The Kansas House of Representatives’ Judiciary Committee heard emotional testimony today for HB 2006, Alexa’s Law.

“Murderers should be held accountable for each and every life they take,” Terri Brooks told committee members.  Brooks is the mother of 14-year old Chelsea Brooks who was murdered last summer.  “Alexa’s Law is about justice, justice for the taking of a life by violence.  Alexa’s Law amends the criminal code to recognize the life of an unborn child who is murdered.”

Chelsea was nine months pregnant at the time of her death.  The men charged in her murder only face charges for Chelsea’s death – not for the death of her unborn child, Alexa.  The bill is named for Alexa.

Chelsea’s sister, Andrea Brooks, tearfully asked the committee to vote to send the bill to the full House.

“By passing Alexa’s Law, it can assure that a case like Alexa’s does not happen to anyone else – someone who murders a pregnant woman will be charged with two murders instead of one. Though her voice is forever silenced, you have the power to make her life count by passing Alexa’s Law,” said Andrea Brooks.

During his testimony, Rep. Steve Brunk (R-Wichita), sponsor of HB 2006, clarified the bill was not about stopping abortion.

“You will see that the act of abortion itself is excluded from this bill and shall not apply.  There are those who would have you believe that this bill will eliminate or hinder a woman’s right to choose.  Not so.  The act of abortion is specifically excluded.  Any statement to the contrary is simply false,” Rep. Brunk stated.

He also shared with the committee a list of the names of more than 6000 Kansans who have signed a petition in support of passing Alexa’s Law by laying out the signed petitions across the committee room.  Those wanting to join the petition can go to www.alexaslaw.com.

After the hearing, Judiciary Committee Chairman Mike O’Neal said it was not unusual for his committee to handle proposed legislation involving emotional issues like the horrific deaths of Chelsea and Alexa Brooks.

“Too many times we as lawmakers find ourselves reacting to tragedy,” said Rep. O’Neal (R-Hutchinson).  “This I consider to be a failure of the Kansas Legislature.  We had an opportunity in the past to pass the “Unborn Victims of Violence Act” and we didn’t.  It is evident with today’s testimony - Kansans want Alexa’s Law enacted now.”

Rep. Brunk has introduced the bill four times prior to this session.  House members approved it in 2005 but it saw no action in the Kansas Senate.  34 other states have similar a law already in place.

O’Neal said the committee will discuss possible amendments to the bill next Wednesday and then vote whether to send it to the full house.

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