Conrad’s Law legislation moves forward: HB 1819 Referred to Committee in the Missouri
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National Nonprofit That Helped Draft “Conrad’s Law” Urges Missouri Lawmakers to Pass Childcare Safety Reform After Toddler’s Death
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 16, 2026
UVALDE, TEXAS — The Youth Peace & Justice Foundation / Uvalde Foundation for Kids, a national child safety nonprofit formed following the Robb Elementary School shooting, is urging Missouri lawmakers to pass "Conrad’s Law” (HB 1819) after the legislation moved forward in the Missouri House of Representatives.
The legislation, introduced by Becky Laubinger, was created in response to the death of 3-year-old Conrad Ashcraft at a childcare facility in Park Hills, Missouri in May 2025. The foundation, along with House Rep, Cecelie Williams originally worked on the law proposal, with the foundation original petition outlining the draft & supporting the measure receiving over 8,500 signatures.
The measure recently received a hearing before the Missouri House Children and Families Committee and seeks to strengthen safety requirements in licensed childcare facilities, including rules governing sleep practices, staff training, and safety procedures for weighted blankets used with children.
The Youth Peace & Justice Foundation confirmed that the organization originally helped draft the framework that became Conrad’s Law, working with advocates following the tragedy. Conrad also received a memorial tree in his honor in the Mark Twain National Forest.
Media coverage explaining the case and proposed legislation can be viewed here:
Supporters can also sign the public petition backing the legislation here:
Daniel Chapin, founder of the Youth Peace & Justice Foundation and the Uvalde Foundation for Kids, issued the following extended statement:
“Conrad’s Law was born from a tragedy that never should have happened. When a family places a child in daycare, they are placing their trust in a system designed to protect children — not put them in danger. After Conrad’s death, our organization worked with advocates to help draft legislation addressing the very real safety gaps that existed around sleep practices and restraint policies in childcare facilities. What we discovered is that these gaps are not unique to Missouri. Across the United States there is often little consistent guidance on safe sleep practices for children over one year old or for children with special needs.
Conrad’s Law is a practical and common-sense solution. It provides training, safeguards, and clear standards to help childcare providers keep children safe while also protecting vulnerable children who may require specialized care. No law law can undo the pain Conrad’s family has endured. But his legacy can save lives. If passed, Conrad’s Law will ensure that what happened to him becomes the reason other children are protected in the future.
We strongly urge Missouri lawmakers to move this legislation forward without delay. Every day without clear standards leaves children at unnecessary risk.”
If passed, the legislation would require the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to establish new childcare safety standards including:
* Training on non-restrained safe sleep practices for children over one year old and children with special needs
* Safety standards governing the use of weighted blankets in childcare settings
* Safe supervised alternatives** for children
* Individualized care plans for children with special needs approved by parents, providers, and medical professionals
The foundation said it will continue advocating for similar reforms nationwide as part of its broader child safety initiatives.
“Children should never be placed at risk because safety standards were unclear or inconsistent,” Chapin added. “Conrad’s life mattered, and his legacy must be one of protection and reform.”
The Youth Peace & Justice Foundation, also known as the Uvalde Foundation for Kids, is a national child safety and crisis response nonprofit formed following the Robb Elementary School shooting. The organization supports families impacted by violence or tragedy involving children and advocates for national policy reforms to improve child safety in schools, childcare facilities, and communities.
Media Contact
Youth Peace & Justice Foundation
Uvalde Foundation For Kids
254-499-8027
Charity ID 88-3268749
