Advocates Urged Governor to Sign Kyra’s Law
New York legislation aims to improve child safety in custody cases involving abuse allegations.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Sex Crimes
Tonya Purlow has called on Governor Kathy Hochul to sign Kyra’s Law, a bipartisan bill that would require courts to more strictly review custody proceedings where domestic violence or abuse is alleged. The bill is intended to better protect children in family court.
Why it matters
The legislation seeks to close gaps in current family court proceedings by mandating a broader review of evidence, including threats, stalking, and coercive control, to ensure child safety takes precedence during visitation rulings.
The bill awaits the governor’s signature following bipartisan passage in the Legislature. Meanwhile, the father of the six-year-old child involved in Purlow’s case faces six total counts of rape and one count of criminal possession of a firearm.
The players
Tonya Purlow
She is a parent who is currently lobbying the state government to reform child custody proceedings.
Kathy Hochul
She is the current Governor of New York who is expected to decide on the future of the pending legislation.
Kyra Franchettie
She was a two-year-old child whose death in 2016 served as the namesake and impetus for the proposed state law.
The details
Kyra’s Law is named for two-year-old Kyra Franchettie, who was killed during a court-ordered visit in 2016. The proposed legislation requires courts to specifically evaluate threats and coercive control when deciding custody arrangements for children.
Timeline
Kyra Franchettie was killed during a court-ordered visit in 2016.
The New York state Legislature passed Kyra's Law earlier in 2026.
Legal Context
Kyra’s Law represents a shift in New York’s approach to family court, moving toward a more rigorous standard for reviewing abuse allegations in custody disputes. This legislative push follows a historical pattern of state reforms driven by specific, high-profile tragedies involving children.
The passage and potential signing of this bill may change how New York courts handle ongoing and future child custody cases. Residents involved in family court proceedings could see changes in the evidence considered during their hearings.
The takeaway
The proposed law emphasizes the prioritization of child safety over traditional custody visitation norms. Families navigating similar legal challenges are currently watching for the governor's formal action on the bill.
Further reading
Learn more about local legislative efforts in the Sex Crimes section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Post-journal.
