For Immediate Release:                                                                                    For Information Contact:

February 19, 2007                                                                           Sherriene Jones-Sontag   785/296-2302

                                                                                                                Rachelle Colombo   785/296-7662

ALEXA’S LAW PASSES THE HOUSE

TOPEKA – Another House Republican Agenda priority passed the House with broad support today.  Representatives passed HB 2006, Alexa’s Law, with 94 votes.

“I was pleased to see a majority of House Democrats support this important piece of House Republican legislation,” said Speaker Neufeld.  “This bill will help deliver justice for those families who suffer the painful loss of having an unborn child taken from them.”   

Alexa’s Law establishes criminal law that recognizes the murder or injury of an unborn child as a separate crime.  The bill changes the Kansas Criminal Code to allow the accused to face two murder charges, one for the mother and another for the unborn child. 

The 2007 House Republican Caucus Agenda names the passage of Alexa’s Law as a top priority.

"Alexa’s Law is about justice for the wrongful taking of lives,” said Majority Leader Merrick.  “Whether the victim is a man, woman or a child not yet born, their families endure an immense loss.  I’m proud of the Republican Caucus for pushing the passage of HB 2006 and ensuring that all Kansans receive the protection and justice they deserve”.

Alexa’s Law is named in memory of Alexa Lynn Brooks, the unborn child of Chelsea Brooks who was murdered last summer in Wichita.    

“I thank my colleagues for their strong support of Alexa’s Law,” said Rep. Steve Brunk, who sponsored the legislation.  “In the face of such an atrocious crime justice must be served. It is just, it is right and it is the duty of Kansas lawmakers and the Governor to enact Alexa’s Law.  I ask Kansans who want Alexa’s Law to pass to contact their state Senators and ask them to vote in favor of this important bill”.

House members approved a similar measure in 2005 but the Senate failed to act on it.  The federal government and 34 other states have similar laws already in place.   For Kansas who would like to learn more about Alexa’s Law, visit www.alexaslaw.com

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