Senator Michelle Hinchey Advocates For Melanie’s Law in Albany, NY

Senator Michelle Hinchey and other Hudson Valley representatives were on hand in Albany to push for Melanie's Law which honors the life of Dutchess County mother, Melanie Chianese.

Dutchess County Mother Murdered By Mother's Ex

On May 29th, 2022, 29-year-old Melanie Chianese died at the hands of her mother's ex-boyfriend. Hudson Valley Post reported at the time that"the "New York State Police responded to a home in the Town of Wappinger for a report of a woman who was injured with undisclosed injuries."

It was later learned that 38-year-old Paul J. Seneca stabbed Chianese.

Seneca was the ex-boyfriend of Melanie's mother Cheryl Chianese. He was also on "electronic monitoring and awaiting sentencing for violating the OP to protect the victim's mother."

Read More: Poughkeepsie Man Accused of Killing Mother in Dutchess County

Hudson Valley Post went on to report that the 38-year-old man from Poughkeepsie "was charged with murder in the second degree, a felony. "

Cheryl Chianese & Senator Michelle Hinchy Push For Stronger Family Protection

In February 2023, Cheryl Chianese reached out to us to share new information about a law in the works to give people in a similar situation more protection.

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Cheryl told us that Melanie's Law was in the works at the time explaining the importance of the bill:

This bill need to get passed. I will stand up and advocate for all those living with domestic violence so my tragedy doesn't happen to anyone else. Thank you."

Fast forward to February 2024, Senator Michelle Hinchey, who sponsors the bill, and other Hudson Valley representatives headed to Albany to fight for Melaine's Law.

Senator Hinchey said in a press release "I’m proud to sponsor this common-sense legislation developed in Melanie’s memory and championed by her courageous mother, Cheryl, and know that we must pass Melanie’s Law in both the Senate and Assembly this year.”

Assemblyman Brian A. Cunningham, who is also, a sponsor of Melanie's Law joined Hinchey along with Co-Prime Sponsors Senator Rob Rolison and Assemblyman Anil Beephan in the Capitol for the press conference.

What is Melanie's Law?

According to The New York State Senate website, Melanie's Law Senate Bill S6288, the law relates to orders of protection; and allows courts to issue orders of protection for immediate family members or household members of the named victims, regardless of age."

The law was named after Melanie to "honor her passion for helping others during her life in hopes that her story can inspire needed change and save lives."

In a press release, Senator Hinchy states:

Melanie’s Law will finally correct a glaring loophole by expanding orders of protection to include all family and household members, ensuring they, too, can receive a protective order against dangerous individuals.

Hinchey added, "I’m proud to sponsor this common-sense legislation developed in Melanie’s memory and championed by her courageous mother, Cheryl, and know that we must pass Melanie’s Law in both the Senate and Assembly this year.”

You can follow updates about Melanie's Law and where it stands in the New York State Senate at NYsenate.gov.

If you or someone you know is in a domestic violence situation, help is available. Call the Center for Victim Safety and Support at Family Services' 24-hour domestic violence hotline at 845-485-5550