IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 25, 2007

For Information Contact
Sherriene Jones-Sontag 785/296-2302
Rachelle Colombo 785/296-5843
Rep. Steve Brunk 785/296-7645

Topeka - The Kansas Legislature approved House Bill 2062 today containing Alexa’s Law which recognizes the murder or injury of an unborn child as a separate crime.

"Alexa’s Law is an important piece of legislation that provides protection for those who can’t protect themselves," House Speaker Melvin Neufeld (R-Ingalls) said. "This bill will help deliver justice for those families who suffered the painful loss of an unborn child."

Right now under Kansas law, prosecutors can only file charges against the murderer for the death of the mother. Alexa’s law changes the Kansas Criminal Code to allow the accused to face two murder charges. The bill also allows battery charges if the unborn child is injured during the attack of her mother.

Alexa’s Law is named in memory of Alexa Lynn Brooks, the unborn child of Chelsea Brooks who was murdered last summer in Wichita. Their family worked with Rep. Steve Brunk (R-Wichita) to get the bill passed. Brunk has pushed for the legislation the last five sessions.

"This has been a long fight to amend our criminal code so it recognizes the life of an unborn child who is murdered or injured. Until Alexa’s Law, some animals and reptiles had more protection and more value under our state laws," Rep. Brunk said. "I am thankful the bill has passed through the final legislative stages and am hopeful the governor will sign the bill into law."

Alexa’s Law is part of the House Republican Caucus’ 2007 Legislative Agenda.

"House Republicans outlined Alexa's Law as a top agenda priority this session because it is sound policy that protects lives and prosecutes those who would harm our children," said Majority Leader Ray Merrick (R-Stiwell). "I was pleased to see strong bipartisan support for the bill in both chambers and call on the governor to also fight against the kind of heinous crimes that took the lives of Chelsea and Alexa Brooks".

House Bill 2062 also amends the statute on criminal use of explosives; creates a special application in sentencing for a third or subsequent conviction of burglary and amends the statute on immunity from prosecution or liability for use of force. In addition, the bill enacts new criminal provisions regarding controlled substances and paraphernalia, authorize creation of the Controlled Substances Monitoring Task Force, and expand the law regarding battery against a mental health employee.

The bill now goes to the governor for her consideration.

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