Texas has just reaffirmed that we unequivocally reject any type of domestic violence and abuse. It is the Texas Legislature’s job to keep this great land safe and I believe we just took a big step in the right direction to ensure that.
Monica Deming was murdered on Nov. 29, 2015, in an act of domestic violence. A 32 year-old mother, Monica was shot and killed in her Odessa home by an abusive ex-boyfriend. Two protective orders for domestic violence had been previously issued against him, but he was easily able to keep them secret.
When Monica’s father, Jon Nielsen, a former Odessa police officer, came to me with the story, I was heartbroken. We both knew something had to be done to ensure this never happened again so we started crafting legislation. I was ready to take on the challenge for Monica and for the far too many individuals who have found themselves in her situation in their lifetimes.
What has now been three years in the making, finally came to pass yesterday when “Monica’s Law” became fully enacted by the Texas Legislature. Furthermore, Governor Greg Abbott has signaled via a tweet that he will be signing the bill into law when it reaches his desk in the coming days.
Monica’s Law will do just what Mr. Nielsen and I set out to do, which is to make sure a tragic story like Monica’s never happens again. The law will create an online, searchable and public database listing protective orders issued by Texas courts as a result of domestic violence after a due-process hearing.
I’m grateful to Mr. Nielsen for his endless help and support in getting this piece of legislation done. While we can never take away his grief, Monica’s name will now be associated with the positivity of cutting down on abusive relationships and violence.
I also appreciate State Senator Joan Huffman (R-Houston) who worked with me in the Senate to ensure this legislation would get to the Governor’s desk.
Governor Abbott, thank you for indicating you will be signing this into law. I look forward to Sept. 1, 2019 when this law takes effect and continues to make Texas the best state to live, work and raise a family.
God bless Texas!
