The House of Representatives unanimously approved legislation Monday that mandates lifetime no-contact orders for convicted sex offenders and violent felons, preventing victims from ever having to face their abusers in court again. The bill now advances to the Senate after gaining support from both parties.
Arizona Mother’s Ordeal Sparks Federal Protection
Representative Abe Hamadeh introduced the measure after learning about Kayleigh Kozak, an Arizona mother of five who endured repeated court appearances when her childhood abuser petitioned to end protective restrictions. Kozak faced her attacker in court 13 years after the original abuse, then again the following year when he made another attempt to lift the no-contact order. The convicted predator, Joshua Jacobsen, was her teacher and soccer coach when he sexually abused her at age 12.
The House just passed Kayleigh's Law unanimously — requiring lifetime no-contact orders for anyone convicted of federal sex crimes or violent felonies against children.
The bill, introduced by Rep. Abe Hamadeh, R-Ariz., is named after Kayleigh Kozak, an Arizona mother of five… pic.twitter.com/FNrrQG8PEW
— Fox News Politics (@foxnewspolitics) September 3, 2026
Jacobsen pleaded guilty to sexual abuse and luring a minor for sexual exploitation, receiving six months in jail and lifetime probation. Nearly two decades later, he argued before a Maricopa County judge that his conduct showed reform and requested freedom to move on with his life. The judge denied his request in June after discovering probation violations including unauthorized contact with children and breaches of chaperone restrictions.
Permanent Protection Becomes Federal Law
The legislation prohibits convicted offenders from contacting victims directly or indirectly for the remainder of the offender’s life, even after completing prison sentences, probation, or supervised release. Hamadeh described the measure as common sense legislation that prioritizes victims over criminals. The Republican lawmaker emphasized that victims should never have to fill out another form, sit across from their abuser, or worry about safety because sentences expired and the system failed to act.
Hamadeh told reporters the bill ends the legal process that forces survivors to repeatedly defend basic protections in court. Arizona and Wisconsin previously passed state versions of the law, with more than 1,000 Arizona survivors securing lifetime protection during the first year of implementation.
What This Means
The unanimous House vote signals bipartisan agreement that convicted predators forfeit any future right to contact their victims. Kozak celebrated the advancement on social media, stating no victim should endure the ordeal she experienced. The measure heads to the Senate where supporters hope to maintain the momentum and deliver permanent protections to survivors of federal sex crimes and violent felonies nationwide. Jacobsen remains on lifetime probation under Maricopa County supervision.