Senate Approves “Nixzmary Brown Bill”

[Albany, NY]  Last night Senate Bill 6091, better known as the Nixzmary Brown Bill has passed in the New York State Senate. With the hope that it will help raise awareness during this new school year, and deter child abuse and neglect in New York State,  Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz, Sr. (D-Bronx), the bill’s sponsor, has pushed for this legislation to be passed during today’s Senate’s Session.

“Each time we bring these tragedies to light, it helps us all to be more mindful of our responsibilities as parents, neighbors, teachers, clergy and citizens to protect our children,” stated Senator Rev. Díaz.  “It is my hope that none of us will ignore the signals from children who suffer child abuse and neglect and realize our responsibilities to those children. It is my prayer that children like Nixzmary Brown will not die at the hands of their caregivers, but will be protected from their abusers.

Nixzmary Brown was a seven year old child who, on January 11, 2006 died of blow to the head.  She was being punished for eating a yogurt. Her mother and stepfather were convicted for her death and the severe and persistent abuse that they inflicted upon her during her brief life.

“I thank my colleagues in the Senate for joining me today to pass this legislation,” stated Senator Diaz.  “When a person abuses a child and causes their death in a cruel and wanton manner, they should be sentenced to life imprisonment without parole and should never be conditionally released.”

Senate Bill 6091 is co-sponsored by Senator Hiram Monserrate, Senator Geroge Onorato and Senator Suzi Oppenheimer.

For further information, please contact Senator Diaz at 518/455-2511