SIGNED INTO LAW: The Logan and Austin Act (SB 374)
Protecting Kansas Families. Strengthening Public Safety. Honoring Logan and Austin's Legacy.
I was proud to attend Governor Laura Kelly’s signing of Senate Bill 374, the Logan and Austin Act, into law.
This significant piece of legislation passed unanimously and with bipartisan support because protecting Kansas families and strengthening public safety should never be partisan issues.
No discussion of this legislation is complete without recognizing Tara Rieck. After suffering the unimaginable loss of her sons, Logan and Austin, she chose to turn grief into action. Her courage, determination, and powerful testimony ensured this issue could not be ignored. Because of her willingness to share her family's story, Kansas is a safer place today.
The Logan and Austin Act grew out of discussions with Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson and his team regarding a serious public safety concern and the need for a legislative solution. After learning the details, it was clear that the right people needed to come together to find a solution. I was proud to help bring together the County Attorney's Office, the Kansas Attorney General, legislators, advocates, and stakeholders to craft legislation that would close a critical public safety loophole while protecting the rights of all involved.
I also want to thank Governor Laura Kelly for signing the Logan and Austin Act into law, Attorney General Kris Kobach and his team, Joe Claeys for Kansas Senate, Chair Senator Kellie Warren, Vice Chair State Senator Kenny Titus, Senator Craig Bowser, the members of the Kansas Senate and Kansas House of Representatives, and the many advocates, stakeholders, and public servants from both parties who worked together to move this legislation across the finish line.
This is what good government looks like: people from different backgrounds, different offices, and different political parties coming together to solve a real problem.
These are the kinds of laws that make Kansas better. They strengthen public safety, provide peace of mind, and help bring a measure of closure to families who have endured unimaginable loss. Most importantly, they move our state forward.
This is why I sought the opportunity to serve in the Kansas Legislature, and why I will continue working tirelessly to advance policies that strengthen our communities, protect Kansas families, and ensure Kansas continues moving forward.
The Logan and Austin Act stands as a lasting tribute to Logan and Austin and a reminder of what can be accomplished when we put people before politics.