New York Judges Oppose Bill Prioritizing Child Safety in Custody Cases, Citing Workload Concerns
An association representing Family Court judges in New York is opposing 'Kyra’s Law,' a bill aimed at making child safety the top priority in custody decisions. The bill, which has passed both houses of the state Legislature, would require judges to review allegations of domestic violence or child abuse before issuing temporary or final custody or visitation orders. Jacqueline Franchetti, whose 2-year-old daughter Kyra was fatally shot by her father during a court-ordered visit in 2016, is leading a coalition advocating for the bill. Franchetti argues that such tragedies are preventable and that the law would serve as an enduring memorial for her daughter. The New York State Family Court Judges Association sent a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul, urging her to veto the measure. They contend that while they sympathize with the bill's intent, its current wording would create numerous unintended consequences and make their workload unmanageable. Governor Hochul's spokesperson, Nicolette Simmonds, stated that p... 
