Pass "JODI'S LAW" (S.B 414, Anti-stalking Legislation)

Stalking affects 3.4 million people in the United States each year and often leads to more dangerous crimes. Twenty-one percent (21%) of victims are physically attacked by the stalker, with 46% of victims reporting their biggest fear comes from not knowing what will happen next. Stalking always leaves its victims feeling terrified, frustrated, isolated, depressed and vulnerable.

Stalking is a crime in all 50 states. Stalking is a serious, yet greatly misunderstood crime that completely destroys its victims' sense of security, causing them to no longer feel safe in public and in their own homes. Stalkers are extremely unpredictable and may turn violent at any given time, something every stalking victim fears.

Current federal anti-stalking legislation is extremely limited and needs to be modified to include new technology that is frequently used as a means of stalking and harassment. Early intervention is vital, as the risk for violence increases the longer the stalking behavior(s) are allowed to continue. Stricter penalties for stalking need to be enforced, not only for severe and long-term cases, but also for initial stalking behaviors and newly reported incidents. Pass JODI'S LAW so that anti-stalking laws will be strengthened nationwide, which will also lead to even stricter enforcement, sentencing, and greater public awareness in general.

I beg you to review and support JODI'S LAW (SENATE BILL No. 414) in order to make America a safer place for women. Had these laws been in place in 2007, Jodi LeAnn Sanderholm would most likely still be alive today. These murders are preventable and the power is in your hands.

On January 5, 2007, Jodi Sanderholm was murdered by a stalker who, as court records have shown, had been stalking her for TEN years.  As Jodi's family and friends were left wondering how this could happen, more information was being released regarding multiple events that should have led to this monster's arrest prior to Jodi's death.  Almost 20 women had complained about him in the past,  reporting to law enforcement that he had followed, grabbed or harassed them in some way. However, due to the way the laws in 2007 were written, police were left with no options until it was too late for Jodi.

Jodi was an incredible young woman in many ways.  Her life was cut short long before its time and she was not allowed to truly fulfill the impact she was bound to make on this world. However, her untimely death has led to important legislative change in Kansas and New Mexico, as well as a major increase in stalking awareness. These legislative changes were named "JODI'S LAW" in her honor.  It was a desire to not let Jodi's death be in vain that caused the birth of a movement that has changed lives.

Jodi's stalker did not give any indication or warning to suggest he would become violent. He never left notes for her, nor did he confront or threaten her in any manner. He simply followed her and spied on her from afar. Yet, her stalker took her life on January 5, 2007. This is proof that stalking is unpredictable and dangerous and that no stalker is ever "harmless." She was with him for at least 5-1/2 hours and likely knew the entire time that she would lose her life that day. Please do not allow this to happen to another innocent person and their family.

Your time and consideration is greatly appreciated. Thank you!