Kyra’s Law passes the New York State Senate and Assembly
The legislation aims to protect children from abusive parents and is now awaiting Gov. Kathy Hochul’s signature.
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Monday marks ten years since 2-year-old Kyra Franchetti, from Manhasset, was killed by her father. He shot her twice in the back during a court-mandated custody visit while she slept.
Now, her mother, Jacqueline Franchetti, continues to fight for change to protect future children through Kyra's Law.
“I came forward with more things being wrong, and that I was terrified for Kyra's life and safety,” said Franchetti. “The judge said to me, ‘This is not a life-or-death situation.’ Well, Judge Danielle Peterson was wrong. And because of her and the others involved in Kyra's case, Kyra never got to grow up.”
Ever since the shooting, Franchetti has been trying to pass Kyra’s Law. The law would protect children in the court system by prioritizing their safety, training judges on assessing life-threatening situations, and even looking at emotional abuse.
“I had to turn my attention towards legislation, because the courts aren't going to change themselves,” Franchetti said.
The bill passed unanimously in the New York State Assembly and Senate. Now it’s waiting for Gov. Hochul to sign it into law.
“She needs to understand that she right now holds the power,” Franchetti said. “She's one signature away from protecting the next child.”
A spokesperson for Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement to News 12 that Hochul “has made domestic violence prevention and survivor protection a cornerstone of her administration.”
The spokesperson added that Hochul “supports initiatives that increase awareness and broaden protections” and that the governor will be reviewing the bill.
