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News Abstract
By: PointLine Media Research & Editorial Team
Topic:Business,Government,Industry
September 11, 2026
New York lawmakers have passed Kyra's Law, a legislative measure aimed at reforming how state courts evaluate child custody disputes involving allegations of abuse. The bill currently awaits approval from Governor Kathy Hochul, who has until the end of the year to sign it into law.
Under the proposed legislation, judges would be required to address credible claims of domestic violence or child maltreatment as a primary factor before considering other custody variables. This shifts the current judicial process to ensure safety concerns are vetted at the start of proceedings.
The bill also restricts the use of specific, controversial psychological theories in courtrooms. These methods have historically been used to undermine parents who voice concerns regarding the safety of their children during visitation or custody battles.
The legislation is named after Kyra Franchetti, a toddler who was killed by her father during a court-ordered, unsupervised visit in 2016. Her case became a catalyst for a decade-long advocacy effort to overhaul the judicial approach to family law, specifically regarding how courts screen for potential violence.
This move reflects a broader national trend where states are increasingly re-evaluating the 'best interests of the child' standard to place higher priority on safety evidence. By mandating that courts weigh abuse allegations early in the process, New York joins a growing movement of states aiming to mitigate risks in high-conflict custody litigation.