From a law enforcement perspective, implementation has demonstrated the value of incorporating these protections directly into the sentencing process. When issued as part of a criminal judgment, these orders create clear expectations for offenders and meaningful, lasting protection for victims, while eliminating the need for victims to repeatedly return to court to maintain basic safety protections.
H.R. 8481 builds on this proven model by extending similar protections to victims of serious federal crimes, including crimes of violence, sexual abuse, trafficking, and exploitation. The legislation reflects a thoughtful and victim-centered approach aligned with what has worked effectively in Arizona.
ASA supports this effort to provide consistent, meaningful protections for victims at the federal level and appreciates the Committee’s consideration of this important legislation.
Sincerely,
David Clouse
President
Navajo County Sheriff
William Ponce
Vice President
La Paz County Sheriff
cc: The Honorable Abe Hamadeh
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